Introduction to Ranthambore
Ranthambore is one of the many famous destinations of the western state of
India, Rajasthan. Generally a visit to Ranthambore means a visit to the
tiger reserve here. However, the place has much more to offer you in
sightseeing and excursions. Surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill
ranges and located very near to the outer fringes of the Thar Desert,
Ranthambore offers you the best of the desert land as well as plain area
near the hills. Due to its proximity to the Thar desert, the vegetation here
is that of deciduous forest. Ranthambore used to be the hunting ground of
the Maharaja of Jaipur. Later it was declared as a game sanctuary in 1955.
In 1980, it was declared as a national park and listed among the reserves
protected under Project Tiger. Ranthambore is also considered to be the best
place in the world to photograph the tiger in its natural habitat. In
Ranthambore you can indulge in any of the adventurous activities that the
park offers. A Jeep Safari, a cultural and traditional experience of the
Meena tribes, a night out in the many hideouts in the park are some of the
options you must not miss.
Places of Interest Ranthambhore
Park The park, which is one of the finest tiger reserves in the
country, is the main attraction over here. Spread over an area of 392
sq. km the park is characterized by dry deciduous forests sprawling over the
Aravalli and Vindhyan ranges. If you are fortunate enough you can also see
the tiger strolling in the jungle or near any of the three lakes namely, the
Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Milak Talab. The park also houses some of
the rare species of desert creature like the sambhar, chital, nilgai,
chinkara, langur, wild boar and peafowl. The park was one of the places
visited by the former U.S. President Bill Clinton during his visit to India.
Ranthambore Fort A visit to this city
means a visit to the noteworthy Ranthambore-fort too. The fort was built by
the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century and is regarded as one of the oldest
forts of Rajasthan. Due to its strategic location, the fort was ideal to
keep the enemy at bay. The fort is also related to the historical legend of
the royal women performing jauhar(self immolation) when the Muslim invader
Ala-ud-din Khilji laid siege on this fort in 1303. The fort is characterised
by temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls.
Jogi
Mahal The Jogi Mahal makes a must visit place over here. It is
the forest rest house that overlooks the pretty Padam Talab. The Mahal lies
close to the park and has all the facilities for a comfortable stay. The
most important aspect of Jogi Mahal that attracts a large number of tourists
every year is the ancient banyan tree which is believed to be the second
largest banyan tree in India.
Excursion: Places
nearby Ranthambore 
Bundi
Surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides, Bundi lies at a distance of
36 km from Kota. This tiny picturesque town was once a part of Kota and was
ruled by the Hada Chauhans an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan that ruled
Delhi and Ajmer. The Rajput legacy of the town has been well preserved in
the massive fort. Besides the fort, the palaces, havelis, temples with
beautiful stone idols, and chattris with carved pillars are some of the
interesting monuments to see here. The picturesque lake in the heart of the
town adds to its charm. Bundi is also famous for its intricate carvings and
murals.
Karauli Founded in 1348 AD, Karauli
is a city characterised by red sandstone walls, bastions, peripheral wall,
six gates, eleven posterns and the famous annual fair at the Kaila Devi
temple. Located at a distance of 160 kilometres from Jaipur, Karauli is a
must visit excursion destination. Blended with history of the Rajputs,
Karauli was known as Kalyanpuri after the local deity Kalyanji. According to
a local legend, the ruling family of Karauli, known as Yadhuvanshi Rajputs,
are the descendants of Lord Krishna. Besides other historic monuments, the
temple of Madan Mohanji is an interesting place to visit in Karauli.
Kota
Located at a distance of 100 kilometres from this city, Kota is another
important place to visit during your excursion. Kota used
to be an important part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi. It became
a separate princely state during the 17th century. The glory of those times
could be seen in the several monuments, palaces and gardens that exist here.
Located on the eastern bank of Chambal River, Kota has number of sites to
visit and see. The city fort and palace, Kota Barrage, the Kishore Sagar
tank (which was built in 1346), the Jagmandir palace (built on a small
island at the centre of a tank in 1740), the Brij Vilas Palace Museum, the
Chambal gardens and Chhattar Bilas gardens with its number of royal
cenotaphs are some of the places you can visit in Kota.
Sawai
Madhopur Village Located just 12 kilometres away from the city,
Sawai Madhopur is one of the major excursion destination here. However if
you are visiting here by the Delhi-Mumbai railway route, the village
of Sawai Madhopur falls in the middle of the road making it the gateway to
the Park. Sawai Madhopur has always been the centre of attraction of the
Rajput rulers. The town has many historic legends attached to it.
Tonk
Located at a distance of 100 kilometers away, Tonk is an old
town dating to the middle of the 17th century. Resurrecting a forgotten era,
Tonk makes a must visit itinerary in your excursion. As the
small town used to be the stronghold of the Pathan tribesmen of Afghanistan,
Tonk is characterised by the Sunehri Kothi with its intricate mirror work
and colourful medley of painted mosques, mansions and colonial buildings.