One of the well-known cities of Rajasthan, Sawai Madhopur is placed in between the Aravalli ranges and Vindhyachal range and also in between Kota and Bikaner. It is the best place for wildlife lovers as the city is famed for its National park which is known as Ranthambore National Park. Although famous for its tigers, Rathambhor has a rich population of wild animals and birds, which are the main tourist attractions. The towns around Sawai Madhopur are also thick with past remains and are of great tourist attractions; namely, Tonk, Karauli and Mahaveer.
The city was passed on from the Chauhan Rajput King, Govinda to Bagabhatta and then from Rana Kumbha to Akbar and Aurangzeb. Many renovations and beautifications have been done to take care of the various heritage buildings in Sawai Madhopur. Under the rule of Rao Hammir, the last Chauhan ruler, Ranthambore prospered magnificently. In ancient India, this city was called Ranthambore and it was much later that it was named Sawai Madhopur after Maharaja Sawai Madho Singhji I.
During the British rule, Man Singh constructed a railway line between Jaipur and Sawai Madhopur and it became more accessible from a central spot in Rajasthan. Today, we can see that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. So, if you want to know more about Sawai Madhopur, how to reach it, the best time to visit, where to eat and stay, and some useful travel tips.
Here is our comprehensively curated Sawai Madhopur travel guide
Why visit Sawai Madhopur?
If you are a history buff, then Sawai Madhopur might be one of the best places you will visit. You will experience the best of architecture, learn so much more about Indian history, and enjoy the beautiful winter weather. The Ranthambore National Park is also a highlight of this region. Here you can witness abundant species of animals and birds like Nilgai, sloth bears, chital, and more.
Biking, walking, jeep safari, camping, day out, and more are some famous activities you can enjoy at this national park near Sawai Madhopur. There are many heritage sites and buildings that you can visit if you are a history geek. And of course, diving into the rich flavours of Rajasthan with an authentic Rajasthani Thali might be the highlight of your trip to Rajasthan.
How to reach Sawai Madhopur
There is no airport in Ranthambore, therefore, you must take a flight to Jaipur Airport. It is located approx. 176 km away and is connected to major airports in India. The city is well-linked to all prominent places in the country and state and can be easily reached via private bus, taxi, transport buses, etc. The smooth roads make it easy to travel to Sawai Madhopur. To reach Sawai Madhopur by train, the nearest station is Sawai Madhopur. It is well-connected to all the major rail links in the country. You can take a taxi or bus to reach your desired location from the train station.
How to get around Sawai Madhopur
You can take buses and private taxis to move within the city and visit the famous attractions of Sawai Madhopur.
Best time to visit Sawai Madhopur
The climate of this city is majorly on the tropical side and thus, it is really hard for you to see Sawai Madhopur in its full glory in summer. If you are planning a visit, then October to April is the best time to visit Sawai Madhopur. During this time, the temperature remains between 30° C to 4° C. You can come and enjoy Sawai Madhopur as well as a visit to Ranthambore.
Summers are quite harsh and may leave you uncomfortable on a sightseeing tour. The temperature reaches 45°C and gets blistering hot. The rainy season usually starts in July and ends in September. The region faces heavy rainfall during this time and thus, Sawai Madhopur gets fewer tourists.
Places to visit in Sawai Madhopur
Sawai Madhopur is a quaint city and has several magnificent palaces, forts, and temples. Surrounded by Aravalis on one side and Vindhya Ranges on the other, this city boasts rich history and heritage. Plan a visit to Sawai Madhopur and let the charm of this city woo you. To make the most of your time here, check out these popular places to visit in Sawai Madhopur for an enticing holiday -
- Ranthambore Fort
- Padam Talab
- Jogi Mahal
- Trinetra Ganesh Temple
- Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History
- Hammir Palace
- Ranthambore Park
- Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
- Ganesh Temple
Things to do in Sawai Madhopur
Whether you are a history buff, a wildlife enthusiast or a nature lover, there are many things to do in Sawai Madhopur that will enthral you. Enjoy your time in this city and indulge in the following things to make your trip more entertaining. Here are some of the best things to do in Sawai Madhopur -
- Witness abundant wildlife at Ranthambore National Park.
- Offer prayers at Ganesh Temple.
- Admire the beauty of Hammir Palace.
- Enjoy jeep safari at Ranthambore.
- Shop for handicrafts at Dhonk Crafts.
- Explore Khandar Fort.
How many days are enough to visit Sawai Madhopur?
3 days are enough to explore the best of Sawai Madhopur.
Average Sawai Madhopur Trip Cost
The average cost of travelling to Sawai Madhopur will be INR 18,000 per person. The cost of the trip depends on the flight or train tickets, the type of accommodation you choose, etc.
Accommodation in Sawai Madhopur
Being a popular destination to visit in Rajasthan, Sawai Madhopur has plenty of accommodation options. From luxurious ones to budget-friendly hotels and resorts, you can choose the place of stay as per your requirements and budget. These accommodations offer all comfort and amazing facilities and services. Here are some of the best accommodation options in Sawai Madhopur -
- Tiger Den Resort
- The Tigress Resort and Spa, Ranthambore
- The Earth at Ranthambore
- Sawai Vilas
- Anuraga Palace
- Regenta Resort Vanya Mahal
- The Fern Ranthambhore Forest Resort
Where to eat in Sawai Madhopur
Sawai Madhopur is known for its mouth-watering delicacies and serves some of the best foods you will ever eat. It is famous for Rajasthani style cuisine and the restaurants here serve flavorful dishes. So, on your visit do not forget to savour the mouth-watering foods and taste the rich flavours that will burst in your mouth. Here are some top restaurants in Sawai Madhopur that you must visit for a delightful experience -
- The Oberoi Vanyavilas
- Jharoka - Mount Valley Resort
- Manisha Restaurant
- Ram Sham Restaurant
- Vivanta by Taj
- Food Corner
- Dosa Corner
Shopping in Sawai Madhopur
The trip to Sawai Madhopur is incomplete without shopping. If you are a big fan of perfume, then you can buy famous khas perfume. It is made of local plants and sold in beautiful bottles. The local artefacts and artisans also made handicrafts and artefacts here that you can buy from different places in the city. Here are a few places you can visit to shop in Sawai Madhopur -
- Shilpgram
- Cheetal Handicrafts
- Dhonk
Useful Tips for Sawai Madhopur Trip
- Respect the local culture.
- Avoid visiting Sawai Madhopur during the summer season as it gets extremely hot.
- Wear proper woollens in winter to keep yourself warm and avoid cold.
- Choose accommodation wisely, your experience may differ.
- Do not damage the properties including any fort, palace, or museum while on a tour.
- Do not wear revealing clothes, especially while visiting religious places.
- Wear earthy toned clothes while visiting Ranthambore National Park to not catch the eye of animals.
