Ranthambore; a small hamlet stationed in the neighborhood of Sawai Madhopur Township in North West Rajasthan, is one of the most precious jewel in the golden casket of Rajasthan Tourism. Enclosed by Aravali Hills on one side and VindhyaChal Mountain Ranges on the other, Ranthambore is positioned close to the Thar Desert periphery. Owing to its geographic location, Ranthambore is also entitled with a nick name, ‘Gateway to Thar’. The two hills that adorn the tableland of this region, ‘Ran’ and ‘Thambor’ endow this village with its celebrated title - Ranthambore. The legendary Tiger Reserve of Ranthambore has inscribed its name with golden letters all over the map.

Woodlots bequeathed with opulent flora and fauna, sloping hills, rocky and from time to time sandy smudges, lovely grasslands, picturesque milieu, spectacular landscapes, dazzling lakes, gushing cataracts and mysterious gorges make Ranthambore a perfect and suitable abode for wild beasts and a dream destination for the wild life lovers. Many national and international dignitaries including the ex President of United States - Bill Clinton have visited Ranthambore National Park to witness the royal Bengal tigers in their natural habitat.

Adding to this, Ranthambore has also inherited a rich historical and cultural bequest. It presents an incredible assimilation of plenteous wildlife with the scattered debris of yesteryears basking in the heroic glory of Rajasthani heritage. The ruined forts, wrecks of the pavilions, old fortifications, crumbling and tumbling walls, destroyed chhatris, wells, and other effulgent edifices of Ranthambore Royalty will quench your thirst to savor the taste of sublime antiquity of Regal Rajasthan.

The apperceive history of Ranthambore is dated back to 12th century when Iltutmish, the Delhi Sultan defeated the Chauhan Kings and took over the Fort of Ranthambore. Maharaja Govinda, the grandson of renowned Chauhan King - Prithviraj Chauhan gained the fort back and ruled Ranthambore in 13th century who was later succeeded by King Vagbhatta. The Ranthambore throne changed hands repeatedly between Rajput Emperors and numerous Delhi Sultans who invaded this region several times. The reigns of Ranthambore were also held by the Hada Rajput Kings of Bundi and two of Mughal sovereigns Akbar and Aurangazeb.

In 14th century the royal seat of Ranthambore was included in the dominion of famous Rajput King Rana Kumbha. After his demise, Rana Udai Singh took over who was later defeated by Sultan of Gujarat; Sultan Bahadur Shah. In 17th century, the Ranthambore fort fell into the hands of the Kachwaha Maharajas of Jaipur as it was gifted to Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Alam in 1754 AD. Hereafter, the dominion of Ranthambore was retained by the Jaipur kings until the independence of India.

In the year 1949 Jaipur State joined the independent India and in 1950, it was integrated with the state of Rajasthan. The region acclaimed worldwide as the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve today, earlier furnished as the hunting grounds of Maharajas of Jaipur. The Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II are the noteworthy celebrities that had enjoyed the sport of hunting here. Ranthambore was officially certified a game sanctuary area in 1955. In the year 1972 a Tiger Project was ushered and Ranthambore was anointed to the status of as a tiger reserve. At last, in 1980 the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve was declared a National Park. Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary were incorporated with this national park in 1991 and thus the area of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve got enlarged.

The City of Tigers; ‘Ranthambore’ is recognized for its popular Tiger Reserve and National Park in every corner of the world and held in high esteem for its profuse wildlife. The sanctuary beckons hordes of tourists, both native and overseas, every season as it offers excellent opportunities to spot animals and birds, especially the exceptional Bengal Tigers strolling about freely in their natural dwelling. Particularly developed as a sanctuary area, Ranthambore has today grown as a favorite tourist’s destination of India.

Other than sighting the rare Bengal Tigers from your Jeep Safari and clicking photographs in excitement, tourists can also buy souvenirs and take them home as a reminder of their visit. Exclusive Rajasthani articles that you can shop from Ranthambore include Bandhani, Batik and Embroidered Fabrics, Turbans, Traditional Silver Jewellery, Rajasthani Mirror Work, Ranthambore Style Paintings, Rajasthani Puppets, Bed and Cushion Covers, Mementos and Souvenirs, T- shirts, Postcards, Greeting Cards all with the images of tigers and other wildlife, etc.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in the month of August or September every year marking the birth of Lord Ganesh represents the major segment of Ranthambore culture. This ten days festival jubilated with much pomp and zest bids thousands of devotees together with the enthusiastic tourists to arrive here. The renowned Ganesh Temple of Ranthambore placed in the fort serves as the venue of Ganesh Festival. Bhajanas, songs and prayers recited in the praise and glory of Lord Ganesh fill the ambiance of the temple. Other festivities like Holi (February-March), Saraswathi Puja (October-November), and Diwali (October) also comprise the moiety of Ranthambore Culture.