EXCURSIONS :: CULTURE

Ranthambhore is dotted with ancient ruins, some which date back to over 1000 years ago. Some of the most prominent of these are the Ranthambhore and Khandar fort, the ancient temples at Rameshwaram ghat, the old tantric temple of Kalaji Goraji and even the old city of Sawai Madhopur. A visit to the local villages, which offers an insight into the life of the rural folks, can be very interesting.

Ranthambhore Fort

This is a 1000-year-old fort at the periphery of the National Park, with a spectacular combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The base of the fort is a very good place for bird watching and you can see Parakeets, Doves, Fly-catchers, Peacocks etc, along with a large horde of monkeys. This is also the best place to see the Painted Spurfowl. A climb to the Ganesh temple on top offers great views of the park¹s landscape.

Dastakari Kendra

Dastkari Kendra is a local NGO working with village women, creating alternate means of income by encouraging the local crafts. It is a good place to shop for local crafts, art and clothes. You have a colourful choice of Kurtis, skirts, patchwork quilts, black pottery and tie-and-dye attire. The really great thing about this place is that the profits go directly to the local village women.

Khandar Fort

The ruins of this majestic, historic fort are located on the outskirts of the Ranthambhore National Park. Some of the most interesting areas of the National Park lie close to the Khandar Fort. On route there are some very interesting landscapes, temples and villages.