Sawai Madhopur is situated in between the Aravalli Ranges and
Vindhyachal range and between two cities, Kota and Bikaner. It is at a
distance of 180 km towards the northwest of Jaipur. The town of Sawai
Madhopur is named after its founder Sawai Madho Singh-I of Jaipur who built
this town in 1765 AD.
Sawai Madhopur lies on the main Delhi Mumbai railway line and 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. At a little
distance from Sawai Madhopur are the towns of Tonk, Karauli and Mahaveerji.
These towns are famous as tourist attractions for their monuments and
markets and must also be visited.
Attractions in Sawai Madhopur
» Ranthambhor Fort : The Fort of Ranthambhor is
reputed to have been built in 944 AD by brave Chauhan warrior after
receiving the blessing of an ascetic. Further additions were made to it by
subsequent rulers. The Ranthambhor Fort is one of the oldest in Rajasthan.
Located securely at a vantage point of 250 meters above the forested valley,
it is built on an awesome scale. Its massive ramparts, gates and bastions
sent a stern massage to its enemies. Though the palace lies in ruins, there
are still a few ancient landmarks, the visitors can see.
» Ranthambhore National Park : This Park is spread
over an area of 400 sq. km and is rich in flora and fauna. It is a major
tourist destination here. Animals found here are boars, Chital, Nilgai,
Sambhar and of course the Tiger. Being dry deciduous ecosystem interspersed
with ever green glades it is rich in avifauna also. Birds found here are,
the Paradise flycatcher, Partridge, red spur fowl, pea fowl green pigeon and
the Vulture. The wild paradise is on Display in the afternoon when Sambhar
arrive to feed in the Aquatic ecosystem of Mirag, Padam talab and Raj Bag
Lake.
» Ganesh Temple : This temple is dedicated
to Lord Ganesha and is located in the fort of Ranthambhor, about 12 km from
Sawai Madhopur. This temple is the site for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations
attracting devotees from all over to join in the singing of devotional
songs. Markets spring up in the area, allowing the people to do their
shopping as well.
» Jogi Mahal : This Mahal is located at the foot of
the Ranthambore Fort, the lovely forest rest house Jogi Mahal gives
excellent view of the Padam Talao. It boasts of the second largest Banyan
tree in India. Here, you can see tigers roaming around in daylight itself.
» Lakes : There is Raj Bagh Talab, the Padam Talab
and the Milak Talab, which are some of the beautiful lakes in the area that
attract tiger population. You can track the tigers at the edges of these
lakes. Ruined ramparts, pavilions, crumbling walls, and wells bear testimony
to the region's past glory.
Getting There
» Air : The nearest airport is at Jaipur around
165km away.
» Rail : The railway station at Sawai Madhopur
connects the town with Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities in Western
India.
» Road : A good network of bus services
connect Sawai Madhopur with many places in Rajasthan and with the rest of
the country.
