Lying on the main Delhi-Mumbai railway line, Sawai Madhopur is the entry point to the world renowned Ranthambore National Park- the famous Tiger Reserve, just 12 km away from here. The Sawai Madhopur forms an important travel destination in Rajasthan, known especially for its rich wildlife. 180 kms from Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur lies midway between Bharatpur and Kota and is a significant district city with rich history and legends.

Ranthambore 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 legendary Prithviraj Chauhan, took over the reign of the land. The city was later beautified with temples and buildings by Vagabhatta, the successor of Govinda. A beautiful temple at Jhain was built by Vagabhatta. The Ranthambore fort was occupied by Rana Kumbha in the middle of the 15th century A.D. It later passed on to his son. The fort came under the control of 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. The fort played host to Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh who were part of the royal hunting. Walls, wells, temples and hunting lodges adorn the verdant rolling hills of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas.On your travel to Sawai Madhopur you can take a look at the rare species that inhabit the wildlife reserve at Ranthambore and the other nearby attractions.

more...