Ranthambhore is magic. The place is full of romance and intrigue – tenth century ruins stand smothered by roots, herons share lakes with holy men and a million myths about Raja Hamir and the glory days of the ‘impregnable’ fort. The fort’s fall, along with that of the one at Chittorgarh, is what is unanimously credited with finally breaking the spirit of the legendarily resilient Rajputs and the establishing of an undisputed Mughal empire in India. Locals still visit a Ganesh temple here, as did their ancestors. And like them, they must walk through tiger forests to do so.
Sightseeing Places in Ranthambhore
Ranthambhore National Park
This park lies in the shadow of the Aravalli and Vindhya mountain ranges and covers a core area of 275 sq km. Its razor-sharp ridges, deep boulder-filled gorges, lakes and jungles are the habitat of carnivores such as the caracal, panther, jackal and hyena, numerous species of deer, and a rich variety of resident and migratory birds. The most famous resident, however, is the endangered tiger, and it’s a unique experience to catch glimpses of this majestic animal. Like other parks in the region, this was originally the hunting ground of Jaipur’s maha-rajas and it only became a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973.
Ranthambhore Fort
This ancient citadel is situated almost exactly at the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Aravalli hill ranges. The fort, after which the National Park was named, is thought to have been built in 944 CE. It was occupied by Raja Hamir for many years until the siege by Alauddin Khilji’s army in 1301 forced the Rajput king to surrender. It can be tiring to walk up to the ramparts but the view of the park and its three lakes from the top is worth the effort. Locals believe that the mortar used in constructing the fort was mixed with the blood of brave warriors.
Ganesh Temple
Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, this temple is located inside the Ranthambhore Fort, within the park precincts. The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, wherein devotees join in the singing of devotional songs, draw large crowds. Entry to the fort itself is free to allow devotees easy access to the temple. They arrive on Wednesdays and the chauth of every month.
Jogi Mahal
Located at the foot of the fort, Jogi Mahal is also home to the country’s second largest banyan tree. The Forest Rest House at Jogi Mahal offers stunning views of the Padam Talao, which is awash with water lilies. Tourists are not permitted to stay in this rest house.
How to reach Ranthambhore
By Air
If you fly to Jaipur, you can hire a car and drive a couple of hours to Ranthambhore.
By Rail
Nearest railhead, Sawai Madhopur has good connections from the Delhi-Mumbai line.
By Road
The drive from Jaipur via Tonk and Sawai Madhopur to Ranthambhore is 10 km longer than an alternative route via Kanota, Dausa and Lalsot, which is a bad road.
