Rajasthan Travel Destinations - Sawai Madhopur
Lying on the main Delhi/Mumbai railway line, Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the world renowned Ranthambhor National Park and is one of the main reasons people visit this charming spot as it is one of the few parks where tigers can be seen readily.
The modern town lies about 180km from Jaipur and was originally founded by Amer rulers (the Kachhawahas) who had a long standing association with Sawai Madhopur for many centuries.
As well as the National park there are a few other places worth taking time out for such as the Ranthambhor Fort 14km from Sawai Madhour which was gifted to the Amer rulers by the Mughals, along with vast tracts of surrounding forest-land. There are various places of historical interest inside the fort such as the Ganesha temple and other buildings worth seeing.
Sawai Madhopur region is thick with remnants of its past history. Walls, wells, mosques and hunting lodges adorn the lush rolling hills of the Vindhyas and the Aravalis all of which have been a witness of the rise and fall of many rulers and battle scenes in the area over the centuries. One of these, once a hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Jaipur, has been converted into a hotel.
If you are looking for a holiday that involves seeing the wildlife of India at close range, a visit to Sawai Madhopur makes good sense.
Amareshwar Mahadeo Temple (Amreshwar Mahadev) On the way to Ranthambhor National Park, in the local hills is Amareshwar Mahadeo temple worth seeing while here.
Ganesh Temple the biggest attraction of the fort is dedicated to Lord Ganesha is located about 12km from Sawai Madhopur. It is one of the most important Ganesha temples in the state and there are markets around the temple that attracts visitors and are worth meandering around.
Jogi Mahal overlooking the pretty Padam Talab afloat with water lilies at the foot of the fort is another place not to be missed. The landscape here is dotted with ancient banyan trees, dhok and pipal trees, clusters of mango trees and crisscrossed with evergreen belts. The terrain is made up of massive rock formations, steep escarpments, perennial lakes and streams and forests which suddenly opening up into large areas of savannah. Don’t forget your camera.
Ranthambhore National Park (Tiger Reserve) barely 14 km from Sawai Madhopur at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan. It is spread over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the ‘Great Boundary Fault’ where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the Reserve which is bound by the Chambal River in the south and Banas River in the north. Don’t miss a visit to this wonderful park where tigers rule and nature is at it’s best.
More About Ranthambore National Park
Climate
Though the general public prefers visiting the area from November till March when it is relatively cool, professional photographers consider April till June as perhaps the best period for their pursuits, especially within the National Park itself, when the nature of the dry deciduous forests makes animal sightings around the water areas common.
The general tourist season therefore is from October to June and for photographers mid-March till mid-June. The National Park itself is closed from around 15th June - 15th October each year, so don’t plan on visiting then.
How to Reach Swai Madhopur
The modern town lies about 180km from Jaipur and was originally founded by Amer rulers (the Kachhawahas) who had a long standing association with Sawai Madhopur for many centuries.
