Bird Watching
BIRDWATCHING AREAS IN RANTHANBHORE
The park region is rich in avifauna due to the variety of habitats with abundant sources of avian nourishment. Over 330 of the 1300 species of the Indian subcontinent’s birdlife can be located in the region at different seasons with monsoon and winter being special periods for tourists and nature lovers. The perfect palaces to watch birds are Padam Talav,, Rajbagh talav, Malik lake, Jhalara & Bagada inside the park. The park has one of the world’s most spectacular heronry which hosts a large number of migratory and resident birds.
There are some great birding spots outside the park and here you can walk around. In fact, some of the best birding areas are on the outskirts of the park.
For bird watchers, Ranthambhore¹s specialties are the Nightjars, Indian courser,Woodpeckers, Painted spurfowl, Indian Gray Hornbills, Indian skimmer, quails, larks, pipits,Ibis, prinias and Finches etc.
A good time to visit Ranthambore National Park is in November and May when the nature of the dry deciduous forests makes sightings common. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India.
The present list covers 320 species and their names in englsih & latin languages.
There are some great areas for birding:
Birding at Surwal lake (22 Km from the Park)
It is a seasonal lake located between acres of agricultural fields, it is a good place to different species of migratory birds in winters Flamingos. Painted Storks, Spoonbills, Sarus & Demoiselle Greylag Geese and Cranes can be seen in large numbers between November and March. Early in the morning is the perfect time for birds watching before the Sun rising. The Surwal Lake usually dries out by April-May. It is a place where you can have a look for village life.
Birding at Mansarovar Lake
(20 km from the Park)
Mansarovar Lake is the largest lake in the area; it lies at the southern edge of the park. It is a paradise for bird watching in winter time and you can have a chance to see Pintail ducks, Pelicans, Geese and Herons in large number. It is good place for walking too.
Birding from Misradhara gate to the Ranthambhore Fort
It is common road for the fort as well as the park that is a very good place for birding and you can watch Peacocks, Parakeets, Doves, Flycatchers, etc, along with a large group of Common or Hanuman langur . It is really the best place to see the Painted Spurfowl that is the main attraction for bird watchers! To walk from Misradhara gate to the fort you can have option to see more than 60 species. The specific area is perfect habitat for leopard because in tiger country leopards always make distance from tiger & prefer to stay on high elevation & the fringe of the park.
Birding at Amlideh (Banas river)
(25 km from the Park)
Amlideh is situated on the banks of the Banas. It is a very quiet and good spot for birding, the best place for Indian skimmers and River lapwings. Here, you can enjoy Candle Night Dinner, Boating, and Village Tour & Camel Cart Riding.
Birding at Helipad ( Sherpur village)
(8 km from the park)
The helipad is best place for chats, larks, sand grouse, india courser and other birds which prefer dry habitats.
The Amreshvar MahadevTemple:
it is much closer to the park & located on the way to the park. It is situated in the middle of high hills and is considered as a sacred temple with Lord, “Shiva Linge” under the umbrella of natural rock indented with the continuously falling water on it throughout the year.
With 40 ft high waterfalls between two hillocks close by this is a favored picnic spot as well. It is really best place to see the scenic beauty with vast mountain ranges.
Pali Ghat (40 Kms):
A preferred camping & boating spot at the banks of River Chambal. Here, you have good option to see alligator that are not found in the park. It is good place for birding. Such as water duck.
Rameshwaram Ghat (70 Kms):
Rameshwara Ghat (temple ) is situated at the meeting point of the Chambal, Banas and sheep rivers at border of rajasthan & M.P. states. Sri Rama temple and Shiva Linga are very old & main attractions for hindu pilgrims. Parasaram Ghat is also famous for, “Chaturbhujnath temple “. Deep and silent waters of the Chambal with lots of crocodile, dolphins & migratory birds make it an intesting site for boating. On day of the ‘kartick Purnima’(full Moon), there is a very big fair held on on both sides of the border. So, good to see village & cultural for guests.
Bhoori Pahari:
it is one of the place , where the two rivers i.e the banas and the Moral meet together. It is good area for tracking and swimming. Here tourist may see the real village life. Camels and horses safaries are available here. It is 33 km. from the park.
Peacock, Partridges, Quails, Sand grouse, Stone curlews, Minivets, Flycatchers, Tits, Orioles, Parakeets, Sparrow, and Vultures represent the avifauna. Vultures’ nests are the rare sight in this area.