Moving on from the desert kingdom of Jodhpur, on the 3rd day of the royal retreat on-board Palace on Wheels, you will be in Sawai Madhopur at 05.30 hrs, early morning. Enter the Ranthambore National Park with the adjoining Aravali and the Vindhya ranges and indulge in wildlife viewing. Your excitement is bound to rise, as you get ready to visit another royal dignitary in his kingdom. This is followed by breakfast at the Castle Jhoomar Baori. Sawai Madhopur is a historical city, known for housing the very well-known Ranthambore national park and a number of other attractions. This town is also popular for its good-quality guavas, fondly called ‘Madhopur guavas’ in the state.Area: 5042.99 sq km
Founded by: Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur
Founded in: 1756
Location: Around 146 km north-east of Jaipur
How to Reach
By Air: Jaipur railway station
By Rail: Sawai Madhopur railway station
By Road: Jaipur (146 km), Delhi (376 km), Agra (259 km), Ajmer (263 km), Jodhpur (437 km), Udaipur (387 km) and Gwalior (279 km)
Best time to Visit: October to May
Languages Spoken: Rajasthani and Hindi
Famous Delicacies: Daal Baati Churma, Samosa, Kachori, Dhaniya aaloo Mangodi, Mirchi vada, Kandhey ki subzi
History
The town of Sawai Madhopur lies around 147 km north-eastwards of Jaipur, adjacent to the Vindhyas and Aravali hill ranges. Sawai Madho Singh-I of Jaipur founded this town in 1765 AD. Sawai Madhopur is known for being a historic town, which houses an exotic variety of flora and fauna. After Mughal conquest, a lot of changes came into the state. Finally, the grandson of Prithiraj Chauhan, Govinda made Ranthambore his capital and he reigned in the form of a feudatory of the Sultan of Delhi. Later, when Iltutmish died, Vagbhatta encircled the Ranthambhor fort. He ruled the area of over 12 Years by indulging in continuous battles against the Sultanate. This was followed by the rule of Rao Hamir, a popular figure. Finally, in the mid-15th century, Rana Kumbh established his ruler over the Ranthambhor Fort. After Aurangzeb died, the fort was captured by the rulers of Jaipur.
