Ranthambhore And Its Hidden Destinations

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Ranthambore National Park is a vast wildlife reserve near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, northern India. It is a former royal hunting ground and home to tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles. Its landmarks include the imposing 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, on a hilltop, and the Ganesh Mandir temple. Also in the park, Padam Talao Lake is known for its abundance of water lilies.

Places to Visit in Ranthambore –

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.

Trinetra Ganesha Temple – Ranthambore Ganesh ji is very old temple on the palace of Ranthambore fort. It is very heart touch place for devotee and visitors. Ranthambore Ganesh Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is located in the fort of Ranthambore, about 12 kms from Sawai Madhopur It is said that; in 1299 AD, there was a war between King Hammeer and Alauddin Khilji. During the time of war they filled there godowns with foods and all the necessary things in Ranthambhore Fort, where King resides. Since the war lasted for several years, the stock in godowns were over. Ganesh Chaturthi holds a special place in Ranthambore and is celebrated to commemorate the origin of Lord Ganesh, who is said to have been born on this day. The Ganesha temple in the fort of Ranthambore is one of the most eminent Ganesha temples of Rajasthan.

Padam Talao – The famous Ranthambore National Park is home to one of the largest lake around this place named as Padam Talao. The name of this lake comes from the lotus flower (called as Padam in Hindi language) that grows readily here. It is a major source of water for animals and birds living in this national park. It is one of the prominent places where tourists can watch different wildlife animals as they often come here to quench their thirst. Wildlife lovers can climb the machans that are built around this lake and watch the wild inhabitants of this park closely.

Kachida Valley – Kachida Valley is situated in the outskirts of the Ranthambore National Park. The valley treasures an array of flora and fauna. A majority of the panther population of the park is found here. Tourists can also witness sloth bears and deer in this part of the park. Travellers can hire Safari Jeeps to tour and enjoy the beauty of Kachida Valley. Kachida Valley is one of the picturesque and a must-visit place in Ranthambore. It is blessed with wide range of flora and fauna species. This area contains a majority of the Panther population of the park. The Panthers avoid venturing into the main jungle to avoid conflicts with tigers, which are known to kill them. Tourists can also see a variety of sloth bears and deer in this valley. Visitors will have to reach this valley via the jeep safari.

Jogi Mahal –The Jogi Mahal, an elegant guest house at the foothills of the Ranthambore, was built by the royal families of Jaipur. It served as their hunting lodge for many generations. This forest guest house provides all modern facilities to the visitors.ranthambore tour packages Jogi Mahal is a favorite watering hole of the animals of Ranthambore. Tigers, Leopards, Deer, Monkeys and Peacocks can be seen drinking at the lakes edge during the early morning and late evening. Machans or huts on observation posts near the Padam Talao are an excellent platform from where visitors can see the animals in their natural habitat. Genghis, one of the legendary tigers of Ranthambore was famous for hunting deer that came to the lakeside to drink. The hunting lodge called Jogi Mahal is situated on the banks of the Padam Talao. The view from the Jogi Mahal is a splendid one. Jogi Mahal was built by the royal families of Jaipur and served as a hunting abode to various generations of Jaipur Maharajas. After the decline of ruling authorities of Jaipur, this Mahal is turned into a guest house which offers comfortable stay to tourists during their visit to Ranthambore.

Raj Bagh Ruins – Raj Bagh Ruins are an agglomeration of prehistoric ruins including arches, palace outhouses, domes and minarets. This place lies between the Raj Bagh Talao and the Padam Talao. The Rajbagh ruins located along the banks of the lake add to its exotic ambience. The ruins of these structures consist of broken down rooms and outhouses with arches, partly standing walls and domes. The majestic tigers of Ranthambore can be seen relaxing in the shade of these structures in Ranthambore National Park. These ruins are what give the Ranthambore National Park such a unique mixture of a wildlife reserve and a reminder of the past, which together make it one of the most picturesque parks in the world.