GATEWAY TO THE TIGER’S DEN

Lying on the main Delhi-Mumbai Railway Line, Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the world renowned Ranthambor National Park –the famous Tiger Reserve,just 12 km away from here.

Ranthambor has been a witness to the rise and fall of many rulers and a series of battle scenes.

In the 13^th century A.D,Govinda ,the grandson of Prithvi Raj 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 15^th 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 parties who stayed here.

PRIME SITES

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 8^th century A.D Ganesh Temple on an open land attracts thousands of devotees and is the venue of an annual fair held on Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi,fourth day of the bright half ,in the month of Bhadra.

Ranthambor 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.

Ranthambor 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 poulation of pythons.

The lovely Jogi Mahal overlooking the pretty Padam Talab at the foot of the fort has a Forest Rest House. Other accomodation 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.

SHOPPING

The region is Famous for ‘Khas’ including fans ,small boxes,caps,etc.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Air : Jaipur 165 km is the nearest airport .

• 4005 Express (Hazrat Nizamuddin – Sawai Madhopur – Shamgarh)
• Golden Temple Mail (Mumbai - Sawai Madhopur – Jammu)
• Avadh Express (Mumbai - Sawai Madhopur – Gorakhpur)
• Dehraun Express (Mumbai - Sawai Madhopur –Dehradun)

Road : A good network of bus services connects Sawai Madhopur and with many places.

Local Transport : Un-metered taxis and auto-rickshaws available . Also available are cycle rickshaws and tongas .

WHERE TO STAY

• RTDC Hotel Jhoomar Baori
• RTDC Hotel Vinayak
• Sawai Madhopur Lodge
• PWD Rest House

Also a wide range of accommodation of different categories available.

GENERAL INFORMATION