Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the world’s best known wilderness areas. Located 14 kilometres from Sawai Madhopur and at the junction of some of the geologically oldest mountain ranges - the Aravallis and Vindyas - Ranthambore offers some of the finest opportunities for sighting the magnificent tiger in the wild. A mix of rolling hills and crags, and meadows, lakes and rivulets, this dry-deciduous forest system is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Apart from the tiger, you can also spot sloth bear, leopard, caracal, jackal, fox, hyena and mongoose at Ranthambore. The elusive Indian wolf too, has been spotted here occasionally. The dainty chital, sambhar deer, the blue bull antelope or nilgai, rhesus macaque, langur and an incredible variety of birds amidst a setting of dhok, fig and banyan trees makes a visit to this park a delight – for tourists and naturalists alike. Basking crocodiles, king vulture on a snag, the scream of the serpent eagle, the alarm call of spotted deer are some sights and sounds that make this a safari experience like none other.
Ranthambore Fort
This majestic fort is a major attraction of the wildlife which is a marvel example of the Chauhan dynasty architectural style. This huge fort is also listed among UNESCO declared world heritage sites. The construction of the place was started in 944 and got completed during the reign of Rao hammier Deo Chauhan. There was a time when there was a huge jungle around this fort where one can carry out various adventure activities. Later in 1950, the area became the part of Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary.
Trinetra Ganesha Temple
It is the only temple in the world that contains the family of Lord Ganesha, his 2 wives, Riddhi and Siddhi, and two sons Shub Labh along with the idol of Ganesh. Trinetra Ganesha of Ranthambore is known as the Pratham Ganesh. This is the Pratham Ganesha Temple which is accepted to be in presence from ancient times. The Ganesha icon here has three eyes- trinetra, embellished from one of the fortification's dividers. This sanctuary is said to be the prominent (Parham) Ganesha Temple in the nation. Hindus over the world worship Lord Ganesha, for he is an image of promise. He is worshiped by enthusiasts to look for favorable luck and astuteness. He is the destroyer of hindrances. Lord Ganesha is the lord of favorable luck, learning, astuteness and education. He is said to have an authority of all forces, for example, mind (buddhi) and fulfilment (siddhi, affirmation toward oneself). It is accepted that the Ranthambore Ganesha embodies all these forces.
Surwal Lake
It is also a beautiful place which is quite a sightseeing place near Ranthambore Park. This pristine lake is a house of many colorful birds which can be seen here feasting on fishes. The winter season brings lots of migratory birds with it. As this lake is shallow, it gets dried up during the summer so it is advisable to visit this lake during monsoon or in winter. Tucked with tranquility the Surwal Lake is a perfect place to spend some time in solace with oneself.
Padam Lake
Padam Lake is the largest one in Ranthambore National Park. This huge and charming lake is serving as the major source of water for the wild animals of the place. One can enjoy watching various animals and birds here during the morning time in a day. The Chinkara deer, rarest of its species can also be seen here (if you are lucky). The presence of water lilies makes the national park more enchanting and attractive.
Kachida Valley
One of its kinds of places, the Kachida Valley is another major attraction of Ranthambore National Park which is located close to the outskirts of the park. This place is majorly inhabited by the Bears and the Panthers. The presence of the jagged hills enhances the beauty of this national park and makes this place more attractive and fascinating. Other animals such as deer and wild boars are also found in good numbers in here. Presence of Sloth Bear near honeycombs and fruits make Kachida Valley more pleasing.
Jogi Mahal
This beautiful palace is located near the Padam Lake; the Jogi Mahal in Ranthambore was once used as the rest house for the visitors. Jogi Mahal is a beautiful palace whose charismatic surrounding makes Jogi Mahal more pleasing and attractive. The accommodation in the famous Jogi Mahal is now prohibited, yet you can always pay a visit to this beautiful place. There is a banyan tree near the palace which is considered as the largest banyan tree in India.
