Top 5 Places to Visit Sawai Madhopur is a city in Rajasthan that has primarily found its popularity due to the wildlife destination, Ranthambore National Park, which is located in close proximity. The city is the headquarters of the district of the same name and has immense historic importance. It has been the seat to several dynasties, right from the Chauhans to the Mughals. But, today, it is mostly known for being the base point for Ranthambore National Park.
The tourist destination in Rajasthan was named after Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh ji I, who gave the city its current plan in 1765 AD. Later, during the British rule, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh ordered the construction of a railway line between Sawai Madhopur and Jaipur, making the place easily accessible. Sawai Madhopur is also known for its guavas which grow in its periphery Top 5 Places to Visit Sawai Madhopur.
Apart from its close proximity to Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur is also the neighbour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ranthambore Fort. Along with this, the tourist place in Rajasthan has few religious fairs & festivals like the annual Sawai Madhopur Utsav, Ganesh Chaturthi Fair, Dussehra and Chauth Mata Mela that are a must see. The Trinetra Ganesh Temple is also one of the major attractions in Sawai Madhopur with Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History, Shilpgram, and Galta Temple Top 5 Places to Visit Sawai Madhopur.
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is the single largest expanse of dry deciduous Anogeissus pendula Forest left intact in India. It is is home to over 40 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, over 40 species of reptiles and over 300 species of plants. Currently it is home to 45 adult tigers & 16 cubs Top 5 Places to Visit Sawai Madhopur.
Situated in the desert state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore flagship species is Panthera Tigris Tigris- the Indian or the Bengal tiger. The forest remains dry for more than eight months in a year & therefore the chances of spotting this elusive big cat are much higher as compared to other tiger reserves in India.
Ranthambore National Park, was previously private & exclusive hunting reserve of Jaipur royal family until 1955 when the forest was declared �Sawai Madhopur Sanctuary�. The practice of issuance of game permit finally came to an end in 1973 when this sanctuary was declared a part of project tiger, resulting in relocation of 12 villages located inside the park. . In 1980, in order to give greater protection to the forests, an area of 282.03 sq. k.m. of the inner part of Sawai Madhopur sanctuary was declared as national park. Since then the state Government stopped collection of any forest produce from sanctuary and national parks.
In the year 1983, 647 square k.m. of forests lying to the North of the National park were declared as the Kaila Devi Sanctuary and included in the Tiger Project. Similarly, in 1984, 130 square k.m. of forests lying to the South of the Ranthambore National Park were declared as Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary and included in Tiger Project.Today, this Project tiger reserve spans over 1334 sq. km of area, of which 282 sq. km is the Ranthambore National Park.
The project tiger reserve is where the Aravali and the Vindhyan hill ranges meet and this confluence is perhaps the reason for the rich bio-diversity of the Ranthambore. The geological formations of Vindhyan system are characterized by flat tabletops locally known a , while the Aravallis are characterized by sharp ridges and conical hilltops. An important geological fault line the Great Boundary Fault lies at the confluence of the Aravali and the Vindhyan systems � and runs right across Top 5 Places to Visit Sawai Madhopur.
Ranthambore Fort
The noteworthy Ranthambore Fort was built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century. Due to its strategic location, it was ideal to keep the enemy at bay. The fort is also related to the historical legend of the royal women performing ‘jauhar’ (self-immolation) when the Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji laid siege on this fort in 1303. The fort is characterised by temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls Top 5 Places to Visit Sawai Madhopur.
The noteworthy Ranthambore Fort was built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century. Due to its strategic location, it was ideal to keep the enemy at bay. The fort is also related to the historical legend of the royal women performing ‘jauhar’ (self-immolation) when the Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji laid siege on this fort in 1303. The fort is characterised by temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls. Constructed in 944 AD, Ranthambore Fort has witnessed many sieges and battles.
Probably the most famous among these is the war of Rao Hamir in 1301 against the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji. An architectural marvel, the fort includes many attractions such include Toran Dwar, Mahadeo Chhatri and Sametonki Haveli within its premises. The presence of a mosque and temple within the fort precincts bears testimony to the secularity of the Rajput kings. Top 5 Places to Visit Sawai Madhopur The Lord Ganesha temple housed here is a major tourist attraction, and it also hosts a fair every year on the occasion of Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi over here.
Chauth Mata Temple
The Chauth Mata Mandir is one of the main temples in Sawai Madhopur region of Rajasthan located around 130 kms from Kota. According to the mythology, the temple was built in the year 1451 by a ruler named Bheem Singh and is at 100ft height in Burwada mountains Top 5 Places to Visit Sawai Madhopur.
The temple is beautifully constructed using marvellous white marble and is nestled in the green backdrop of the trees. The complex designing on the walls and roof gives the impression of traditional Rajsathani architecture. The notable point is devotees has to climb more than 700 steps to reach the temple premises throught the Toran dwar. The image of the goddess seated on a lion is in white marble and is installed in the sanctrum sanctorum. Apart from Chauth Mata, the temple also has the idols of Ganesha and Bhairo Baba. It is believed that the original idol of mata was brought from Panchala village Top 5 Places to Visit Sawai Madhopur.
Religious events during Navratri and karva chauth are of particular importance and Chaut mata mela takes place every year during the month of January or February. Chaut mata is being worshipped as Kuldevi from the long past in the region. There is a market and a shrine in Kota named after the Goddess Chauth Mata. One must not miss this temple amidst greenery, on top of the hill. The temple is open during timings 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Khandar Fort
The Khandar fort has been constructed strategically in the mountain region that helped it gain power over the attackers. The fort is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, on the boundary of the Ranthambore National Park & Tiger reserve. The fort contains two huge water tanks called the Ramkunda and Laxman Munda along with seven smaller ponds Top 5 Places to Visit Sawai Madhopur.
Khandar fort belonged to the Sisodia dynasty before coming under the control of the Mughals and then the Rajputs. The strength of Mewar rulers lay within the strength of the fort and the people. The strong fort was as strong and as brave as the people who sustained their empire even after continuous attacks from the foreign invaders. It served as a security post of Ranthambore and has many famous temples located within the Khandar Fort which remains there till today.
The beautiful monument serves as a historical achievement in memory of the battles and wars that each dynasty has won. The architecture and rugged exterior of the fort are mesmerizing to every eye. The area has abundant biodiversity and animals that reside around the fort walls Top 5 Places to Visit Sawai Madhopur.
Chamatkar Temple
The Chamatkar Temple in Sawai Madhopur is one of the holiest goals for the Digambara Jains. There are numerous marvels connected to the Temple including that of the primary icon and area. This Jain Temple of Adinath Bhagavan is only 2 km far from the downtown area. The 400 year old Chamatkar Temple has got two sacrificial tables. The front sacred place has the dull red stone symbol of Padmaprabhu in sitting position Top 5 Places to Visit Sawai Madhopur.
A couple of more symbols of different Tirthankaras can be seen around this. In the back sacrificial table a six inch high symbol of Chamatkarji in padmasana posture, in white precious stone is available. For devotees this icon will change its shading to pink-blue on asking. The temple is open from 5 am to 10 pm. Fans, encounter searchers, engineers and picture takers will appreciate a visit to the Chamatkar Temple.