Encircled by lush environs of the Vindhya and the Aravali ranges of hills, the Ranthambhor National Park is spread over an area of 392 sq km and punctuated with waterfall, lakes and numerous streams. The characteristic ruggedness of the topography of this region also comprises a delightful mix of cliffs, narrow valleys and generous plateaus.

The tiger population of the park is a maior attraction for visitors who can sight the predator in their natural habitat. It is one of the finest national parks in the world for observing and photographing this majestic beast and other fauna sharing this territory. The panther, another elusive predator, but no less in beauty and strength, resides here too. It is estimated that about 38 of them still roam around in the sprawling park and its peripheral range. In comparison to this, only 28 odd tigers are said to be in the park. The depleting stock of this magnificent beast, not only in India, but the world over, has made the important work carried out in the park for their observation, a vital exercise to prevent the specie from becoming extint. The park is home to at least 80 sloth bears, hyenas, jungle cats and jackals. 

Ranthambhor has an excellent population of herbivorous species. Chital, sambhar and nilgai roam the undergrowth while the chinkaro or the Indian gazelle, makes Ranthambhor the only tiger reserve in which the Indian gazelle can be seen. There is no other place except Ranthambhor where the sambhar is seen so frequently either. It is a real treat to see these graceful creatures grazing amidst the lotus flowers when they are in full bloom. The langur and crocodile population in the park is also quite impressive.

Over 300 species of birds inhabit the park. Partridge, sandgrouse, peafowl, parakeets, ki ngfishers, flycatchers, eagles, owls, storks and egrets are a common sight. 

The winters find numerous migratory birds on the lake and the land; greyleg goose, ruddy sheilduck and paintails add to the cacophony. Amidst all the noise and colour, one can spot the rare black eagle and the crested hawk eagle. Sightings have been made of the Great Indian Bustard in the drier region of Lahpur, another part of the National Park. 

The Kaila Devi Sanctuary, also famed for its tiger population, has become a part of the Ranthambhor National Park. Spread over an area of 676 kin, the deciduous forest of Kaila Devi is also the home of the leopard, sambhar, fox, nilgai, chital, jungle cat and crocodile, etc. A bonus to visitors to the park is its richness in architectural monuments, the most important one being the Fort, which even today is inaccessible at its lofty height, except through its gate. It is a protected monument today. The Kaila Devi Temple is much revered and the venue for the Navratra (9 nights) celebrations and also a large fair held in the month of March/April, annually.