Ranthambhore before a princely game conserve is the scene where the celebrated Indian Tiger barely stays alive from human assault and disregard, the denuding of the forest by timber mafia. At least 10,000 square kilometers of forest give way every year to the politician-businessman nexus on the ploy of “development”. A density of 11 to 17 Tigers can dwell in an area of 100 square kilometers find themselves dreadfully out of place of abode. This site tells in words and pictures about the resist of this king of jungle and the handful who fiercely picket to safeguard this natural legacy for the planet and its children.

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 kms from Sawai Madhopur in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas and sharp and conical hills of the Aravalis. A thousand year old fort also blends amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok interspersed with grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage around the canals make-up the jungle. Three big lakes – Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh – are similar turquoises studded in the vast forest.

The forest is of tropical dry deciduous type; it is further classified as Dhok forest. The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds, lilies and lotus.

Fairs & Festivals in Sawai Madhopur

Ganesh Chaturthi (August - September of every year)
Perched on Ranthambore Fort is the temple of Lord Ganesha. Every year thousand of people gather here in honour of Lord Ganesha's birthday, in the month of August - September.

Jungle Safari There are about 42 tigers in Ranthambore National Park. A good network of gravel tracks crisscross the park and safaris are undertaken in open-sided jeeps driven by ranger.

Places to See in Sawai Madhopur

Ranthambore National Park
The 392 sq. km. Park comprises of dry deciduous forests sprawling over an undulating terrain of the Aravali and Vindhyan ranges .The park is one of the finest tiger reserve 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. Ranthambore 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, along with 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 python.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 Fort
Ranthambore’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.

How to Reach Sawai Madhopur

Air: Nearest airport is Jaipur (175 kms).
Rail: Nearest railhead is Sawai-Madhopur (12 kms) which is on the Bombay-Delhi section of Western Railway.
Road: Ranthambore is connected by regular bus service to Sawai-Madhopur 12 km, Agra 226 km, Bharatpur 166 km, Delhi 434 km, Kota 217 km, Jaipur 180 km.

Hotels in Sawai Madhopur

- The Sawai Madhopur Lodge - Castle Jhoomar Baori - Oberoi Vanyavilas - Tiger Moon

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