Ranthambore

Ranthambore is a fine amalgam of antiquity and nature in the heart of desert. The place is famous for its tigers where the nocturnal predator can still be seen. Imagine a tiger taking shelter under some architectural brilliance or the leopard standing majestically on top of a fortress wall. Ranthambore has one of the oldest forts in India, which was gradually reclaimed by the forest.

The history of Ranthambore Fort goes back to the time of Kachhwaha Rajput (Chauhans), though there is no certainty about the time when the fort was built and who the actual founder of the fort was. Some say that it was erected by King Sapaldaksha in 944 AD, and according to others it was built by King Jayant of the same dynasty in 1110 AD. The Fort was at its zenith during the rule of Rana Hamir Dewa in 1283 AD. Inside the fort are palatial living quarters, barracks, temples and even mosques. One can enjoy fabulous view of the Padam Talao (man made lake inside the park) from the living quarters. On the bank of the lake are seen flocks of deer and other animal drinking water.

Ranthambore Fort is strategically located in the middle of the Ranthambore National Park – once the favorite hunting preserve of the Jaipur Maharajas. The park has six man made lakes, and it is intersected by perennial streams on every parts. Places near the lakeside are the best to enjoy the wilds of Ranthambore. It is here that the inhabitants of the jungle present themselves in bounty. Apart from the tiger and other exotic animals, the park also houses a range of migratory, water and woodland birds.