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Ranthambhore
Lying on the main Delhi-Mumbai railway line, Swai 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.
Transportation
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Air : Nearest airport is Jaipur (175 kms).
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Rail : Nearest railhead is Sawai-Madhopur (12 kms) which is
on the Bombay-Delhi section of Western Railway.
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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.
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Local Transport : Private Horse driven tongas are available
at the Railway Station. R.T.D.C. or private jeeps can be hired from
Tourist Information Bureau, Sawai-Madhopur. Charges Rs.350-400 for
full jeep for one trip to the National Park.
What to see
The Fort : Ranthambhors 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.
Ranthambhor 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.
Excursions
Amreshwar Mahadev 8 kms, Mahavirji 110 kms, Kela Devi 125 kms, Shivad
30 kms, Khandar 60 kms, Rameshwaram 90 kms in Khandar Area.
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Altitude : 237 mtrs.
Best Season : Oct - March
Climate : Summer
Mean Max. 37.0 'C
Mean Min. 23.0 'C
Winter Mean Max. 29.0 'C
Mean Min. 9.1 'C
Clothing : Summer light tropical or light Winter Woolen. |
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Distances -
Ranthambhore |
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Delhi |
415 Kms. |
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Agra |
383 Kms. |
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Ajmer |
286 Kms. |
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Alwar |
248 Kms. |
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Bharatpur |
302 Kms. |
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Jaipur |
176 Kms. |
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Jaisalmer |
786 Kms. |
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Jodhpur |
481 Kms. |
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Mt. Abu |
663 Kms. |
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Ranthambhore |
- Kms. |
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