This is post is Part II of the Ranthambore Trip Experience. Part I addresses the Safari experience and can be found here.
Hiking the Ranthambore Fort:
The gate to Ranthambore
After the Safari and our up close and personal with Sundari, we were returned to the resort for lunch. A group asked if I’d like to join them in skipping the buffet lunch and hiking the Ranthambore Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). I was in.
Entering Ranthambore National Park
Snakes of Ranthambore
Hiking the Ranthambore Fort
The trailhead is found in the parking lot at the base of the mountain and is literally the entrance to the fort. The hike to the top of the fort is semi-steep, up a typical Indian fort stone walkway. The hike can be done in a general loop (with spurs) and is about 2.5-3 kilometers long. The hike will take you a minimum of 45 minutes, but if you plan to explore the temples and ruins (and you definitely should) then you should leave yourself about 2 hours to complete the hike. Oh yeah, it is in the tiger preserve, so I guess there could technically be tigers there!
The Map of the Hike:
Inside the Fort:
The Raghunath Temple complex
Once you reach the top of the fort, the first part of the fort you can see and explore is the Raghunath Temple.
Raghunath Temple complex
Tiger statue
Map of the Fort
There are Tigers out there!
The Dargah Kazi Peer Janab and the 32 Pillars Chhatri
Dargah Kazi Peer Janab (an active place of worship)
32 Pillars Chhatri
The Hammir Garden and the Hammir Fort
Hammir Garden
Hammir Fort
The Ranthambore Fort and Hindu Temple
The Ranthambore Fort
Residents of the Fort
Hindu Temple
Final Thoughts:
If you are into hiking at all, this is a great hike and not to be missed! There are lots of places to wander around and explore. Just know that the entire area is filled with both ancient ruins and active temples of worship. Always be respectful, if you are not sure, ask! It is not shaded so be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat – and lots of water.
Cheers!
