We (me and Minal, my wife) did this trip in first week of April 2013.
Itinerary
• Thursday, April 11, 2013 : Reach Sawai Madhopur Jn @ 11:20am from for PUNE JAIPUR EXP , Evening safari to Ranthambore National Park
• Friday, April 12, 2013 : Morning safari to Ranthambore National Park, Fort and Temple Visit, Evening safari to Ranthambore National Park
• Saturday, April 13, 2013 : Shopping Sawai Madhopur Jn @ 11.35 am for PUNE JAIPUR EXP
April is hot in Rajasthan, that’s why we ware little concern about this trip. But I was able to convince ourselves giving the reason that, this is the time which will increase our chances to see big cat. But let me tell you we were not lucky enough to spot any tiger! Though the trip was good and overall nice experience.
National Park is around 11 km away from Sawai Madhopur railway station. We booked RTDC resort Jhoomar Baori. It got amazing location as it on the little hill right inside that national park. So don’t be surprise if you spot a Sambar dear or Nilgai right next to your hotel window! I believe you could spot much more than this if you are lucky.
Its 3 story property and as its old structure it got no lift and very narrow passage to go upstairs. View from top of the hotel is amazing in day and in night also. All rooms at top flower got good view but balconies are very tine. I stayed at Room 302.
It is owned by government, that’s the reason it is affordable but you need to compromise with service! Though I have no reason to complain about the staff. They are very happy to help nature. Food quality is basic but fresh. Actually we found they have same test of curry for chicken, usually tomato flavor!
I have booked the safari ride in advance from RTDC website. Once reach in hotel I got to pay some extra fees per ticket to agent to collect ticket from RTDC center. I book all petrol canter rides. Its little burning in afternoon as it is open bus type vehicle but nice experience.
National park is divided into different zones. I visited the zone 1 2 and 3. Zone 2 is amazing as it got the couple of lake and amazing view of Jogi Mahal. The jungle is very alive as there are so much activity happening all around you, you just need to keep open eye. There is no lack of Sambar dear or Nilgai. Also seeing Ostentation of peacocks is wonderful experience. We also spotted few crocodiles for very nearby. It also got many verities of birds.
Ranthambore Fort and Ganesh Temple Visit
Fort is in the national park and it is the netreance point to few of the zones. We get down at the base of the fort after morning safari to zone 3. It was 10 am in the clock. Weather is not ho hot until then and we start the climbing. Little 20 minutes’ walk will take you to the fort. There are few thing you can cover in couples of hours inside the fort. Entire fort is big and mostly unexplored by tourist. You may find many pictures ancients’ structures while walk. At the end you reached the Ganesh temple. Hundreds of Gray langurs are already there to welcome you at temple.
Amareshwar Mahadeo Temple
It got a nice all season flowing water fall, dripping on the Shivling. I am sure it must be heaven in the rainy season. It’s on the way to Ranthambore National Park, turn right after RTDC Hotel Vinayak (you going from Vinayak to National Park). Just couple of km inside the road. Little track and you are there.
