General
Information
GATEWAY TO THE TIGER'S DEN
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.
RAJASTHAN
TRAIN TRAVEL
PALACE
ON WHEELS
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome
to Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience
of the Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes
the visitor to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day.
The coaches also carry out an image of the Rajput states with
beautiful interiors. Last but not the least the "Royal
Treat" for the passengers on board include saloons, bar lounges
& libraries in every coach as well as restaurant and organized
shopping facilites.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
FORTS
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.
HOW TO GET
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.
The region is
famous for 'Khus' perfumes and other objects made of 'Khus '
including fans, small boxes, caps, etc
Duration:
15 days
Duration:
15 days
