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 Lying on the
main Delhi-Mumbai railway line, Swai Madhopur is the gateway to
the world renowned Ranthambhor National Park- the famous Tiger
Reserve , just 12 km away from here. Ranthambhor has been a
witness to the rise and fall of many rulers and a series of
battle scenes. In the 13th century A.D. Govinda, the grandson of
Prithviraj Chauhan took over the reign of the land. Later his
successor Vagabhatta, beautified the city and built a noteworthy
temple at Jhain.In the middle of the 15th century A.D. Rana
Kumbha captured the fort and gifted it to his son to be occupied
later by the Hada Rajputs of Bundi and Mughal Emperors Akbar and
Aurangazeb. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam gifted it to Maharaja Sawai
Madho Singh I of Jaipur in 1754 and since then it was maintained
as the hunting preserve of the Maharaja. Queen Elizabeth II and
the Duke of Edinburgh were part of the royal hunting who stayed
here.
Ranthambore
National Park is a beautiful national park that is surrounded by
the Vindhya and Aravalli hills and is quite close to the Thar
desert. Anyone who claims to be an animal lover should
definitely visit this beautiful place that not only boasts of
peaceful surroundings but is also home to many endangered
species.
Transportation
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Air :
Nearest airport is Jaipur (175 kms).
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Rail :
Nearest railhead is Sawai-Madhopur (12 kms)
which is on the Bombay-Delhi section of Western Railway.
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Road :
Ranthambore is connected by regular bus service to
Sawai-Madhopur 12 km, Agra 226 km, Bharatpur 166 km, Delhi
434 km, Kota 217 km, Jaipur 180 km.
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Local Transport :
Private Horse driven tongas are available at the Railway
Station. R.T.D.C. or private jeeps can be hired from
Tourist Information Bureau, Sawai-Madhopur. Charges
Rs.350-400 for full jeep for one trip to the National Park.
What to see
The Fort : Ranthambor’s royal past manifests itself in
the well-preserved imposing fort, built in 994 A.D. atop a steep
high creek 200 metres above sea level. Ruined pavilions, walls,
chhatris and splendid monuments are interspersed within the
majestic fort. An 8th century A.D. Ganesh temple on an open land
attracts thousands of devotees and is the venue for an annual
fair held on. Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi, fourth day of the bright
half, in the month of Bhadra.
 Ranthambhor National Park : The 392 sq. km. Park
comprises of dry deciduous forests sprawling over an undulating
terrain of the Aravalli and Vindhyan ranges .The park is one of
the finest tiger reserves in the country under the Project
Tiger. The majestic predators, assured of protection, roam
freely during the day time and can be seen at close quarters.
Ranthambhor sanctuary has a large number of sambhar, chital.
Nilgai, chinkara, langur , wild boar and peafowl. A system of
three pretty artificial lakes-Padam Talab,Rajbagh and Milak
Talab, alongwith a number of anicuts are part of the biosphere.
Besides enhancing the scenic beauty of the Park, they are an
important source of water for the inhabitants of the park. While
deer congregate here to drink water,fresh water crocodiles can
be seen basking in the winter sun to regulate their body
temperature. The lake also attracts a large number of migratory
and local birds. The local fauna of the park includes leopard,
hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sloth bear and a little population of
pythons. The lovely Jogi Mahal overlooking the pretty Padam
Talab at the foot of the fort has a Forest Rest House. Other
accommodation outside the fort also ensures a comfortable stay.
The best time to visit is between November and April. Jeeps are
available to take you around the park.
Excursions
Amreshwar Mahadev 8 kms, Mahavirji 110 kms, Kela Devi 125 kms,
Shivad 30 kms, Khandar 60 kms, Rameshwaram 90 kms in Khandar
Area.
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