Lying
on the main Delhi Mumbai railway line Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the world
renowned Ranthambhar National Park-the famous tigers 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 Vagbhatta beautified the city and
built a noteworthy temple at Jain.
In the middle of 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 1 of Jaipur in 1754 and since then it was mainted as trhe hunting preserve
of the Maharaja sawai madho Singh queen wlizabeth II and the duke of edinburgh
were part of the royal part of hunting parties who stayed here.
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambhor National Park, before a princely game conserve is the scene where
the celebrated Indian Tiger is best seen. Ranthambhor 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 Aravali. A tenth century fort also blends amicably with the background.
Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed with grasslands at the
plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage around the canals make the
jungle. Three big lakes – Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj
Bagh – are similar turquoises studded in the vast forest that abounds with
aquatic vegetation including duckweeds, lilies and lotus.
A significant geological feature
within the park is the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya plateau meets
the Aravali range. The Rivers Chambal in the South and the Banas in the North
bound the National Park. The park is dotted with steep rocky hills and the dominating
architecture of Ranthambhor Fort (built in the 10th century), adds to its landscape.
The rugged park terrain alternates between dry deciduous forest, open grassy
meadow, dotted by several lakes and rivers that are only made passable by rough
roads built and maintained by the Forest Service.
The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor; although it is the one
park resident that people come to see. A variety of birds including Owlets,
the ubiquitous Langur (monkey), Leopard, Caracal, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat,
marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boar, Bears and various species of Deer are the other
attractions.
Sawai Madhopur City, Rajasthan Major Destinations
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