Sawai Madhopur houses the great Ranthambhore National Park and the momentous stronghold of the same name, which lies inside the park. Raja Hamir Dev of Chauhan ancestry and his close Bargujar kin ruled the area together before it was completely devastated by Allaudin Khilji in 1301. It was re-constructed as an ambitious prearranged city by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur, who officially entitled the small town after himself.
Sightseeing Places in Sawai Madhopur
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.
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.
How to reach Sawai Madhopur
By Air
If you fly to Jaipur, you can hire a car and drive a couple of hours to Ranthambhore, but a direct train from Delhi or Mumbai is advisable.
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.
