Ranthambore: The Wild Heart of India

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvida]
• Yesहां
  [haan]
• Noनहीं
  [nahin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा करें
  [kshama karein]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप सुनाओ?
  [thik hoon. aap sunao?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू दिखाइए
  [krupaya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [krupaya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [bachao!]
• Go away!जाओ!
  [jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe bimaari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँगा/गी
  [main kharidna chaahunga/chaahungi]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा हूँ
  [main sirf dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mahanga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [ab kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockयह एक बजे है
  [yah ek baje hai]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तकरीबन
  [das baje takriban]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowकल को
  [kal ko]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [teen]
• 4चार
  [chaar]
• 5पांच
  [paanch]
• 6छह
  [chhah]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ है...
  [kahan hai...]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [agli (bas) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

Ranthambore's history dates back to the 10th century when it was part of the Chauhan dynasty. Founded by the Chauhan rulers, the region was strategically important owing to its location in the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges. The fort of Ranthambore, a key feature of the region, was constructed during this period and served as a formidable barrier against invasions.

Prithviraj Chauhan, one of the most famous rulers of the Chauhan dynasty, had a significant influence on Ranthambore. Under his reign in the late 12th century, the fort was further fortified. His valor and battles, especially against Muhammad Ghori, left a lasting impact on the region's historical narrative.

In the early 14th century, Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, marched towards Ranthambore with the aim of capturing it. After a prolonged and fierce siege in 1301, Khilji succeeded in conquering the fort. This event marked the end of the Chauhan dominance in the region and introduced a new era under the Delhi Sultanate.

Ranthambore's strategic importance continued into the Mughal period. Emperor Akbar captured the fort in 1558, integrating it into the vast Mughal Empire. The fort served as a key military outpost and was known for its robust architecture and strategically placed vantage points which were used to monitor the surrounding areas.

In the 17th century, the fort came under the control of the Rajput Maharajas of Jaipur. The Rajputs played a crucial role in the region, not only in terms of administration but also in the cultural and architectural development of Ranthambore. Their valor, traditions, and patronage of arts left an indelible mark on the region.

During the British colonial era, Ranthambore was a part of the princely state of Jaipur. The British used the region primarily for hunting, and it became a favored hunting ground for British officers and Indian royalty alike. The forests of Ranthambore were renowned for their rich wildlife, especially tigers.

Post-independence, the Indian government took significant steps to preserve Ranthambore's rich wildlife heritage. In 1955, the region was declared a wildlife sanctuary, and in 1980, it was established as a national park. The park is now part of the Project Tiger initiative, aimed at protecting the Bengal tiger population and conserving the diverse ecosystem.

Ranthambore is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, approximately 180 kilometers away. From Jaipur, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Ranthambore, which typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by road. Alternatively, there are direct trains from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, which is about 11 kilometers from Ranthambore National Park.

Within Ranthambore, the primary mode of transportation is by hiring private taxis or jeeps. Many tourists also prefer organized safari tours that include transportation. Auto-rickshaws are available for short trips within the town of Sawai Madhopur. While renting a car can offer more flexibility, keep in mind that local drivers are familiar with the routes and road conditions.

The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Ranthambore. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Sawai Madhopur, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to more remote areas.

Ranthambore is generally safe for tourists, but it's essential to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always keep an eye on your belongings. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's best to stay vigilant, particularly in crowded places and markets. Additionally, always follow park guidelines and rules during safaris to ensure your safety and that of the wildlife.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The nearest hospital is in Sawai Madhopur, which provides medical services. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Sawai Madhopur where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples and local communities. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful to fellow passengers and adhere to local etiquette. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' (a slight bow with palms pressed together). Eating & Drinking: Do try local Rajasthani cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite. Always use your right hand for eating and serving.

To experience Ranthambore like a local, visit the local markets in Sawai Madhopur where you can buy traditional Rajasthani goods and handicrafts. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and wildlife. Don't miss visiting the Ranthambore Fort, which offers breathtaking views of the park. For an authentic experience, consider staying in eco-friendly lodges or homestays that support local communities.