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RAJASTHAN
:: SAWAI MADHOPUR
CITY GUIDE |
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Sawai Madhopur
General Information |
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Area |
10527
sq. km. |
| Altitude |
237 meters |
| Temperature |
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Summer |
370C-230C |
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Winter |
290C-9.10C |
| Clothing |
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Summer |
Light
Tropical |
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Winter |
Light
Wollen |
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Languages |
Hindi,
Rajasthani, English |
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Sawai
Madhopur History |
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The oldest settlement in the area
was around the Ranthambhore fort. The exact origin
of the fort is still disputed but it is generally
accepted that there was a settlement at the site
of the Fort, as far back as the 8th century A.D.
It is widely believed that the construction of the
Fort was started during the reign of the Chauhan
rajput King Sapaldaksha in 944 AD. Another theory
stipulates that King Jayant, also a Chauhan rajput,
built the Fort during 1110 AD. It is most likely
that the construction of the fort commenced during
the mid 10th Century A.D. and continued for a few
centuries after that.
Since, the Fort controlled the
trade routes between North India and Central &
Southern India, it was highly coveted by the rulers
of North India. The Fort had its golden moments
during the reign of Rao Hammir, the last ruler of
the Chauhan dynasty (1282 – 1301 AD). During
1300 AD, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the ruler of Delhi sent
his army to capture the Fort. After three unsuccessful
attempts, his army finally conquered the Fort in
1301 and ended the reign of the Chauhans. In the
next three centuries the Fort changed hands a number
of times, till Akbar, the great Mughal emperor,
finally took over the Fort and dissolved the State
of Ranthambhore in 1558. The fort stayed in the
possession of the Mughal rulers till the mid 18th
century.
During the mid 18th century, the
Maratha rulers of Western India were gradually increasing
their influence in this region. In order to check
the growing influence of the Marathas, Sawai Madho
Singh, the ruler of Jaipur state, unsuccessfully,
requested the Mughal emperor to hand over the fort
to him. In 1763, Sawai Madho Singh fortified the
nearby village of Sherpur and renamed it Sawai Madhopur.
This town, which is now commonly known as the “City”,
lies in a narrow valley between two parallel hills,
at the South Western edge of the National Park.
Two years later, the Mughals handed over the fort
to the Jaipur state.
During the end of the British Raj,
Sawai Man Singh, the last ruler of Jaipur state,
got a railway link constructed between Jaipur and
Sawai Madhopur. A railway station was built about
4 kilometers away from the Sawai Madhopur town.
Gradually, a small settlement came up around the
railway station. This twin of Sawai Madhopur, known
as “Man Town”, has now outgrown the
older “City”.
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How
to reach Sawai Madhopur ? |
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Air |
The
nearest airport is at Jaipur which connected to
all the major cities which includes Delhi, Mumbai,
Calcutta, Jodhpur.
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Rail |
The nearest railhead is at Ranthambhorer is connected
to many major cities of India. There are daily trains
from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai |
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Bus |
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe from
Jaipur to Ranthambhore. The roads are very good,
and it takes around 4-5 hrs from Jaipur. You can
also come by taxi. |
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| SAWAI
MADHOPUR SIGHT SEEING |
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| Ranthambhor
National Park |
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 The
392 sq. km. Park comprises of dry deciduous forests
sprawling over an undulating terrain of the Aravalli
and Vindhyan ranges .The park is one of the finest
tiger reserve in the coutry under the Project
Tiger. The majestic predators, assured of protection,
roam freely during the day time and can be seen
at close quarters. Ranthambhor sanctuary has a
large number of sambhar, chital. Nilgai, chinkara,
langur , wild boar and peafowl. A system of three
pretty artificial lakes-Padam Talab, Rajbagh and
Milak Talab, alongwith a number of anicuts are
part of the biosphere. Besides enhancing the scenic
beauty of the Park, they are an important source
of water for the inhabitants of the park. While
deer congregate here to drink water,fresh water
crocodiles can be seen basking in the winter sun
to regulate their body temperature. The lake also
attracts a large number of migratory and local
birds. The local fauna of the park includes leopard,
hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sloth bear and a little
population of pythons. The lovely Jogi Mahal overlooking
the pretty Padam Talab at the foot of the fort
has a Forest Rest House. Other accommodation outside
the fort also ensures a comfortable stay.
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| The
Fort |
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 Ranthambhor’s
royal past manifests itself in the well-preserved
imposing fort, built in 994 A.D. atop a steep
high creek 200 metres above sea level. Ruined
pavilions, walls, chhatris and splendid monuments
are interspersed within the majestic fort. An
8th century A.D. Ganesh temple on an open land
attracts thousands of devotees and is the venue
for an annual fair held on. Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi,
fourth day of the bright half, in the month of
Bhadra. |
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SAWAI
MADHOPUR FAIRS & FESTIVALS |
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| Ganesh
Chaturthi |
 The
temple of lord Ganesha at Ranthambore is the venue
for annual fair held on Ganesh Chaturthi, the
birthday of Lord Ganesha in August-September |
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| Kaila
Devi |
 A
colourful fair is held at Kaila Devi in the month
of April-May during Navratras. Millions of devotees
from all over participate in the fair. |
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| Shree
Mahaveerji |
 The
fair is held in village Chandarigaon in memory
of Lord Mahaveerji. It is held from Chaitra Shukla
Navami to Baisakh Drishna Ekam and attracts hundreds
of pilgrims. |
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| Chauth
Mata Temple |
 A
local fair is held at the shrine in honour of
Mother Goddess. |
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| Shivratri
Fair |
 It
is held at Dushmeshwar Mahadeo in village Shivad,
40 kms from Sawai Madhopur. |
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OTHER
USEFUL LINKS |
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Hotels in Sawai Madhopur |
Tour Packages for Sawai Madhopur |
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