Ranthambore Fort
At the heart of the Ranthambore National Park is Ranthambore Fort, one of the oldest forts in India. Constructed in the year 944 AD, the fort situated on a hilltop offers possibly the best views of the tiger reserve. Bring along your binoculars to observe the activities of the animals from a distance. The circumference of Ranthambore Fort spans seven kilometres, and the fabulous quality of craftsmanship and interiors is sure to leave you transfixed.
Although built by a Chauhan warlord, Akbar, the famous Mughal emperor is said to have stayed in the fort as well. The fort is recognised as a World Heritage Site, and remains one of the most popular attractions in Ranthambore. The seven humongous gateways still stand to this day, and the crumbling ruins of Badal Mahal to the north is a sight to behold. However, the Trinetra Ganesh Temple inside the fort is what draws locals and tourists alike.
Ranthambore Park
Seeing a tiger (around 60 to 67 in 2018) is partly a matter of luck; leave time for two or three safaris to improve your chances. But remember there’s plenty of other wildlife to see, including more than 300 species of birds. It’s 10km from Sawai Madhopur (the gateway town for Ranthambhore) to the first gate of the park, and another 3km to the main gate and Ranthambhore Fort.
Padam Talao
The largest of the three lakes in the park, Padam Talao gets its name from the large number of lotuses. Being one of the major watering holes of Ranthambore National Park, wild animals visit it during dusk and dawn. The legendary guesthouse Jogi Mahal lies on the lake’s fringes, and makes for frame-worthy photographs. The Jogi Mahal is said to be home to India’s second largest Banyan tree, which has been in existence for a staggering six centuries!
Originally constructed as one of the hunting lodges for the royal family of Jaipur, the forest guesthouse is now shut down and is swamped by neighbouring vegetation. To spot the rare Chinkara near the watering hole is an unforgettable experience. For wildlife lovers, the Padam Talao proffers the best of opportunities to observe the inhabitants of the national park.
Malik Talao
Malik Talao is perhaps the smallest of the major lakes inside Ranthambore National Park. However, it also infested by Indian Marsh Crocodiles and is the place to go to witness the giant reptiles. The lake possesses a highly active ecosystem, where all kinds of birds frequent and is a noted hunting ground for the Kingfishers in the area. Banyan trees dotting the lake’s shore add a touch of serenity.
Raj Bagh Talao
The revered historical ruins of Ranthambore are scattered along the lake, due to which Raj Bagh Talao is considered the most picturesque of all the lakes. The dense vegetation blanketing the area summons a large population of birds and animals for respite from the heat. The Sambar Deer and Egrets are regular visitors, while the area around the lake itself falls under one of the prime tiger spotting areas. Be on your toes while here, the big cats might just be around the bend.
Amreshwar Mahadeo Temple
One of the oldest Shiva temples around, the Amreshwar Mahadeo Temple is thought to be over 1200 years old. The dense vegetation around the temple caused it to be hidden away for a really long time, before it was discovered and turned hugely popular for the Shivarathri fairs held ever since.
