Dholpur District, Rajasthan

Situated in the eastern part of the state of Rajasthan, the district of Dholpur is its smallest one as per area. What it lacks in area, it makes up in its resources that includes the famous Dholpur Red Sandstone, exotic animals like alligators, hyenas, Sambar, Chital, deer, leopard and migratory birds like herons, ibis, ringed plover, moorhen etc in two of its famous tourist wildlife sanctuaries. 

Dating back to the 7th century when it was established by the Tomar ruler, Raja Dholan Deo Tomar and subsequently named after him, the place has much ancient history having passed on from the Tomars, Maurayas, Chauhans to the invader Muhammad Ghuri. It was formed in the present day district on 15th April 1982 after being carved out of Bharatpur district. Along with ancient historical monuments including palaces, stepwell, forts, babadis it is home to innumerable varieties of flora and fauna. However, its most popular product so to speak is the Dholpur Red Sandstone that has extensively been used in the construction of monumental structures like the Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Vidhansabha Bhawan of Jaipur as also its ancient and exquisite City palace. Temples, pilgrimage places, Gurudwara, Forts, its art, culture and heritage etc add to its tourism value. 

Here are a few more details about the district.

Area - 3,034 sq.km

Elevation - 177 meters

Population - 12,06,516 as per 2011 Census

Population rank in India - 394th out of 640

District Headquarters - Dholpur city

Number of Tehsils - 6

Tehsils - Bari, Baseri, Dholpur, Sarmathura, Salpau

Villages - 841

Languages Spoken - Hindi and Braj Bhasha

Geographical Borders -

Northwest and East - Uttar Pradesh

Northwest - Bharatpur, Rajasthan

West - Karauli

South - River Chambal 

Primary Crops - Gram, Moth, Wheat, Bajra, Moong, Mustard, Cluster beans, Sugarcane, Red chillies 

Water Sources - Rivers Parbati, Chambal, Gambir

Natural Resources - Minerals like the famous Dholpur Sandstone, Masonry Stone, Bajri

Economy - Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Small scale industries, Tourism

Distance from Mumbai -  km

How to reach :- 841 

Via Airports - The two nearest airports are Agra at a distance of 55 kms and Jaipur International Airport at a distance of 286 kms

Via Railways - The Dholpur junction lies under the North Central Railway Zone of the Indian Railways and is well-connected with various major cities of the country

Via Roadways - The National Highway Agra - Mumbai passes through the district thereby  connecting it with most major cities in and out of the state. 

Tourist Attractions include -

Nihal Tower

Royal Stepwell Temple

Nihaleshwar Temple

RamsagarSanctuary

Chausath Yogini Temple

Shergarh Fort

Sher Shikar Gurudwara 

Damoye waterfall

National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary 

Dholpur ( City ) Palace

Phat par Van Vihar W.S.

Talab-e-Shahi

Muchchhkund ( pilgrimage place )

Mughal Garden ( Bagh-e-Nilofar )

Chambal river safari

Events To Attend :

Dev Chhath Mela 

Emergency Contact Information -

District Collector Contact Number - 05642- 22054

Email Address - dm-dho-rj@nic.in

Police - 100

Fire Brigade - 101

Ambulance - 108

Sampark - 181

Child line - 1098

Images - Wikipedia and rajasthan government Dholpur website

Districts of Rajasthan

 The State of Rajasthan has 33 districts in all.

 

Here is a list of the same. 

1. Ajmer

2. Alwar

3. Banswara

4. Barmer

5. Bharatpur

6. Baran

7. Bhilwara

8. Bikaner

9. Bundi

10. Chittorgarh

11. Churu

12. Dholpur

13. Dungarpur

14. Dausa

15. Hanumangarh

16. Jaipur

17. Jhalawar

18. Jhunjhunu

19. Jodhpur

20. Jaisalmer

21. Jalore

22. Karauli

23. Kota

24. Nagaur

25. Pratapgarh

26. Pali

27. Rajsamand

28. Sawai Madhopur

29. Sirohi

30. Sri Ganganagar

31. Sikar

32. Tonk

33. Udaipur

Image : www.mapsofindia.com

Ranthambore National Theme Park, Jaipur

Article by Dr. Apurva Tamhane

The Ranthambore national theme park is one of the most visited National Parks in India. Covering nearly 392 square kilometers of vast landscapes in Sawai Madhopur, the tigers are the precious assets of the Ranthambore National Park which are gradually getting extinct. Back in history, the forests of Jaipur were the private hunting grounds for the kings of Jaipur and of the forests, Ranthambore  got a good name and later on became the best place for wildlife photography in the world.

The Wildlife in the Ranthambhore National Park

A walk through the Ranthambore National Park gives a spectacular sight through the open shrubs and the calm lakes and the best of lush greenlands shows the histories of the widlest of life in these areas of India. The Park also features the Ranthambore Fort of which only the remains and ruins are present for view and to provide the glimpse of the past. The entry to the Ranthambore National Park is straight from the foot of the fort and also the rest house in the forest, named, Jogi Mahal. The specialty of the Ranthambore National Park are the presence of extinct species of Tigers they have. More and more tourists have been coming at the Ranthambore National Park to view the tigers which are now facing extinction. Tigers can even be spotted during the daytime which is not so at the other parks, sometimes hunting and sometimes taking care of their cubs.

The other majestic animals that can be seen at the park are the Langurs and the Chinkara which is an Indian Gazelle and the smallest Gazelle can also be seen here. There are some peaceful and calm lakes in the park out of which the Malik Talao, is one of the biggest where many animals and birds come to drink water and marsh crocodiles can also be found in the big lake.

Nearly 264 species of birds are found in the park. Other animals found in the park are Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar, Chital which are many in numbers and easy to stop. One can ferry in the park in a Jeep or a Lorry van. There are four travel tracks in the park for the safaris.

Care for yourself while on the safari in Ranthambore National Park

The Safari track can get you in a lot of soil and ust. So it is always better to wear Earth coloured – Green or brown coloured clothes. Also the weather can get very hot and dry in the summer. Have a Cap with Sunshade and also have yourself warmly clothed in the morning s in the months of winter.

Climate of the Ranthambore National Park

Because if the proximity of the Ranthambore National Park to the Thar Desert, the climate can become very harsh around 38°C and the rainfall in the park is in the months of July and August. Make sure that you hit the safari track at around 7:30 in the morning.

Reaching Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore park can be reached by Air, by rail and by road.

The nearest airport is Jaipur Airport which is 145 kilometers away from the National Park.

The nearest railway station is the Sawai Madhopur Station which is 11 kilometers away from the Park.

Road connections are excellent to the other tourist places and major cities in Rajasthan.

The Ranthambore National Park Tour and Safari can be a part of your tour in the Golden Triangle tour by Train which is from Delhi to Jaipur, to Agra to Delhi.

Other tours are Palace on Wheels Tour and the Taj and Tiger Tour.

Shopping in Ajmer

Every one love shopping and shopping in the different tourist places of India is a definite pleasure. One can purchase local crafts, gold and silver jewels, handloom with block prints, brass artefacts and utensils, bangles, woodden items, hand embroidered cloth bags, bandhini textiles, hand embroidered shoes are different items that one can shop in Ajmer. Apart from this Ajmer is most famous for perfumes also.

One can get all the above items in Ajmer in the areas like Purani Mandi, Naya Bazaar and Kaisarganj. One can get trinkets and other local items in the fairs and during the Urs melas. There are Government emporiums and sovenier shops too which are highly reliable to buy gifts and handicrafts.

Ranthambore National Park - Rajasthan

Ranthambore, the destination of wild life sanctuaries of India is famous for its different kind of birds and animals. It is also regarded as one of the tiger reserves of India. Watching tigvers in their natural habitat is the major tourist attraction of this place.

    Ranthambore National park is in the proximity of Sawai Madhopur village and to be more precise the village is the gate way of Ranthambore which is just 15 kms away. The National park is in the southeastern Rajasthan. Ranthambore was once the famous hunting grounds of the Rajas and Maharajas of Jaipur.

    Ranthambore national park is spread over 1334 sq dm and is along with the Mansingh Sanctuary and Kaila Devi Sanctuary. The National Park can also be considered as historical and heritage tourist site due to the ruins one can see all over the park. 

Best time to visit Ranthambore National Park: 
           The National park is open to visitors from 1st October to 30th June. The remaining time the park remains closed.

What to wear while visiting Ranthambore National Park?   
           As the National Park is in Rajasthan, which is the part of Thar Desert, the summers are extremely hot and winters are extremely cold. So one should be highly careful in selecting the cloth. The clothes during summer have to be very light and during winther thick enough to save from the chill breeze. Better carry a pair of loves and a muffler.

How to reach Ranthambore National Park? 
           The nearby Airports are at Jaipur and at Kota.      
           The nearby Railway stations are Delhi, Agra, Kota and Jaipur.
           Ranthambore National Park can be reached via road from Delhi via Dausa and from Jaipur via Tonk

Reservation and Tourism Information Offices of Rajasthan

AHMEDABAD
RTDC Reservation Office
A-1, Divya Apartment Near Mitha Koli
Railway Under Bridge, Navrangpura
Tel.: 079-26469580 Fax: 079-26565187

AJMER
RTDC Hotel Khadim
Tel.: 0145-2627426/1364
Fax : 0145-2431330
Tourist Inf. Counter, Railway Station
trcajmer@rajasthantourism.gov.in

ALWAR
Opp.Railway Station,
Tel.: 0144-2347348
trcalwar@rajasthantourism.gov.in

BANSWARA
Ratlam Road

BHARATPUR
Saras Circle, Agra Road,
Tel.: 05644-222542
trcbharatpur@rajasthantourism.gov.in

BIKANER
RTDC Hotel Dholamaru,
Tel.: 0151-2226701
trcbikaner@rajasthantourism.gov.in

BUNDI
Room No.3, Circuit House
Tel.: 0747-2443697

CHENNAI
Tourist Office T.T.D.C. Complex
Omandurar, Govt. Estate,
Wallajah Road,
Tel.: 044-25365554
trcchennai@rajasthantourism.gov.in

CHITTAURGARH
Janta Avas Grih, Station Road
Tel.: 01472-241089
trcchittor@rajasthantourism.gov.in

JAIPUR
Tourist Hotel (Govt. Hostel) M.I.Road
Tel.: 0141-5155137, 5155113

Platform No.1.Railway Station
Tel.: 0141-2315714, 2200778/1364
Sanganer Airport, Tel.: 0141-2722647

Tourist Office, Near Elephant Stand, Amer
Tel.: 0141-2530264

Central Bus Stand, Dlx. Platform No.3
Tel.: 0141-5064102
trcjaipur@rajasthantourism.gov.in

JAISAMER
Station Road, Tel.: 02992-252406
Tourist Information Counter, Rly.Station
trcjaisalmer@rajasthantourism.gov.in

JHALAWAR
RTDC Hotel Chandravati,
Tel.: 07432-230081
trcjhalawar@rajasthantourism.gov.in

JHUNJHUNU
Mandawa Circle, Churu By-Pass Road
Tel.: 01592-232909
trcjhunjhunu@rajasthantourism.gov.in

JODHPUR
RTDC Hotel Ghoomer Campus
High Court Road
Tel.: 0291-2545083/1364
Tourist Information Counter, Ratanada Airport
trcjodhpur@rajasthantourism.gov.in

KOLKATA
Tourist Office2, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,
1st Floor, Commerce House
Telefax.: 033-22132740
trckolkata@rajasthantourism.gov.in

KOTA
RTDC Hotel Chambal,
Tel.: 0744-2327695
trckota@rajasthantourism.gov.in

MOUNT ABU
Opp. Bus Stand
Tel.: 02974-235151
trcmount@rajasthantourism.gov.in

MUMBAI
Rajasthan Tourist Information Bureau,
Government of Rajasthan,
91-Mint road, Grover mansion,
Ground Floor, Fort, Mumbai-400 001
Ph: 022-22626223, 30722770
Fax: 022-30722589
mumbai@rtdc.in

NEW DELHI
Bikaner House, Pandara Road,
Tel.: 011-23389525, 23383837
Fax.: 011-23382823
trcdelhi@rajasthantourism.gov.in

PUSHKAR
Tourist Information Counter,
Hotel Sarovar Telefax : 0145-2772040

SAWAI MADHOPUR
RTDC Hotel Vinayak
Ranthambhor Road,
Tel.: 07462-221333
Railway Station, TEL.: 07462-220808
trcswm@rajasthantourism.gov.in

SIKAR
Collectorate Campus

UDAIPUR
Fateh Memorial, Suraj Pol,
Tel.: 0294-2411535, 2521971/1364
Dabok Airport
Tel.: 0294-2655433
Tourist Information Counter Railway Station
trcudaipur@rajasthantourism.gov.in

Ranthambore Wild Life National Park - Tiger Reserve

One of the biggest National Parks in North India is this Ranthambhore National Park (often misspelled as Ranthambore National Park). The park is a part of Project Tiger Reserve in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. This is the area where the Aravalli Hill Ranges and Vindhya Plateau meet. One of the best places to see the Bengal Tigers in its deciduous natural habitat. The National park is bound by Chambal and Banas in south and north respectively. The entire region where this National Park is located had once been the hunting grounds for Jaipur Maharajas and so it have turned out to be a major tourist attraction.

About Ranthambore National Park
        Spread over 1,334 sq km the National park the entire park have huge number of Flora spread all over. One can find Banyan trees, Dhok and Pipal trees, Mango trees and ever green trees too. There are six man made lakes in the park and there are lots of perinnial streams flowing through the park. The park is considered to be the water shed for the surrounding areas. The National Park being the part of Vindhya Platueau and Aravalli hills have lots of rock formations, steep scarps and also Savannah desert region (as it is in Rajasthan).

Major Wildlife Attractions of Ranthambore National Park
         Ranthambore National Park is a major Tiger reserve of India and it have attracted lots of tourists and also wild life photographers. Though a tiger reserve, being a park, Ranthambore National park hosts 272 different varities of birds, 12 types of reptiles which include March Crocodiles and 30 different mammals. One can also spot Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzele, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and also a large number of birds.

Best Time to visit Ranthambore
         The best time to visit Ranthambore National Park is October-March (Winter) and April-June (Summer).

What to where to Ranthambore National Park
         The clothes that one should wear while visiting Ranthambore National Park depends upon the season one visits.

         The summer is quite hot (as it is close to the Thar Desert of India) so one can expect a temperature of about 35 to 47 degrees and so it is best to carry light T. Shirts and other summer clothes along with a cap and glasses.

         The winter is just the opposite as summer and freezing cold. The days are pleasant, but evenings and night are very chilly and it is better to carry thick and heavy winter clothes. Though the morning ride in jeep is liked by many tourists, doing this in winter one have to wear lots of thick clothes and cover them with muffler and gloves for hand.

Entry and Exit timings of Ranthambore National Park
   1. 6.00am to 9.00am and 3.00pm to 6.00pm in the months of October - March
   2. 6.30am to 9.30am and 3.30pm to 6.00pm in the months of April - June.

Safari Timings in Ranthambore National Park
S.No.        Month                                    Morning Trip                      Evening Trip
1        1st October to 31st October      7.00 A.M. to 10.30 A.M.   2.30 P.M. to 6.00 P.M.
2        1st November to 31st January   7.00 A.M. to 10.30 A.M.   2.00 P.M. to 5.30 P.M.
3        1st February to 31st March       6.30 A.M. to 10.00 A.M.   2.30 P.M. to 6.00 P.M.
4        1st April to 15th May                6.00 A.M. to 9.30 A.M.    3.00 P.M. to 6.30 P.M.
5        15th May to 30th June               6.00 A.M. to 9.30 A.M.    3.30 P.M. to 7.00 P.M.

How to reach Ranthambore National Park
By AirThe nearest Airport is in Jaipur which is about 140 kms from Ranthambhore National Park.
By RailSawai Madhopur station is in a distance of 11 kms from Ranthambhore National Park.
By RoadSawai Madhopur district is connected by road with all the districts of Rajasthan and there are well laid roads leading to the National Park.    

Accomodation in Ranthambore:
Oberai Vanyavilas
Hotel Ankur Resort

Palace on Wheels - Experience the life of Maharajas

Palace on Wheels was first started in the year 1982 as a means to promote Rajasthan Tourism. The entire train had coaches that were used in the British period and this train was regarded as a special Heritage Tourist Train. The main aim of the Palace on Wheels train was to provide an unique experience for the tourists of Rajasthan. 


The first train of the Palace on Wheels which run using steam engine started running from October 1982. 
 
 

In the year 2009, Indian Railways started running the new luxury train Palace on Wheels or Royal Rajasthan on Wheels train which covers a circuit of Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Chittorgarh Hill Fort, Udaipur, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Tajmahal of Agra. 

The entire tour circuit trip is for seven nights and eight days though there is an option to book for minimum of 4 nights journey from Jaipur to Udaipur.

Palace on Wheels is a splendid and enchating royal journey in train. The train itself gives the feel of the era of the Maharajas. The Palace on Wheels have luxurious cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars and all these comes with personalized services. 


The train Palace on Wheels have 14 carriages and all the carriages are well designed and decorated with the Rajput style. 


The coaches named after the princely states of Rajputs are decorated with Rajasthani style. 


All the saloons in the coaches have channel music, intercom facilities, attached toilets with 24 hours supply of cold and water shower. 

The names of the 14 coaches are:
1. Alwar
2. Bharatpur
3. Bikaner
4. Bundi
5. Dholpur
6. Dungargarh
7. Jaisalmer
8. Jaipur
9. Jhalwar
10. Jodhpur
11. Kishangarh
12. Kota

13. Sirohi
14. Udaipur


Each saloon have a mini pantry and a lounge. One can get hot and cold beverages and refreshments and a place to relax. 


The bar in the Palace on Wheels is well stocked with Indian and International brands.

Facilities in Palace of Wheels: 
There are individual and Common Facilities available in the Palace on Wheels


Individual Facilities
All the 14 coaches are airconditioned deluxe salons, and have 4 twin bedded chambers. 


The luggage is placed in the respective salons and the passengers can board just as it is enjoying the royal welcome.


Every guest is provided with a welcome kit on arrival which have stationery items, brochures, cards and anything more needed can be asked for from the Khidmatgar. A complimentary beer or wine is also provided to the guests. 

A personal attendant - Khidmatgar is always at the service of the passengers and they take care of every need of the passengers.

Safety measures and other arrangements are made to safely secure the personal belongings in the train.

The guests are provided with toiletries. Soaps, shampoos and moisturizers are provided in the train. 

Special assistance is provided to needy in the form of wheel chairs, creches and special personal assistant. 

The two restaurants in the Palace on Wheels are named as Maharaja Restaurant and Maharani Restaurnat.  guests can choose from the Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines on board Palace on Wheels. Mineral water is served to all the guests on board


Every morning the guests are given newspapers and dailies along with a hot cup of tea or coffee or any beverages of choice. A large collection of magazines are also available to choose from.



Common Facilities
Guests can play Indoor games like Chess, Playing cards, Chinese Checkers, Carom Board and Crossword Puzzles.

The lounge in every coach provides a great place for relaxing and interacting with other guests.

To post mail, a mail box is provided on board.


Medical aid is provided in the train. First aid is available immediatly and in case of need a doctor can be arranged in the nearest station.


Guests can choose from a vareity of handicrafts from Rajasthan from the Emporium inside the Palace on Wheels which is owned by the state. 


The entire train is a no smoking train.

Chittorgarh - The Tourist Town of Rajasthan

The town of Chittorgarh in Southern Rajasthan is known for is bravery and glorious past. The Chittorgarh fort is the major attraction in this town. The history of this city is traced back to Mahabaratha and that connection can be understood by the BhimLat reservoir which was created by Bhim himself by stamping his feet on the ground. This city was the capital city of Mewar rulers till it was shifted to Udaipur in the year 1568.

To capture the fort, so many fierce battles were fought. The first one was the battle by Allaudin Khilji to capture Rani Padmini. The other famous historical personalities of Chittorgarh are Meera Bai and Maharana Pratap.

There are so many places to visit in and around Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh Fort
Nagri
Barolo
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary
Sanwariyaji Temple
Matri Kundiya Temple
Bhainsorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Sitamata Sanctuary
Deogarh
Menal
Gotmeshwar
Jogniya MataJi
Bijapur

Oberai Vanya Vilas - Ranthambore

Vanya Vilas Ranthambore is a resort by Oberoi group. One of the high end luxurious resort in the natural beauty of wildlife. It is a jungle resort close to the Ranthambore Tiger resort. The entire resort is luxuriously furnished with tasteful decor. Guests get a chance to stay in canopied tents and private decks.



The entire resort have rooms that are of tents and all tents have
DVD player
Satellite television
Wired and Wireless Broadband Internet access
Electronic safe
Direct dial telephone with voice mail facility
Personal Bar
Butler service.


These tents have private gardens and have 790sq. ft and have an outside deck for sunbathing. The tents have 4 poster beds, freestanding baths and separate showers. The tents have wooden floors and the interior canopies are embroidered and are furnished in regal style.


All the rooms are No-Smoking rooms but still the hotel have provided some smoking tents too which the smokers can make use of.

The resorts have excellent dining facility
Library Bar which is decked with books on wild life allows smoking and is a best place for a nice chat.
Pool Bar near the pool have menus with snacks and beverages and serves special sorbets from the pool bar pantry.

The Dining Room and the Inner Courtyard
An exclusive restaurant decorated elegantly provides multi and international cuisine. The vegetables are taken from the kitchen garden of the Vanyavilas Resort.




Conference Hall Facility:
Vanyavilas Ranthambore have a conference hall, which helps in combining business with leisure.

General Manager	: Mr. Tapan Piplani
E-mail address	: Tapan.piplani@oberoihotels.com
Address	: Ranthambhore Road, Sawai Madhopur - 322001, Rajasthan (India)
Telephone	: +91 7462 22 3999
Facsimile	: +91 7462 22 3988

Hotel Ankur Resort - Ranthambore

Hotel Ankur Resort is just about 3 kms away from the National park. The resort is about two kms from the Sawai Madhopur Railway station and bus stand.

Hotel Ankur Resort is aesthetically built with luxury and comfort. The resort is built with modern amenities and nature's bounty and peaceful security. The resort is surrounded with well maintained lawns, trees and lot more greenery. 

The resort have 14 rooms, 27 cottages and 12 exertive cottages. The rooms are attached with bathrooms running with hot and cold water. The rooms are airconditioned and special Swiss type tents are arranged for large for large tourist groups and school excursions. 

The facilities offerred in the resort are:
Swimming Pool
Bar
Conference Hall
Laundry and dry-cleaning facilities
24 hour room service
Garden for parties and gathering
Doctor on call

Special facilities arranged on request:
Palmist/Astrologer
Masseur
Ethnic music and dance programs
Wildlife audiovisual presentations
Campfires
Horse/Camel rides
Visits to village
Ranthambore fort
Mansarovar Lake
Balas Sanctuary
Kundal Forest


Hotel Ankur Resorts
Ranthambhore Road, Sawai Madhopur - 322001 Rajasthan India
Phone No. : - 07462-220792
Email Us : reservation@hotelankurresort.com


Delhi - Reservation Office

2401/4, G, Floor, Street No . 19, Ranjit Nagar, New Delhi : 110008
Contact Person
Mr Sameer 
Mobile No. : - 09810832832, 
Email Us : reservation@hotelankurresort.com