Sawai Madhopur is a gateway to the well known Ranthambhore National Park and the larger tiger sanctuary. The park’s wildlife is diverse, with species ranging from rare and exotic birds to the main attraction here: the endangered Inidan tiger. In addition to the park, Ranthambhore Fort is the other main drawcard; while there are numerous temples of interest in the city to visit as well.

Jogi Mahal
The legendary palace known as the Jogi Mahal is located in a magical jungle setting, and is situated next to an immense banyan tree that has a girth of more than 9 metres. The large lovely lake called the Padam Talao, is dotted with white and pink water lilies, and rests in front of the palace.

Khandar Fort
Located approximately 40 kilmetres from Sawai Madhopur, the Khandar fort is quite a popular attraction for area visitors. Since its construction in medieval times, and owing to its defensive location atop a steep hill, Khandar Fort was never successfully attacked and came to be known as invincible. For many years, the fort was under the rule of the Sisodia kings of Mewar, until Mughals took control. In the 18^th century, power changed hands once again, with the beginning of the reign of the Maharajas of Jaipur. A number of attractive historic monuments are located within the fort. For example, the Hanuman Temple houses a large image of Lord Hanuman carved out of a single rock; and the old Jain Temple houses images of Jain gurus also carved out of stone.

Ranthambhore Fort
Ramthambhore Fort is central to the history of the city. Although no one is certain of the date the fort was built, it withstood attacks over the centuries and still stands today. Both the strength of the construction and the fort’s inaccessibility made it impossible for rulers of ancient and medieval India to conquer Ranthambhore. When you visit, you will see remnants of architectural monuments that reflect the character of ancient Indian culture. Inside the fort you’ll find a number of places of particular interest: the Ganesh Temple, Mahadeo Chhatri, Sameton Ki Haveli, Toran Dwar and the 32-pillared Chhatri.

Ranthambhore National Park
This famous wildlife preserve is part of the even larger Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. On the eastern edge of the park, the Chambal river forms a natural boundary; and to the northeast the boundary is formed by a tributary known as the Banas river. Other wildlife preserves surrounding Ranthambhore include: the Keladevi Sanctuary, which is also a part of the larger tiger reserve just across the Banas river and the Sawai Man Singh located just to the south of Ranthambhore Park.

Up until the mid 20^th century, the park was the property of the Maharaja of Jaipur and was his private hunting ground. Soon after India gained independence, the park was nationalised. In 1972, Project Tiger was launched; and Ranthambhore was one of the original nine parks involved in the effort to protect the Indian tiger species. This park is one of the highlights of a visit to the area, and safaris can be arranged through hotels, travel agents – and independent operators.

Surwal Lake
Bird-watchers especially enjoy this lake, which attracts flocks of many types of water birds. You can see cranes, ducks, greylag geese and spoonbills here – but only in season, as the lake dries up during the dry summer months.

Although it is a relatively small city by Indian standards, Sawai Madhopur offers visitors many things to do – some of which are found outside the urban area. The world famous tiger park and the lovely hills that surround the city are perfect places to be on the lookout for the many splendid varieties of birds and wildlife making their home here.

Enjoy a polo match: polo is known as the ‘sport of kings’ and in Rajasthan it is a way of life. Some of India’s best horsemen and polo players hail from Rajasthan. If you are interested in taking in a match while you’re here, check the local newspapers for listings – or check with the staff at your hotel.

Go bird-watching: all around the area and most particularly in the hills around Sawai Madhopur and in Ranthambhore Park, there is an amazing array of bird life. There is the famous tailorbird that weaves its nest as if it were a tailor; and eagles, paradise birds, parrots and tiger birds – as well as one of the world’s avian beauties - the peacock.

Join a safari: although private cars aren’t allowed inside Ranthambhore Park, joining a safari is easily arranged in Sawai Madhopur; or if you’re staying at one of the area’s many resorts, you can visit the park in one of the jeeps they’ll arrange for you. Typically, 3-hour trips set out from the Forest Department every morning and afternoon, along four different trails. The apex predator is commonly spotted here, but there are plenty of other species that you may encounter, including bears, hyenas, langurs, pythons, sambhar, sloths, wild boar - and sometimes even a rare jungle cat.

Travel in luxury on the Palace on Wheels: one of the finest luxury rail experiences available today crosses North India on a journey from Rajasthan to Delhi while stopping at a number of the country’s most notable attractions along the way. Sawai Madhopur is on the itinerary, and is the closest station to Ranthambore National Park.

Visit a spa: there is a new luxury jungle resort here that boasts a world class spa – the first of its kind in India. In fact Oberoi Vanyavilas is hidden away amid flowering and fruit-bearing trees, providing for solitude as well as revitalisation at the edge of a splendid lake.