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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.
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Ranthambhor
National Park
The 392 sq.km park comprises of dry
deciduous forest sprawling over the undulating terrain of the
Arvalli and Vindhaan ranges. The park is one of the finest tiger
reserves in the country under the project tiger. The majestc
predators assured if protection roam freely during the day times
and can be seen at close quarters. Ranthambtor sanctuary has
large number of sambhar, chital nigai chinkar langur wild boar
and peafowl.
A system of three pretty artificial lakes padam talsb rajbagh
and Milak talab alongwith a number of anicuits are part of the
biosphere. Beside 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
cocodile can be seen basking in the winter sun to regulate their
body temperture. 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.
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.
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