Sawai Madhopur or the Tiger City is one of the best places to get close to wildlife. Located between the Aravallis and Vindhaya Range, Sawai Madhopur is famous for its Ranthambore National Park, which is home to the elusive tiger. The jungles are a fine mix of grasslands, hills and dense foliage. Along with a reasonable population of the tiger, sightings of which are infrequent, you cal also view other animals including leopards, wild pigs, nilgais, sambar and chital, as well as a vast variety of birds. What’s even better, the Ranthambore Fort located here affords splendid views of the entire region. Located a quick drive away from Jaipur, a trip to this spectacular location is surely a rejuvenating experience.

• Ranthambhore National Park: One of the largest and the most famous National Parks in northern India, the Ranthambore National Park is a major Project Tiger reserve. The park has an attractive landscape which is watered by the Banas and Chambal rivers. There are several smaller water-bodies within the park too, which are ideal for watching the wildlife. Inhabitants of the park include tiger, leopard, nilgai, dhole, wild pig, sambar and chital and a wide range of birds and reptiles.

• Ranthambhore Fort: A formidable fort built on a hill within the boundaries of the Ranthambhore National Park, the fort can be accessed only on foot. Carry your binoculars while visiting this fort to catch beautiful views of the region around.

• Ganesh Temple: A major attraction in Sawai Madhopur is the Ganesh Temple. Thousands of devotees from all corners of the country visit this temple. The temple also receives a large number of mails, particularly wedding invitations inviting the deity to nuptial ceremonies.

• Chamatkar Temple: A noted temple in the region, it derives its name from the deity, who is said to perform miracles.

• Khandar Fort: An invincible fort in Taragarh near Sawai Madhopur, the fort is almost impregnable and is a marvel of engineering of that era.

• Padam Talab: Located in Ranthambore, this lake is the largest here. It derives its name from the water lilies that grow here.

• Raj Bagh & Raj Bagh Talab: Located close to the Padam Talab, Raj Bagh is ruins of the earlier times. You can view ruins like arches, palace outhouses, domes and steps. Raj Bagh Talab is frequented by birds and animals and is a popular tiger spotting area.

• Malik Talab: This is the smallest lake in Ranthambore and has a substantial population of marsh crocodiles.

• Jogi Mahal: A rest house in the middle of the forest, it provides splendid views of the Padam Talab and is said to house the second largest banyan tree in the country.

While there are no stand-alone restaurants in Ranthambore, the resorts here have their in-house restaurants serving multi-cuisine delicacies. Among high-end restaurants, you should try dining at The Sawai Madhopur Lodge, which serves a variety of snacks, Indian and continental cuisines. The Oberoi Vanyavilas serves Indian and continental food as well as beverages and quick snacks. The dining room at Dev Vilas is rather informal and serves a range of Indian and continental cuisines. More exciting cuisines including barbeque options can be tried at The Tiger Villa, Zaafran Restaurant at Jungle Niwas and Ranthambore Regency. The Pug Mark Resort has a 24-hour café, a multi-cuisine restaurant and an open-air restaurant. Vegetarians can head out to Khem Vilas, which serves home-grown organic vegetables in a range of Indian and Oriental cuisines.

Sawai Madhopur doesn’t have many shopping options but it surely has something for you to choose from. The town is especially known for its bandhani and lahariya fabrics and block printed textiles which are a rage among women. The silver jewelry, antique furniture, wood, metal handicrafts and carpets make good buys out here. Exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes form good memorabilia to take back home. Also available outside the park are a couple of shops selling wildlife memorabilia.