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The Ranthambore Fort has seen quiet
a lot interesting, tragic, happy, glorious and hair- raising
moments during its long history. To elaborate, the Ranthambore
Fort was built during the 8th century by the Chauha s, though
the exact ruler during whose reign the fort was initiated is
difficult to name. The most known ruler of this period was of
Raja Hamir Deva who was crowned King in 1283 A.D. Its strategic
position in central India made it one of the most sought after
fort in the erstwhile era. The fort was attacked by a number of
big powers at different point of time in history. Prominent
among these were Qutub-ud-din (1209), Allaudin Khilji (1301),
Feroz Tughlaq (1325) and Bahadur Shah of Gujarat (1530).
The Ranthambore Fort is situated in the lush greenery of the
Ranthambore National Park atop a hill. The name Ranthambore
draws from the name of the hills - Thanbhore is the hill on
which the fort is situated and Ran is the nearby hill.
For tourists visiting the Ranthambore Fort, it is advisable to
keep
enough time on hand. It is partly because of the reason
that there is no pathway approaching the fort which means that
visitors need to climb up the stairs of the hill to reach it
(around 20 minutes walk). Also, the fort has so much to offer in
terms of attractions that time will fly out without even giving
a slightest of clue of its passage. The other plus point of the
fort is that its location in midst of the wildlife sanctuary
ensures that there is neither any entry fee nor any over anxious
guide to trouble the visitors.
Attraction
Ranthambore Fort
Out of the numerous places to see in Ranthambore, the most
famous one is the Ranthambore fort. Perched on top of a hill,
this fort provides an
amazing
view of the entire park. The only way to reach the fort is to
walk the whole way. Don't forget to carry your binoculars while
visiting the fort. Apart from the breathtaking view, the fort is
an architectural and historical wonder.
Padam Talab
Padam Talab is the largest lake in the Ranthambore National
Park. The lake has been named after the water lilies that grow
in the lake in season. It is a good place to see the wild
animals in the early hours of the morning and just before
sunset.
Kachida Valley
Kachida Valley is located near the outskirts of the park.
Numerous rocky outcrops and low hills make up this place. This
area is famous as it consists of a majority of the Panther
population of the park, along with a good population of beers.
Raj Bagh Talab
The most scenic lake in the park is the Raj Bagh Talab. The
ruins scattered along the edges of the lake add to its
attraction. Numerous animals and birds feeding in the lake are
some of the other attractions of the lake. Apart from being a
favorite haunt of the Sambhar deer, the areas around the Raj
Bagh Talab are also prime tiger spotting areas.
Lakarda & Anantpura
Lakarda & Anantpura lie in the northern and northwestern regions
of the park. It is known as the ideal place for spotting Sloth
Bears.
Raj Bagh
Ruins Located between Padam Talab (lake) and the Raj Bagh Talab,
Raj Bagh ruins are ancient stone structures like arches, palace
outhouses, domes, steps, etc. They serve as a reminder of the
bygone era.
Malik Talab
The smallest lake in
Ranthambore National Park, Malik Talab is an area full of
action. The Malik Talab area is always having a good population
of birds of all kinds. Indian Marsh Crocodiles can also be seen
at the lake.
Jogi Mahal
Jogi Mahal is a rest house in the middle of the forest. It
provides a good view of the Padam Talab and is quite near to the
national park. It is also said to house the second largest
banyan tree in India.
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