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:: N O R T H   I N D I A   >  R A N T H A M B H O R ::           Brief -     The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country, under the Project Tiger. Ranthambhor sanctuary has a large numbers of sambar, chittal, nilgai, chinkara, langurs, wild boar and peafowl. While deer congregate here to drink water, fresh water crocodiles, can be seen basking in the winter sun to regulate their body temperature. The lake also attracts a large number of migratory and local birds. The local fauna of the Park includes leopard, hyena, Jackal, Jungle cat, sloth bear and a little population of pythons. The majestic predators, assured of protection, roam freely during the daytime and can be seen at close quarters. The lovely Jogi Mahal overlooking the pretty Padam Talab, at the foot of the Ranthambhor fort has a Forest Rest House.           History -     Ranthambhor, has been a witness, to the rise and fall of many rulers and a series of battle scenes. In the 13th century, Govinda, the grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan took over the reign of the land. Later, his successor Vagabhatta, beautified the city and built a noteworthy temple at Jhain. In the middle of the 15th century, Rana Kumbha,captured the fort and gifted it to his son, to be occupied later by the Hada Rajputs of Bundi and Mughal Emperors, Akbar and Aurangzeb. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam gifted it to Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in 1754, and since then, it was maintained as the hunting preserve of the Maharaja. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, were part of the royal hunting party, that stayed here.           Culture - Climate & Geographical Location -     Ranthambhor National Park, is very hot and dry in summer and extremely cold in winter. The Ranthambhor National Park, sprawls over an undulating forest terrain of the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges.           How to Reach -     Ranthambhor National Park is connected by rail, road and air. By air, Jaipur at 165 km is the nearest airport and is well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Rajkot, Aurangabad, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad. By rail, Sawai Madhopur is the main railhead and is located on the Delhi - Mumbai main railway line. It is well connected with Jaipur, Delhi, Shamgarh, Amritsar, Jammu, Gorakhpur, Dehradoon and other important cities. By road, Ranthambhor National Park via Sawai Madhopur is connected to major cities of Rajasthan. There is a direct link to Jaipur via Tonk, Kota, Bharatpur and other important cities.           : T O U R I S T   P L A C E S :           Ranthambhor National Park -     One of the finest tiger reserves in the country, it comes under Project Tiger.The 392 sq. km. park, comprises of dry deciduous forest, sprawling over an undulating forest, and terrain of the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. The sanctuary has a large numbers of sambar, chittal, nilgai, chinkara, langurs, wild boar and peafowl. A system of three pretty artificial lakes, besides enhancing the scenic beauty of the park, is an important source of water for its inhabitants. While deer congregate here to drink water, fresh water crocodiles can be seen basking in the winter sun to regulate their body temperature. The majestic predators including the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sloth bear and a little population of pythons can be seen at close quarters. The lake also attracts a large number of migratory and local birds.           The Ranthambor Fort -     Ranthambores gloriousl past, manifests itself in the well-preserved imposing fort, which dominates the landscape. Built in 994 AD atop steep high creek, the fort wall runs round the summit and has a number of semi-circular bastions, some with sheer drops of over 65 m and stunning views. Ruined pavilions, walls, chhatris and splendid monuments are interspersed within the majestic fort. An 8th century Ganesh temple on an open land, attracts thousands of devotees and it is the venue for an annual fair held on Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi, fourth day of the bright half, in the month of Bhadra.           The Ranthambor Fort -     Before Independence, Tonk was a tiny princely state ruled by Muslim Nawabs. The Sunehri Kothi, a late 19th century addition to the palace built by the Nawab, is a mixture of predominantly local architectural styles, with European style additions, such as imitation Ionic columns and false marbling. Some of the doors are also simply painted. The attractive Uniara fort lies halfway between Tonk and Sawai Madhopur.           Others -         SAWAI MADHOPUR - The gateway to the world-renowned Ranthambhor National Park, the famous tiger reserve; Sawai Madhopur is an important town with its own history. Remanants of marvellous architectural monuments, ponds and lakes enlighten avid lovers of the subject.