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Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the world renowned Ranthambhore National
Park - the famous Tiger Reserve, just 12 kms away from here. Ranthambhore has
been a witness to the rise and fall of many rulers and a series of battle
scenes.
In the 13th century AD, Govinda, the grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan took over
the reign of the land. Later his successor Vagbhatta, beautified the city and
built a noteworthy temple at Jhain.
In the middle of the 15th century AD, 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 Aurangzeb. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam gifted it to Maharaja
Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in 1740's 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 parties who stayed here.
GETTING THERE:
Air: Jaipur 165 kms is the nearest airport
Rail: Located on the Delhi - Mumbai main railway line, it is well connected with
Jaipur and other major tourist centres. Some important train connections are :
4005 Express (Hazrat Nizamuddin-Sawai Madhopur-Shamgarh); GoldenTemple Mail
(Mumbai-Sawai Madhopur-Jammu); Avadh Express (Mumbai-SawaiMadhopur-Gorakhpur);
Dehradun Express (Mumbai-Sawai Madhopur-Dehradun)
Road: A good network of bus services connects Sawai Madhopur with many places.
Local Transport: Unmetered taxis and auto-rickshaws. Also cycle-rickshaws and
tongas.
SIGHTSEEING:
The Fort: -
Ranthambhore's royal past manifests itself in the well-perceived imposing fort.
built in 994 AD, 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 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.
Ranthambhore National Park: -
The 392 sq. km. park comprises of dry deciduous forests sprawling over an
undulating terrain of the Aravalli and Vindhya 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. Ranthambhore Sanctuary has a large number of Sambhars,
Chitals, Nilgai, Chinkara, Langur, Wild Boar and Peafowl.
A system of three pretty artificial lakes PadamTalab, Rajbagh and Milak Talab,
along with a number of anicuts are part of the biosphere. Besides enhancing the
scenic beauty of the park, they are important sources of water for the
inhabitants of the Park. While deer congregate here to drink 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. |
