13 places to visit during the trip to Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park is located in Rajasthan and is among the top national parks to be maintained in India. It is considered to be a safe haven for tigers along with other wildlife species. The unique feature of this wildlife reserve that makes it stand out among the rest is its flora and fauna, royal ruins of ancient fort and its wonderful location. Therefore, it is not just any wildlife destination for tourists, but also narrates the state’s past glory. You can also get to see the beautiful locales like Sawai Madhopur which has been influenced profoundly by the wildlife found here.
Some places of interest in & around Ranthambore
- Trinetra Ganesh Temple: This temple has been established within Ranthambore Fore. Trinetra stands for Three Eyes or it is also called the Pratham Ganesh Temple in the region. Here, you can come across Lord Ganesha’s whole family. King Hammer had built this temple as he was a staunch devotee. According to legend, during war, stocks of King Hammer had exhausted. One night the king had viewed Lord Ganesha in his dreams telling that his problems of food ration will be met the next morning. The following morning, miraculously the war had ceased and there was fresh replenishment of food stock. Hence, the kind decided to construct a temple here dedicated to Lord Ganesha, which is flocked by devotees from all over the country. There are held 5 aartis here every day.
- Ranthambore Fort: It is a majestic fort and is located approximately 5 kms within the wildlife reserve. It is a marvel certain of the Chauhan dynasty. Although its construction was started by King Sapaldaksha in 944 AD, it was completed only during the rule of ‘Rao Hammir Deo Chauhan’. UNESCO has declared this fort as a World Heritage Site and has placed it under ‘Rajasthan Hill Forts’. It is on a 700 feet high hill that the mansion is constructed and is among the major attractions here. Once the fort had served as royal hunting reserve, with a sprawling jungle surrounding it. It became part of Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary during the 1950s to preserve dwindling wildlife.
- Padam Lake: Located in the wildlife reserve are this largest lake and also the main water source for all the wild animals here. Early morning is the best time to visit, as you can get to see wild animals in large numbers drinking water from the lake. If lucky, you can also see Chinkara deer which is a rare specimen now. During water lilies season, the lakes appears beautiful, the reason has it has derived the name ‘Padam’, meaning flowers.
- Suwal Lake: With its quaint settings, this lake is considered to be among the best places to check out on different types of birds, catching fishes. This shallow lake dries out during summer, hence, making it ideal to be visited during winter or monsoon season. This place is a real delight for bird watchers and for those seeking peace and solace as it is tucked in isolation.
- Jogi Mahal: Located on one part of the Padam Lake, this mahal once served visitors as rest house, which unfortunately is restricted now. Its scenic location and the tall banyan tree considered to be among the largest in the country is what exactly attract tourists.
- Kachida Valley: It is located on the Park’s outskirts and is inhabited mostly by bears and panthers. Low jagged hills surround this place, thereby improve its beauty. Animals like wild boars and deer can be found here including sloth bears.
- Anantpura & Lakarda: They together make the park’s North-Western and Northern regions. You can come across varieties of wild animals including monkeys, porcupines and the Indian Sloth Bear. At this place, you can also get to see the pug marks of Indian striped Hyenas.
- Raj Bagh Ruins: The ruins of Raj Bagh are said to add uniqueness and beauty to the wildlife reserve. It is located between Raj Bagh Talao and Padam Talao. Its ruins will remind you of the bygone Rajasthani royal era, relics of arches, domes, steps and palace outhouses, which simply appear stunning, picturesque and majestic.
- Akaula Region: It is a thick forest that has numerous pools, water holes and lots of wild animals. Even during blazing, peak summer season, the region is known to stay cool due to its thick forest cover, thus making it a favourite haunt for several wild animals. There are also chances of getting a glimpse of the tiger here.
- Malik Talao: This is a small, but scenic lake present within the reserve and is a haven for different species of birds. It is also home to kingfishers, marsh crocodiles, ibis, herons, egrets, cranes and storks.
- Wild Dragon: The truth is that Ranthambore is full of adventure at all times, be it at the concrete jungle or the real jungle. Wild Dragon Adventure Park perhaps is the finest examples as it offers tourists with unending excitement and fun. This park perfectly blends with its surrounding rustic environment, thereby providing lifetime experience to tourists. You can enjoy the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) ride, horror house, Zorbing, and indulge in other interesting activities here. It is established within an isolated valley close to National Park. Although known for its quietness, you are sure to have some adventure. Microsoft Toolkit
- Ranthambore Art School: This art school is located close to Sawai Madhopur and boasts of having talented students having a penchant for painting. Paintings created here are mostly of tigers to encourage people to protect this endangered species.
- Village Women Craft: Besides exploring wildlife, you can also check out Rajasthani tradition and culture. At Sawai Madhopur, you can find Village Women Craft, established in Gas Plant Road, where there are created and sold varieties of handmade woollen carpets, handmade carpets, wildlife paintings, tribal rugs, bed covers, shawls, etc. They do make excellent collection at the home or to be given as gifts to friends and colleagues.
The resorts in ranthambore are cosy and will provide you with a luxurious ambiance allowing you to stay comfortably throughout your visit.