Sawai Madhopur : Gateway to the world renowned Ranthambhor National Park, one of the two national parks of the State under Project Tiger. Laying on the main Delhi-Bombay railway line, the Tiger Reserve is barely 12 km away from here.

Ranthambhor is composed of innumerable pages of history. Govinda, grand son of Prithviraj Chouhan took over the reigns of this land in the 13^th century. Later, he was succeeded by Vagbhata who built a stately temple at Jhain and beautified Ranthambhor. Many rulers won and lost. Many battles were fought. In the middle of the 15^th century, Rana Kumbha captured the fort and latter handed it over to his son. Thereafter, Hada Rajputs of Bundi, Mughal emperors Akbar, Aurangzeb occupied this magnificent structure. When Aurangzeb died, the fort was taken over by the ruler of Jaipur. Ranthambhor was then the private hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Among the more famous who were part of these hunting parties were Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Major Attraction :

Ranthambhor National park : This wildlife reserve figures amongst the notable national parks in the century. Wildlife viewing opportunities are in abundance here. With extensive flora and fauna, the park is a favourite for the tourists with special interest in wild life.

The sprawling dry deciduous forest of Dhok in Ranthambhor is well known for tigers, numbering over 28. An encounter with this predator is not rare here. Prominent prey species of tiger include sambar, cheetal, nilgai, wild bear, chinkara and langur. Interestingly, the peafowl also forms a major menu item of this big cat.

Placid water of three lakes- Padam Talab, Rajbagh and Milak Talab- in the park beckon large numbers of migratory and local birds. Besides, these lakes supply nutrative food for the sambar. And it's treat to eyes when you watch fresh water crocodiles basking in the winter sun for regulating their body temperature.

Though leopard is a co-predator of the tiger yet avoids contact with it. Hyena and Jackal are its camp followers. The reserve also harbours a little population of sloth bear and python. For going around the park, Jeeps are available on hire.