Lazing tigers, chirping birds, rolling hills, shimmering streams – what else makes up a perfect wildlife holiday? A tour around the Park would bring you across scores of animals basking in the sun or simply grazing in the greens. Watch out hard and you might even spot a mighty predator preying upon a lesser creature. Look around the water streams to find innumerable birds making the spot bustle with life. What’s even more exciting - the park is not only about animals; it is also home to an imposing fortress and one of the largest banyan trees in the country. Nestling between the Vindhyas and the Aravallis, the Park has an attractive landscape which is perfect for supporting its varied flora.

• Wildlife: Amongst the big cats, the park is home to tigers, leopards and panthers. Hyena, jackal, porcupine, wild boar, sloth bear, marsh crocodile, Indian gazelle, spotted deer, sambar and nilgai are also found. Ranthambhore is credited with almost 270 species of birds including a large number of migratory birds. In fact, a sizeable population of the peacock is also found here.

• Ranthambhore Fort: A striking structure located within the park, the fort has always been considered nearly impregnable. The fort is unique with some amazing features like the Hammir Court which is a masterpiece in acoustics - a whisper from one end can be heard clearly at the other. Amongst the several temples within, one is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and the other to Lord Hanuman. The ramparts of the fort offer good views of the forest. Carry a pair of binoculars to spot animals that come down for water to the lakes lying below the fort.

• Jogi Mahal: Located on the foot of the fort, the palace is now converted to a Forest Rest House. It offers pleasant views of the Padam Talao.

• Padam Talao: This is the largest lake in the park with lotuses blooming. The lake is home to several battles between tigers and crocodiles fighting over their preys.

• Raj Bagh Talao: Raj Bagh Talao is one of the largest and most prominent lakes in the park. In fact it is one of the best places to view bird and animal life.

• Malik Talao: Malik Talao has a large population of water birds and marsh crocodiles. Birds like herons, storks and kingfishers can also be spotted along the banks. The marsh crocodiles can be seen mostly swimming in the water or lazing in the sun along the banks of the lake.

• Raj Bagh Ruins: On the banks of the Raj Bagh Talao lie the ruins of some of the most splendid monuments built by the Rajputs during the construction of the fort. If lucky, you could spot a majestic tiger resting there or a pretty peacock displaying its splendid colors.

• Tiger Safari: Definitely a must do when at the Ranthambhore National Park, the tour lasts for 3 ½ hour on a jeep. There are special tracks along which the jeeps move, where tiger spotting are almost guaranteed. Similarly, Jungle safaris take you in the jungles on a jeep or a canter in the company of an expert guide and driver who can recognize the calls of the wild as you move through the forests. In fact, being locals, they would also be able to tell you interesting stories about the fort and lakes inside.

When at Ranthambhore National Park, bank upon your hotel for dining. The best dining option is the restaurant attached to the Taj owned Sawai Madhopur Lodge. They serve a host of delicious dishes that suit almost every palate. Food served by Oberoi’s Vanya Vilas is almost divine with the chef serving some mouth watering delicacies. The restaurant attached to the Tiger Den Resort is also a decent place to dine. Excellent multicuisine dishes can be had at the Castle Jhoomar Baori. Sher Bagh Wildlife Resort is popular for its hot morning tea and a range of fine dining options, including Continental cuisines. Tiger Moon Resort has a multi-cuisine menu with a well-stocked bar. A particularly interesting option would be at the Ranthambore Regency Resort that provides a whole range of barbeque options.