Sawai Madhopur : Gateway to the world
renowned Ranthambhor National Park, one of the two national
parks of the State under Project Tiger. Laying on the main
Delhi-Bombay railway line, the Tiger Reserve is barely 12 km
away from here.
Ranthambhor is composed of innumerable pages of history.
Govinda, grand son of Prithviraj Chouhan took over the
reigns of this land in the 13th century. Later, he was
succeeded by Vagbhata who built a stately temple at Jhain
and beautified Ranthambhor. Many rulers won and lost. Many
battles were fought. In the middle of the 15th century, Rana
Kumbha captured the fort and latter handed it over to his
son. Thereafter, Hada Rajputs of Bundi, Mughal emperors
Akbar, Aurangzeb occupied this magnificent structure. When
Aurangzeb died, the fort was taken over by the ruler of
Jaipur. Ranthambhor was then the private hunting reserve of
the Maharaja of Jaipur. Among the more famous who were part
of these hunting parties were Queen Elizabeth II and the
Duke of Edinburgh
Ranthambhor National Park : This wildlife reserve figures
amongst the notable national parks in the century. Wildlife
viewing opportunities are in abundance here. With extensive
flora and fauna, the park is a favourite for the tourists with
special interest in wild life.
The sprawling dry deciduous forest of Dhok in Ranthambhor is
well known for tigers, numbering over 28. An encounter with this
predator is not rare here. Prominent prey species of tiger
include sambar, cheetal, nilgai, wild bear, chinkara and langur.
Interestingly, the peafowl also forms a major menu item of this
big cat.
Placid water of three lakes- Padam Talab, Rajbagh and Milak
Talab- in the park beckon large numbers of migratory and local
birds. Besides, these lakes supply nutrative food for the sambar.
And it's treat to eyes when you watch fresh water crocodiles
basking in the winter sun for regulating their body temperature.
Though leopard is a co-predator of the tiger yet avoids contact
with it. Hyena and Jackal are its camp followers. The reserve
also harbours a little population of sloth bear and python. For
going around the park, Jeeps are available on hire.
Duration wise | Destination wise