Sawai Madhopur district  :

Sawai Madhopur District is one of the administrative districts of Rajasthan. It has its headquarters located at Sawai Madhopur, which is one of its chief towns. Sawai Madhopur is an important tourist destination in Rajasthan. 

Location :

Sawai Madhopur District is located at 25 degree 45 minutes to 26 degree 41 minutes north latitude and at 75 degree 59 minutes to 77 degree eat longitude. Sawai Madhopur District has an area of around 4500 sq kms. It shares its boundaries with Dausa District on the north, Karauli District on the northwest and west, Kota Districton the southwest, Bundi District on the southeast, and Tonk District on the east. 

History :

This district came into existence in the 18th century. Before this time the region was famous as Ranthambore. People from across the world come to spend their vacations here. Since the economy of Sawai Madhopur District is largely dependent on tourism, all kinds of measures are taken to promote tourism. History of Sawai Madhopur District states that it was founded in 1765 AD. It was named after Sawai Madho Singh who fortified it and established it as a town. Sawai Madhopur town is known for Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and a place of historical importance. According to historical accounts, the Muslim conquest brought about major changes in the political map of northern India. In Rajasthan, the Chauhan kingdoms of Sapada-laksa disappeared; the grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan established himself at Ranthambore and ruled as feudatory of the Sultan of Delhi. Rana Kumbha captured the Ranthambore Fort the middle of the 15th century. After the death of Aurangzeb, the fort was taken over by the rulers of Jaipur.

The fort of Ranthambore was a pivotal building for the rulers of this region as the trade routes between North India and South and Central India. Under the rule of Rao Hammir, the last Chauhan ruler the Ranthambore region prospered magnificently. He ruled from 1282 - 1301 AD. It is important to note that in ancient India the region was more popularly known as Ranthambore. It was much later that it received the name, Sawai Madhopur. 

It was in the 1300 AD when Ranthambore had to face invasions and attacks. Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Afghan ruler captured Delhi. He sent his troop to capture the fort of Ranthambore too. However he was unsuccessful in his aim three times. Finally in1301 he conquered the fort. From this time till 1500s the fort kept on changing hands. It was the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1558 who provided stability to the region. He merged Ranthambore with his kingdom. The Mughal rulers ruled the fort till 18th century. 

During the mid 18th centuries the Maratha rulers of Western India were gradually gaining power. In order to put a check on them the Rajput ruler of Jaipur, Sawai Madho Singh, requested the Mughal king to hand the fort to him. But his plea fell on deaf ears. In 1763 the king fortified the village of Sherpur and named it after himself, Sawai Madhopur. Presently this place is known as the Sawai Madhopur city. Two years later the Mughals handed over the fort to the Jaipur ruler. 

During the British Rule Sawai Man Singh built a railway line between Jaipur and Sawai Madhopur. As a result it became accessible from a central spot in the state of Rajasthan. Today it has grown as one of the popular tourist destination in India. 

Demography :

The total population of Sawai Madhopur District is 1116031, out of which male population is 590716 and female population is 525315. Further, as per the 2001 Census records, total urban population of Sawai Madhopur District is 212575 and rural population is 903456. 

Culture :

Culture of Sawai Madhopur District is really colourful including several fairs and festivals. One of the highly celebrated fair of this district is Ganesh Chaturthi Fair. It is in fact the largest fair of Sawai Madhopur and is organised on Bhadav Shukla Chaturthi at Ganesh Temple, Ranthambore Fort. This is a very popular fair and is attended by people from distant places. This fair is organised for three days. Another important fair that is Chauth Mata Fair is organised on Magh Krishna Chaturthi. Thousands of devotees attend this fair. Shivaratri fair is another most popular and largely celebrated fair of Sawai Madhopur District. 

Administration :

The administrative structure of Sawai Madhopur District includes four sub-divisions, seven Tehsils and three sub-Tehsils. Further there are five Panchayat Samitis and 197 Panchayats. Administration of Sawai Madhopur District also comprises two Municipalities and 800 revenue villages. 

Tourism :

The city of Sawai Madhopur houses the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Further, there are several other places of interest around Sawai Madhopur. While the travellers can visit the neighbouring cities of the state, they can also check out the temples and forts that are located outside the district including Rameshwaram Dham, Chauth Mata Temple, Khandar Fort, etc. All these places are worth visiting. 

Famous Tourist Attractions and Temples in and around Sawai Madhopur :

Sawai Madhopur is popularly known as the "Tiger city" of Rajasthan. All the places of interest in Sawai Madhopur are worth visiting. The main places of interest in Sawai Madhopur are as follows - 

1. Ranthambore Fort : Probably built in the 10th century this fort has been a witness to the Rajput as well as the Mughal reign. According to popular belief it is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. The massive structure of the fort and its location had made it unconquerable in the past. Further, it is also believed that the history of Sawai Madhopur revolves around Ranthambore Fort. 

2. The Ranthambore National Park : The famous Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is placed on the intersection of the Aravalli & Vindhya mountain ranges, just 14 kms away from the Sawai Madhopur urban. Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest and most famous national parks in northern India. Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these majestic predators in the jungle. Tigers can be easily spotted even during the day time. Good time to visit Ranthambore National park is in November and May when the nature of the dry deciduous forests makes sightings common. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. 

3. Balas at Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary: The Balas at Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is approximately 10 Kilometers away from Sawai Madhopur City, in the beautiful vicinity of the Aravalli knolls. This sanctuary has rocky hillsides, striking landscape, birds and wildlife. This place is one of the finest habitats in the region for several wild animals like the Indian Coarser, Honey Buzzard and the Leopard. 

4. Ranthambore Ganesh Temple: The Ranthambore Ganesha Temple is the key magnetism of the Sawai Madhopur. Thousands of people arrive at this place from all parts of India to seek the blessings from Lord Ganesha for contentment and wealth. A fascinating part is the letter that is sent to Lord Ganesha. The mails include the wedding invitations primarily. A special fair is conducted on the "Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi" at this temple. 

5. Amareshwar Mahadeo Temple: Just around the corner of Ranthambore National Park, cuddled up in the middle of the elevated hills is the holy Amareshwar Mahadeo temple. This is a very popular excursion spot in Sawai Madhopur town. 

6. The Rameshwaram Dham: 60 kms from Sawai Madhopur on the confluence of Banas River and Chambal River is Rameshwaram Dham. It has a beautiful Shiva temple where a fair is held annually on the occasion of Shiv Ratri. 

7. Chamatkar Temple: The temple is situated only at a distance of about 2 km from the city center. Devotees from all over are drawn to the Chamatkar Temple because of their staunch faith in the powers of worship that can fulfil all their desires and aspirations. Every year, a grand fair is conducted at this temple on "Sarad Purnima". 

8. The Kala-Gaura Bhairava Temple : The Kala-Gaura Bhairava Temple is a unique temple of Sawai Madhopur is located in the heart of the city, established by wedging out a hillock. This is one of the few temples that still practices ‘Tantric Kriyas’. The Kala-Gaura Bhairava Temple is considered to be a holy place of worship where the wishes and dreams of the worshippers come true. 

9. The Khandar Fort : Khandar fort is the Fort of Taragarh of medieval times; it is located at around 40 kms from Sawai Madhopur. There are no evidences regarding the construction of the fort. By virtue of its position on the vertical high hill it was difficult for the enemy to attack the fort, so it has been termed as an "unconquerable fort". 

10. The Chauth Mata Temple : The Chauth Mata temple is situated 25kms from the city of Sawai Madhopur. This temple is located on a knoll in the vicinity of the "Chauth Ka Barwara" city which is well-known a powerful temple of the Goddess Devi. 

11. The Shiwad Temple : The Shiwad Temple is famous for the "Ghushmeshwar Mahadeo" temple devoted to the powerful Lord Shiva. Thousands of people from various part of the country arrive at this temple to ask for the blessings of Lord Shiva. An impressive fort that is suspended on a petite knoll is one more lure of this temple.