Ranthambhor
- Tonk
 Ranthambhor
: Ranthambhor is a well-known national park in Rajasthan.
Surrounded by the Aravalli and the Vindhya ranges, Ranthambhor
needs very little introduction. Though Sawai Madhopur is the
entry point to Ranthambhor, and is an important town with
its own historicity, but it is latter which is known the world
over. Founded in the 11th century, this fort is one of the
oldest in Rajasthan and was the stronghold of the Yadav kings
in the 8th century and later of the Chauhans from 10th century
onwards. Surrounded by a hill and rising 250 metres above
the forested valleys, the fort has massive ramparts, mighty
gates and bastions all around the hill. It faced several attacks
valiantly and its history proves that it was never taken in
battle by fair means.
One of the most famous places on the fort is the temple of
Lord Ganesha. The most interesting thing about this temple
is that every year thousands of people gather here during
the ganesh Chaturthi to worship at the temple. One interesting
aspect is the mail that is sent to Lord Ganesha consisting
mainly of wedding invitations, the letters are brought up
to the temple in large sacks every day.
Ranthambhor National Park :
Ranthambhor was one of the first few areas to come under Project
Tiger and has continued to be the most successful one. It
is the ideal place to see the Indian tiger in its natural
habitat.
Tonk : Located 96 km from
Jaipur, on the way to Ranthambhor, the quiet little town of
Tonk which was ruled by a tribe of Pathans from Afghanistan.
The focal point of Tonk is the Sunheri Kothi. A fairly ordinary
monument from the outside, the interior is richly ornamented
with stained glass, mirrors, stucco and gilt. Other interesting
buildings are those built to accommodate the British officers.
There is a thriving leather and felt industry in Tonk and
one can pick up some good bargains in the markets here. A
few years back, the Arabic and Persian Research Institute
has been located here.
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