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 Near the town of Sawai Madhopur,
lies Ranthamhhor National Park. Established under
save tiger project this national park is nestled
between Aravalli and the Vindhyan ranges of hills.
Many a dignitaries including Prime Minister Man
Mohan Singh have visited this park and were
thrilled to see tigers in roaming in the woods.
Many other species of birds and animals are also
found in park which now is facing the problem of
locals entering the park for grazing their cattle.
Just outside the sanctuary is the imposing sight
of Ranthambhor fort which was built by Yadav kings
in 8th century but later was under sway of Chouhan
clan. The fort has mighty gates, massive ramparts
and bastions all around the fort. The legendry
king of Ranthambhor was Rana Hamir who faced the
wrath of Allauddin Khilji, the Delhi Sultan. Badal
Mahal also narrates the tales of Rajput chauvenism.
Lying on the main Delhi-Mumbai railway line, Sawai
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.
The Fort:
Ranthambhor’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.
Ranthambore 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.
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