Ranthambore, the name itself inspires awe in the hearts of many! With a famous National Park, an impressive fort and an art school, Ranthambore offers the best of both human and animal world.

The anecdotes and legends that associate themselves with the fort are typical of Rajasthan history. Legends fondly narrate how two princes prayed Lord Shiva to restore their hunt (a wild boar that had jumped into a lake) and the Lord agreed only on the condition that a fort dedicated to him be built at the sight.

The legend seems little unbelievable in the face of Ganesh's immense popularity amongst the devotees. Lord Ganesh is still highly revered and receives numerous invitations of marriages! A more real anecdote describes how foreign invasion led to the first ever mass suicide of Rajasthan in this fort even though victory was only a step ahead. The park is one of the earliest to be included in the Project Tiger. Its history boasts of royal as well as foreign guests like Queen.

Ranthambore Fort : The fort that was built deep inside the Ranthambore forest (now Ranthambore park), most probably by King Sapaldaksha in the 10th century, can simply be described as delightful. Amidst the lush greenery of a forest region, this fort reminds tourists of an earlier era when such huge structures determind the power of the ruling clan.

Ranthambore School of Art : A slightly distinct attraction from either a fort or a wildlife park but a clear attachment with both these - the Ranthambore School of Art has local villagers as its student. And as for the theme of their paintings, it is unquestionably, the majestic Tiger. The Tiger is painted in all its grandeur and grace, in its varying mood, when it is hunting or simply resting. The painters have an additional responsibility aprt from sketching the Tiger on their paper, that of arousing the villagers to the need of recognising the imporatnce of the animal for our own existence.

Padam Talao : A hot spot for the animals of the Ranthambore National Park, the Padam Talao derives its name from the lotus flowers that enhance the beauty of the lake. There are Machans nearby this lake which serve as a hideout to view the approaching animals. The forest Lodge, Jogi Mahal is also located on the banks of the Padam Talao.

Rajbagh Talao : The Rajbagh Talao, one of the three lakes of the Ranthambore National Park also fulfils the water needs of the animals. The Rajbagh ruins - dilapidated rooms and outhouses, with arches, barely standing walls and domes - spreads between the Padam Talo to Rajbagh Talao. The talao not only provides drinking water, but also vegetation for Sambhar to graze on.

Malik Talao : The smallest of all the talaos of the Ranthambore National Park can scare visitors away with crocodiles around. Still, the numerous species of birds seen here make for a pleasant but alert trip.

Access

How to Reach Ranthambore National Park by Air : Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is the nearest airport to Ranthambore. Ranthambore National Park is about 140 Km from Jaipur. You can fly to Jaipur and proceed to Sawai Madhopur by road or rail.

How to Reach Ranthambore National Park by Rail : Sawai Madhopur which is just 11 Km from Ranthambore National Park is accessible by rail and is on the main route from Delhi to Mumbai. You can arrive at Sawai Madhopur by rail and take a car or bus to Ranthambore National Park.

How to Reach Ranthambore National Park by Road : Ranthambore is easily accessible by road from all destinations across Rajasthan. If you're traveling by road, there are many options from luxury air-conditioned coaches to private taxis and local buses of the Rajasthan Transport Corporation, in which you can reach Ranthambore National Park.