GENERAL INFORMATION

Gateway to the world renowned Ranthambhor National Park, one of the national parks of the State under Project Tiger.Laying on the main Delhi-Bombay railway line, the Tiger Reserve is barely 12 km away from here.

Ranthambhor is composed of innumerable pages of history. Govinda, grand son of Prithviraj Chouhan took over the reigns of this land in the 13^th century. Later, he was succeeded by Vagbhata who built a stately temple at Jhain and beautified Ranthambhor. Many rulers won and lost. Many battles were fought. In the middle of the 15^th century, Rana Kumbha captures the fort and latter handed it over to his son. Thereafter, Hada Rajputs of Bundi, Mughal emperors Akbar. Aurangzeb occupied this magnificent structure. When Aurangzeb died, the fort was taken over by the ruler of Jaipur. Ranthambhor was then the private hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Among the more famous who were part of these hunting parties were Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

WHAT TO SEE

THE FORT

Dating back to the 994 AD, this imposing fort is perched atop a hill at an attitude of over 200 metres admist a dense forest. The structure comprises huge walls, colossal gates and some splendid monuments within its precints. Strategically built on the border of Rajasthan and Malwa, the forest is steeped in history as it has witnessed a series of bottles being fought here.

An 8^th century Ganesh temple, on an open land, attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees. A fair is held here on Bhadroapad Sudi Chaturthi.

RANTHAMBHOR NATIONAL PARK

This wildlife reserve figures amongst the notable national parks in the country. Wildlife viewing opportunities are in abundance here. With extensive flora and fauna, the park is a favorite for the tourists with special interest in wild life.

The sprawling dry deciduous forest of Dhok in Ranthambhor is well known for tigers, numbering over 28. An encounter with this predator is not rare here. Prominent prey species of tiger include sambar, cheetal, nilgai, wild-boar, chinkara and langur. Interestingly, the peafowl also forms a major menu item of this big cat.

Placid water of three lakes-Padam Talab, Rajbagh and Milak Talab-in the park beckin large numbers of migratory and local birds. Besides, these lakes supply nutritive food for the sambar who readily takes to water for feeding. And it’s a treat to eyes when you watch fresh water crocodiles basking in the winter sun for regulating their body temperature.

Though leopard is a co-predator of the tiger yet avoids contact with it. Hyena and Jackal are its camp followers. The reserve also harbours a little population sloth bear and python.

SHOPPING

Khas perfumes and other objects made of khas, like fans, small boxes, caps etc.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR

Jaipur 165 km, is the nearest airport.

RAIL

New Delhi is the best place to start. Ranthambhor National place is about 12 km away from Sawai Madhopur railway station on the Delhi Bombay trunk route.

ROAD

Sawai Madhopur is well connected from Jaipur and Kota.