5 Things To Do In Sawai Madhopur

Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan is a small city of many wonders. Mostly covered in dense deciduous forests, rolling green hills with a vast bio-diversity and a sanctuary of abundant wildlife, the city is alive with adventure and thrills. The ancient forts add to the old world charm and have many untold stories to unravel.

Some of the exciting things to do while you are there are:

1. Forest Safari

A jeep safari through the Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest attractions for the tourists. The eerie silence of the jungle broken now and then by the call of a wild animal makes for a thrilling experience. Being one of the biggest tiger reserves of India, one can observe the tigers unrestrained in their natural habitat.

You can take a ride on the 20-seater Canter or the 6-seater Jeep. Booking can be done at the hotel you are staying in and also directly from the park authorities. An early morning safari provides you the best opportunity to see the animals near Padam Talao, especially to see the very elusive Chinkara.

2. Bird Watching

Due to the lush vegetation cover and numerous lakes and ponds, Sawai Madhopur is a haven for a large number of birds. More than 300 species of birds have been spotted till date. Many of the birds migrate to the city during the summer and the winter months. The shallow waters and serene surroundings of the Surwal Lake attract birds to flock in abundance along its banks. Apart from the long-legged pelicans, falcons, geese, ducks, herons and robins, the white-breasted kingfisher stands out as a beautiful bird to watch.
The Forts of Ranthambore and Khandar also provide a magnificent view of the eagles and vultures soaring at eye-level on the terrace.

3. A Walk Through The Past

The rich history of the Rajasthan Monarchy is clearly visible from the grandeur of its numerous forts. A walk through the Ranthambore Fort and the Khandar Fort with their high archways, long corridors, ornate pillars and latticed windows are a mark left by the ancient Maharajas who ruled Rajasthan in the past. Jogi Mahal, the tourist rest house inside Ranthambore National Park also has a historic significance, being the hunting headquarters of the Maharajas of the bygone era. The Raj Bagh ruins lying inside the national park are a clear sign of a past civilization that thrived in this area.

4. Shopping

No vacation is complete unless you take home some memorabilia from the places you visit. Rajasthan is famous for its unique bulky ornaments and handicrafts, which are skillfully hand-made by the local artists. There are a large number of local shops in Sawai Madhopur where you can buy a handful of items unique to the place. Topping the charts is the Dhonk, a quaint shop tucked away on the side of a street that helps the local people to earn a living by selling the handicrafts they make. Among the items on sale are Rajasthani fabric, hand-crafted wicker baskets and show-pieces carved in wood. The shops in the area also sell small wooden carvings and other memorabilia representing and promoting the Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary.

5. Adventure Park

Over and above the thrills of wildlife, Sawai Madhopur also has its own adventure park! The Wild Dragon Adventure Park is a popular destination for tourists visiting the place. Situated near the Ranthambore National Park, the sprawling campus of the colorful park features more than 16 types of outdoor adventure sports. The landscape dotted with beautifully manicured gardens is a treat to the eyes. Get your adrenalines flowing with the Water Ball, warrior bull, Zorbing or bungee jump. The eerie scares and thrills of the Horror House make for a heart-stopping experience.

If you are an outdoor person, Sawai Madhopur is surely the place for you to visit. Make sure you are carrying a pair of binoculars to this vacation as the place has ample amounts of stunning views that is bound to leave some everlasting memories!