Located in the hills of eastern Rajasthan northeast of Jaipur, the city of Sawai Madhopur provides visitors a hub for regional exploration and in particular, trips into the Ranthambhore National Park. In fact the two major attractions here are the Ranthambhore Fort and the National Park. If you’re lucky, you might spot one of quite a few of the majestic tigers roaming through the park’s vast wilderness area.

The lovely rolling hills of Aravallis and Vindhayas surrounding Sawai Madhopur create an attractive pleasant atmosphere that extends into the small city itself. Either before or after a trip to the fort and the national park, some time exploring the city centre will be well spent – particularly in exploring the shops and markets. Sawai Madhopur and the neighbouring communities are well known for their ethnic bandhani and lahariya block printed designs on textiles, as well as for antique furniture, wood and metal handicrafts, carpets and exquisite silver jewellery.

The settlement that is known today as Sawai Madhopur dates to 1765 - the year it was established by Sawai Madho Singh I. Earlier history of this area can be traced back to the time of Muslim rulers, and is characterised by great political unrest and constant shifts of power. Major events of that time includes the fall of Prithviraj Chauhan and the disappearance of several Chauhan kingdoms, and is marked by the constant battles that raged across all of Rajasthan. It was the grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan, Govinda, who established rule in the 13^th century, and founded the feudal territory eventually to be known as Sawai Madhopur.

After Govinda’s death, Vagabhatta seized control of Ranthambhore Fort and ruled it for 12 years while battling frequently with the region’s sultans. The Sawai Madhopur throne saw many changes in leaders, until Sawai Madho Singh I finally restored order and stability, and brought prosperity to the settlement in the mid 18^th century. It was in 1754 that the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam relinquished control of the fort to Sawai Madho Singh; while the surrounding hills became dedicated hunting grounds for the Maharajah. Eventually, the royal grounds were nationalised as the Ranthambhore National Park; and in 1960 Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh were guests of the Maharajah at a royal hunting party.

Sawai Madhopur’s climate is considered semi-arid to arid; and it is actually one of the driest parts of northern India. The weather in summer is typically very hot and dry: average daytime temperatures are around 41°C, with highs soaring to above 47°C. The lowest temperatures you’ll encounter during the summer months will rarely fall below 35°C. Fortunately, evenings are typically quite a bit cooler, also making the months of April through July somewhat more tolerable.

In contrast, the weather in winter tends to be quite cold, with lows of 8°C being quite common, and highs making it up to 20-24°C. Frost on the ground in the morning after a cold winter night is not uncommon. Sawai Madhopur’s rainy season occurs during July and August, when significant rain does fall, filling up reservoirs around the area. The best time to visit is between October and March, when climatic conditions are at their most pleasant.