About Ranthambore Fort
Rajasthan is one of the most historically significant places in India, and there are several forts, such as the Ranthambore Fort, that bear testimony to their glorious rule. In fact, Ranthambore Fort is one of the oldest, most magnificent and most representative forts made by the Rajputs in all of Rajasthan. Built during the 12th century by the royal Chauhan family, this fort is also a World Heritage Site, as declared by UNESCO. If you want to experience the true essence and history of Rajasthan, you must visit Ranthambore and the Fort that is the city’s crowning glory.
The Ranthambore Fort stands on the skyline of the Ranthambore National Park, looking over the settlements and surrounding landscape underneath and offering some of the most breathtaking views from its ramparts. You can also see the dense foliage and grasslands of the Ranthambore National Park from the fort, which is another reason tourists flock to the fort from all parts of the country.
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The Ranthambore Fort is also a marvelous specimen of Rajput architecture. The fort is surrounded with large stone walls, stone steps, pillars and large domes which make the fort appear majestic. Due to the proximity of the National Park and wildlife reserve, you might also find birds, monkeys and even peacocks in the fort complex. Ranthambore Fort is the perfect place to go sightseeing, trekking, hiking or nature-walking when you are in Rajasthan.
Location: Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001
Timings: 6 am–6 pm
Entry Fees: Rs. 15 – per person for adults /Rs. 10 per person for children
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How To Reach Ranthambore Fort
Ranthambore Fort is a very popular tourist attraction in Rajasthan. It is located 17km away from the main town of Sawai Madhopur, which also means it is very accessible. You can travel to the fort by road, railway and air:
By Road: There is a well-connected bus service to and from Ranthambore which can take you directly to Ranthambore Fort. State-run buses connect all the major cities and towns in and around Rajasthan.
By Train: The nearest railway station is located at Sawai Madhopur, which is 10km away from the Ranthambore Fort. Several trains from all the major cities nearby stop at frequent intervals at the station.
By Air: The nearest airport is the Sanganer Airport in Jaipur, where flights come in from all parts of the country and from the world. Jaipur is located 157km away from Ranthambore Fort, which can be accessed by buses and hired cars.
Best Time To Visit Ranthambore Fort
The best time to visit Ranthambore Fort, and Rajasthan in general, is between the months of October and February. This is the winter season in the area and is the most pleasant time to go sightseeing, trekking, hiking and touring in Rajasthan. The state, being a desert area, can get scorching during the summer, making your travels uncomfortable and exhausting.
Ranthambore Fort Other Essential Information
- Location: Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001
- Price: INR 10 for children, INR 15 for adults.
- Timing: Sunday to Thursday (6:00 am – 6:00 pm), Friday to Saturday (5:00 am – 10 pm)
History of Ranthambore Fort
The Ranthambore Fort is one of the oldest and most historically significant forts in Rajasthan. Due to its location, it acted as a prime trade link between North and Central India and was captured and fortified by many rulers through centuries since its construction.
The actual date of construction of the fort is unconfirmed. However, many believe that construction was started in the 8th century by King Jayant, the Chauhan ruler. The fort was completed sometime in the early 1100s.
Since then, the fort has been attacked and fortified by many rulers, including Prithviraj Chauhan I, Muhammad Ghori, Prithviraj Chauhan III, Iltutmish, Sultan Balban and also the emperor of the Delhi Sultanate- Alauddin Khilji. The fort was finally conquered by the Mughal ruler- Akbar in 1558 and it remained under the control of the Mughals till the middle of the 18th century.
In 1763, after the influence of the Mughal empire started to diminish, the Rajput ruler Sawai Madho Singh attempted to capture the fort unsuccessfully, and instead fortified a village called Sherpur near the fort and renamed it Sawai Madhopur.
He was then the ruler of the Jaipur state and after creating Sawai Madhopur, he was eventually granted control of the Ranthambore Fort by the Mughal ruler. Sawai Man Singh built a railway line between the cities of Jaipur and Sawai Madhopur during the reign of the British over India. This railway station has since expanded to become the primary access point to Ranthambore Fort.
Architecture of Ranthambore Fort
The intricate, detailed and unique architecture of the Ranthambore Fort is one of the most attractive features about this place. The fact that the stones and bricks with which the fort has been constructed has withstood the test of time and survived so many centuries is proof of the wonderful Rajput architecture.
The entire structure is located on a jagged hilltop in the Ranthambore National Park and there are 7 gates that lead to the inside of the fort. These gates are called Navlakha Pol, Suraj Pol, Satpol, Andheri Pol, Delhi Pol, Hathi Pol and Ganesh Pol. There is also a Hammir Kaccheri inside the fort, which is unique because of the three distinct chambers.
Inside the fort, you can find other, smaller structures that have been constructed by various rulers during their reign over Ranthambore Fort. For example, you can see a small palace called Hammir Palace as well as a structure called Battis Khamba Chhatri, which is a building with three storeys and several balconies.
An important historical attraction inside the fort premises is the central hall, which has 84 pillars and is 61 metres high. Devotees also flock to an intricately constructed Ganesh Temple inside the fort, where letters to the deity are said to be answered.
Places to Eat Near Ranthambore Fort
There are many fine-dining as well as casual dining options near Ranthambore Fort. Here are some of the best places you can eat in when you are in the area:
1. Indian Spice Family Restaurant- The Indian Spice Family Restaurant in Sawai Madhopur serves Indian, Thai and Asian cuisine at some of the best prices. Apart from their delicious food, the restaurant is also known for their cosy setting with incredible views of the sprawling surrounding and wilderness.
2. The Dining Room- If you are looking for a mid-level fine dining experience, then you must eat at The Dining Room on Ranthambore National Park Road. They serve an incredible range of dishes from Indian and Asian cuisines and have some of the friendliest staff, for an even more homely experience.
3. The Oberoi Vanyavilas- If you are searching for the ultimate fine-dining experience, you should definitely dine at the Oberoi Vanyavilas. It is one of the most beautiful hotels and properties in all of Rajasthan. With views of the National Park from their restaurants and bougainvillaea trees lining the property, this is an eating experience that is at par with visiting the Ranthambore Fort itself.
Traveller’s tips Before Visiting Ranthambore Fort
Listed below are a few tips that can make your trip to Ranthambore Fort rewarding, convenient and memorable:
1. Wearing comfortable clothes when you are visiting Ranthambore Fort is an absolute must. Even if you are visiting during winter, the heat can get overbearing and you need to wear soft, comfortable and breathable clothes to not feel stuffy.
2. You should also carry warm clothes like jackets and woollens because it can get quite cold in the evenings, especially if you are planning a day-long trip.
3. You will probably spend a lot of time roaming the fort premises and exploring the adjoining National Park, which is why you should also carry your own supply of water and snacks.
4. If you are planning to go on a safari or a guided tour of the area, make sure you check the availability, opening and closing times of the fort and other related logistics from beforehand.
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Ranthambore Fort FAQs
Who built the Ranthambore Fort?
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The rule of the Chauhans ended in 1301 when the fort was captured by Alauddin Khilji of the Delhi Sultanate. After the fort was recaptured by the Mughal ruler Akbar in 1558, it stayed under Mughal jurisdiction till the 18th century, when it was reclaimed by the Rajput ruler Sawai Madho Singh in 1765. It has since been looked after by his descendants.
