Tourist Attraction of Sawai Madhopur
About 180 kms. to north-east of Jaipur, along the rolling hills of Vindhyas and Aravali ranges lies the town of Sawai Madhopur. The town founded in 1765 AD was named after its founder Sawai Madho Singh-I of Jaipur.Today Sawai Madhopur is known for Ranthambhor, a Wildlife reserve and a place of historical importance.
The Muslim conquest brought about major changes in the political map of northern India. In Rajasthan, the Chauhan kingdoms of sapadalaksa and Nodal dis-appeared, Govinda the grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan established himself at Ranthambhore and ruled as feudatory of the Sultan of Delhi. Following disturbances after the death of Iltutmish, Vagbhatta besieged the fort of Ranthambhor. He then ruled from here for 12 Years waging continuous battles against the Sultanate. Rao Hamir was yet another figure who carved a niche for himself. In the annals, it is only now and then do we come across men of such heroism.Rana Kumbha captured the Ranthambhor Fort the middle of the 15th century. After the death of Aurangzeb, the fort was taken over by the rulers of Jaipur.
Ranthambore National Park :- It is one of the largest national parks in India. It is situated around 11 km away from the city of Sawai Madhopur. It was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 by the Government of India, and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973.
Ranthambore became a national park in 1980. In 1984, the adjacent forests were declared the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary, and in 1991 the tiger reserve was enlarged to include Sawai Man Singh and Keladevi sanctuaries.
Ranthambore Fort :- The history of Sawai Madhopur revolves around the Ramthambhor fort. Surrounded by Vindhyas and Aravalis, amidst vast and arid denuded tracts of Rajasthan, lies the oasis of biomass in an ecological desert, the Great Ranthambhor. No one knows when this fort was built.
The strength and inaccessibility of the fort was a challenge to the ambitions of the rulers of the ancient and medieval India, particularly those of Delhi and Agra. The eminent ruler of the fort was Rao Hamir who ruled around 1296 AD.
History relates that none of the rulers had a peaceful spell in spite of its strong geographical strength. Remnants of marvelous architectural monuments, ponds and lakes enlighten avid lover of the subject. The soul of this great fort inspires patriotism, valour and love. Every part reflects the ancient character of Indian culture and philosophy. There are various places of historical interest inside the fort namely Toran Dwar, Mahadeo Chhatri, Sameton Ki Haveli, 32 pillared Chhatri, Mosque and the Ganesh Temple.
Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History :- Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History Sawai Madhopur,Rajasthan was done by:Shri.M.Hamid Ansari Hon'ble Vice President of India on Date:23 December 2007.
The Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History, Sawai Madhopur is conceived to be an informal center for environmental education and creation of public awareness on conservation of nature and natural resources. The museum proposes to undertake the task of communication and creating public awareness through the potential medium of exhibits and educational activities.It would provide an understanding of the diversity of life on earth, the factors responsible for their well being,man's dependence upon nature and the necessity to maintain our ecological heritage free from damage and destruction to ensure sustainable development, with special emphasis on the Western Arid region of India.
Shilpgram :- It is the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex.The Rural Arts and Crafts Complex is conceived as a living ethnographic museum to depict the lifestyles of the folk and tribal people of the West Zone. Within this complex, huts of the member states are constructed incorporating traditional architectural features of different geographical and ethnic groups residing within the West Zone of India comprising five Federal States.
One of the important objectives of Shilpgram is in the sphere of increasing awareness and knowledge of rural life and crafts, specifically, for the younger generation. Special emphasis is laid on workshops for children on arts, crafts, theatre and music.
Transportation.
Ranthambhor Ganesh Temple :- Ganesha Temple is major attraction of the Sawai Madhopur, thousands of people come from every corner of the country come over here, and seek blessings from the Lord for happiness and prosperity. One interesting aspect is the mail that is sent to Lord Ganesha consisting mainly of wedding invitations. A fair is held on Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi over here.Ganesh Chaturthi Fair is the largest fair of Sawai Madhopur. It is organised on Bhadav Shukla Chaturthi at Ganesh Temple , Ranthambhore Fort. This is very popular fair in Rajasthan. People of Rajasthan and outside Rajasthan visit for this fair. Every year 3-4 lacs devotees participates in this fair. This fair is organised for three days.
Amareshwar Mahadev Temple :- On the way to Ranthambhor National Park, nestled amidst the high hills is the sacred Amareshwar Mahadeo temple. This is a famous picnic spot in Sawai Madhopur.
Rameshwaram Dham :- 60 kms. from Sawai Madhopur on the onfluence of Banas and Chambal river is Rameshwaram. It has a beautiful Shiva temple where a fair is held annually on Shiv Ratri.
Chamatkar Temple :- The ChamatkarJi Temple Situated on the main road railway station to Sawai Madhopur city . This temple is famous for many miracles. The name ChamatkarJi means the deity who performs miracles. A fair is held here on 'Sarad Poornima' every year.
Kala-Gaura Bhairwa Temple :- On the right side of the city gate touching the heights of mountains lies a 'Tantrik' of Bhairava. Big elephants with raised tusks on its gate. Main attractions are the Kala-Gaura Bhairvas dressedin 'Tamasi' and 'Rajsi' styles respectively.
Khandar Fort :- Khandar fort is the fort of Taragarh of nmedieval times, it lies 40 Km. of Sawai Madhopur. There are no evidences regarding the construction of the fort but one thing is certain that the fort was at its peak in the 12th century.
It has been constructed on the basis of ancient Indian architectural standards. By virtue of its situation on the vertical high hill it was difficult for the enemy to attack the fort,so it has been termed as an invincible fort.
ChouthMata Temple :- 25 kms. from Sawai Madhopur and situated on a hill near Chauth Ka Barwara town is the famous temple of Mother Goddess. It is a very famous temple.
Shiwad Temple :- Shiwad Temple is known for the Ghushmeshwar Mahadeo temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thousands of people come here to seek blessings of Lord Shiva for prosperity. An imposing fort perched on a small hill is an added attraction of the place.
Fairs & Festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi Fair :- Ganesh Chaturthi Fair is the largest fair of Sawai Madhopur. It is organised on Bhadav Shukla Chaturthi at Ganesh Temple , Ranthambhore Fort. This is very popular fair in Rajasthan. People of Rajasthan and outside Rajasthan visit for this fair. Every year 3-4 lacs devotees participates in this fair. This fair is organised for three days.
Chauth Mata Fair :- Chauth Mata Temple is about 25 Km. from the Sawai Madhopur city in Chauth Ka Barawara town. This fair is organised on Magh Krishna Chaturthi . Lacs of People around Rajasthan and other states visit here for this Fair.
Shiv Ratri Fair ;- The Famous Dwadash (12th) Jotirling "Ghushmeshwar Mahadev" is 3 Km. from Iserda Railway Station on Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur Train Route in Shiwar Town. Thousands 0f people come here to seek blessings of Lord Shiva for prosperity in this fair.
Rameshwar Dham ;- The Rameshwaram Temple is 60 kms. from Sawai Madhopur on the onfluence of Banas and Chambal river . It has a beautiful Shiva temple where a fair is held annually on Shiv Ratri. Lacs of People Rajasthan and M.P. visit here for this Fair.
KalyanJi Fair :- Every year besakh shukla puranmasi this fair is organised at Gangapur City. This fair is organised for Seven days. Thousands of people join this fair.
Transportation :-
Air :- Jaipur at 180 km is the nearest airport from Sawai Madhopur.
Rail :- Sawai Madhopur Junction is located on the Delhi to Mumbai trunk route. This is by far the best way of reaching the place from Delhi, Jaipur or Kota.
The city is a halt for many trains, including Jaipur – Indore Super Fast, Dayodaya Express (Jaipur – Jabalpur Express), Jodhpur – Indore Intercity, Hazrat Nizamuddin – Indore Express, Marusagar Express (Ajmer – Ernakulam Express / Ernakulam Express), Jaipur – Mysore Express, Jaipur – Chennai Express, Jaipur – Coimbatore Express, Jodhpur – Puri Express, Jodhpur – Bhopal Express, Jodhpur – Indore Intercity, and the August Kranti Rajdhani Express.
The Jaipur – Indore Super Fast connects Sawai Madhopur to major city of Madhya Pradesh, Indore Junction. There is also a Jan Shatabdi Express train, from Sawai Madhopur to national capital Delhi. The other includes Kota – Hanumangarh Express, Sawai Madhopur-Mathura Passenger, Jaipur-Bayana Passenger. Kota – Patna Express connects Sawai Madhopur and Patna cities via Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow and Varanasi.
The luxury trains – The Palace on Wheels, The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Maharajas' Express, The Indian Maharaja also make a scheduled stop at Sawai Madhopur on their eight-day round trip of tourist destinations.
Roads :- Sawai Madhopur is well connected with neighboring districts and with major cities outside the state. NH-116 (Tonk-Sawai Madhopur ) and Kota-Lalsot Mega Highway passes through the city.
Intra-city Transport :- City Buses, Tempo and autos are available for traveling within the Sawai Madhopur city and to travel nearby tourist sports such as Ranthambore National Park and Ranthambore Fort Jeeps, Canter and Gypsy are available.