Ranthambhor has a torrid history of battles of valiant and brave warriors. Ruled successively by the Yadavs and Chauhans, Alauddin Khilji and the Mughals, Ranthambhor is alive with memories of its glorious past in its palaces, temples, cenotaphs and numerous ruins.

The Fort of Ranthambhor is reputed to have been built in 944 AD by a brave Chauhan warrior after receiving the blessings of an ascetic. Further additions were mode to it by subsequent rulers. Practically impregnable, it withstood the attacks of such stalwarts as Alauddin Khilji and various Mughals, before succumbing to their attacks. In 1528, it passed into the hands of the Mughals who later gifted it to the Maharaja of Jaipur around the end of the 1 7th century. The surrounding forest tracts became the private hunting grounds of the royal family.

The Ranthambhor Fort is one of the oldest in Rajasthan. Located securely at a vantage point of 250 metres above the forested valley, it is built on an awesome scale. Its massive ramparts, gates and bastions sent a stern message to its enemies. Rao Hamir, the most valiant ruler, is said to have refused to bow his head before Khilji, despite the severe food shortage and lack of other provisions. Though the palace lies in ruins, there are still a few ancient landmarks, the visitor can see.

Located almost centrally in the sprawling fort, the Ganesh temple is still thronged by countless devotees, particularly during the Ganesh Chaturthi fair. An interesting aspect is the arrival of Lord Ganesha's mail from his devotees, which is a daily feature and requires the services of a postman who brings up sacks full of it to the temple.

Jogi Mahal

The entry point to the Park, goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second-largest banyan tree in India. The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Milak Talab are some of the lakes in the area, that attract the tiger population . They have been spotted at the edges of these lakes, and Jogi Mahal itself.

The Badal Mahal
Popularly known as the "Palace of Clouds", this fort's main attraction is its location. To onlooker at first sight it seems that the fort is hanging in space. Another one is the 32-coloumn 'Chattri' of King Hammir housed inside the fort and the three lakes - Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and the Milak Talab that are situated in its vicinity. 

Nestled amongst the sylvan surroundings of the hills around Ranthambhor Park is the Amareshwar Mahadev Temple. A waterfall and the verdant grove also make the trip to the temple ideal for a picnic.

At a distance of 3 km from Sawai Madhopur railway station is the Chamatkar Temple dedicated to the Join Tirthankar, Rishabh Deo.

Situated about 60 km from Sawai Madhopur, at the confluence of the Banas and Chambal rivers, is Rameshwaram,the site of a stately Shiva Temple. The festivities on Shivratri are colourful.

The Bhairon Temple is located atop the hill close to the main entry point of Sawai Madhopur.