Ranthambore fort & Ganesh Temple

10.00 AM

After our previous night decision to cancel our Trip to Jaipur, we lazy souls woke up late. Still tired and recovering from the roller coaster rides in Safari, today we planned a visit to Ranthambhore fort & if time permits Dastakar in Sherpur. Ticket Canceling & Room Re-booking took some time and staying at the Station Retiring Room had proved a Boon in more than one ways.

12.30 PM

It was hard to coax the mind, still reluctant to leave the AC room & go fight the scorching summer Rajasthan Heat. We did finally leave armed with our backpacks, hats, Cameras & Lots of Chilled Water from the Icebox to conquer the Ranthambhore Fort.

A quick Brunch in Chanakya Restaurant, & we reached the Share a Jeep Stand, where Jeeps ply from the Station to Fort as soon as they are full. 15 Rs. per seat is the charge but they stuff 15 people in this vehicle.  We were just 4 of us and hiring the full Jeep for 450.00 Rs return was not a convincing thought, & we confirmed the front seat 75.00 Rs. one way. I did not want Purvi & Hriday to miss on this experience travelling with locals and religious tourists, & I wanted to Stand on the Footboard & feel the Wind. Looking at the condition of the vehicles, some quick thoughts did pass my mind whether we will make it to the Top.

10 minutes & the vehicle started with a unanimous chant of "Ganapati Bappa Morya" by everyone. The Lord Ganesh Temple at the Fort is a highly popular Religious Temple, 2-3 lakh Devotees throng the temple each year during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Midway after entering the Sanctuary Main gate On a steep Slope while maneuvering, a big THUD and the AXEL Snapped as expected. Nevertheless the scenic beauty around with Birds Chirping & Monkeys Jumping on trees Overhead definitely needed a stopover. A quick Photo session was just finished in time,  till another Jeep came to drop us at the Fort Base.

2.00 PM

Once at the Fort Base we started feeling the heat & was still wondering whether we will make it to the top though only 600 steps. As we started climbing the the stairs, guides started chasing but I was in no mood to hire a guide and wanted to explore the places at our own. However on Purvi's insistence finally we agreed on a guide for Rs 200/-. He even offered to carry Hriday all the way to the top. I denied the favour as Hriday was in no mood to hop on someone who he doesn't know. My only idea to hire him was As Tourists support the local tourism industry.

First 50 steps and I was sweating from every pore, still wondering why do i have to see this ruin. My heart against the thought. The guide started with history of the fort and Ranthambhore sanctuary most of which i knew or was researched by me on the net. The guide knew i was the one who will pay and was paying particular attention whether i was listening. I sensed this and asked him to narrate everything to Purvi, as i was not very keen on listening, be rude and poke fun at his knowledge as a guide. I wanted to concentrate more on how i climb the fort with tonic water effects & the Scorching Heat, & Our Cameraman Sanjay was busy taking pictures.

I generally like friendly locals and do get to have an insight of their lifestyle routines and cultures, with just a small conversation. But at this pace i know we won't be back before 6.00 and i befriended the guide. Soon we reached the First Gate of the fort NAVLAKHA POL. There are 7 gates to the fort

 

The knowledge of the fort gained was immense thanks to the guide. He also showed us a Hidden temple of Shivji only known by he King Hammir. Inside Ranthambore fort there are three Hindu temples dedicated to Ganesh, Shiva and Ramlalaji constructed in 12th and 13th centuries from red Karauli stone. There is also a Jain temple of Lord Sumatinath (5th Jain Tirthankar) and Lord Sambhavanath (3rd Jain Tirthankar) within the premises.

 The ganesh Temple is the only temple with an idol of Lord Ganesh with three eyes*(Trinetra), embossed from one of the fort’s wall. His vehicle mushak (mouse) is also placed there. There are many white rats in the premises who prefer to be around the idol most of the time. The pujari also offered us one as a take away gift.

 

The temples and tanks add to the beauty of the fort. The seven gates and massive curtain walls, crowning a fall-topped hill presents a majestic view. 

The fort had many buildings inside of which only a few have survived the ravages of wars and time. Among the remaining ruins, the two pavilions, Badal Mahal and Hammirs court and parts of the royal palace give an idea of the old grandeur. For water supply there are two rain fed reservoirs in the fort.

 

Humans are descendents of Monkey Ancestors. And these Monkeys are in abundance on the Fort. Beware they may be dangerous if provoked.

5.30 PM

As the Journey through this amazing Fort started to end, all my previous apprehensions about not visiting the Fort were slaughtered. The whole experience was like running through history books live. We climbed down the fort and tipped our guide without whom we would have not known an inch of this fort.
 6.00 PM

Back to the base as we did not want to miss the only mode of Transport, the good old Jeep. Again we hired the front Row and this time the friendly driver did allow me to stand on the footboard of the geep for the whole ride. I needed this as this would be maybe by last breath of air in the Ranthambhore Forest, at least for next couple of years, as in the back of my mind had already started planning for maybe becoming a wildlife enthusiast for life and start exploring other sanctuaries of India.

7.00 PM

Reached the Station after the Geep ride and before going to the Hotel decided to have dinner at a previously decided and searched restaurant by me " ZAIKA - The Taste".
7.30 PM

The restaurant did have an elaborate menu from Chinese, North Indian, South Indian & Pav Bhaji. Though I did hope he doesn't ditch me on Jain Food. But to our expectations the food was great, though service being slow as a group of 15- 20 odd people, maybe the only locals along with other 2 or 3 families of Sawai Madhopur were out for a dinner. Enjoyed the IPL match on Television and had a sumptuous meal. I would have had dinner each night here if had found this place earlier.

9.00 PM

Reached Hotel and had to start with Packing as we hat to catch the 3.00 AM train.
11.00 PM

Sanjay and Hriday were in a crazy mood and were fighting with each other until maybe only one survives. Eventually they retired hurt and every one except me were "Good Night"

Some more fidgeting with the Camara Laptop organizing photos etc. did pass my time away but was not sleepy.

1.00 PM

Others were sleeping and I was strolling in the Lobby still not ready to sleep. Was also afraid what if the alarm doesn't go on and we miss our Train. The silent atmosphere, with only Station Announcements in the backdrop, the cool breeze, made me walk to the platform for a quick cutting chai. I had never done this before and wanted to experience a small station at night where trains pass every few hours and the whole platform lights up. Vendors Running Helter Skeltor, Passangers getting on and off the Train, Tc changing Coaches, Gaurds waving Flags, Train Honks and leaves. The Platform suddenly bears a deserted look, getting ready for another Train. With still nothing to do for the next 2 hours, decided to go back to the room and wait.
3.00 PM

Woke up everyone and started our walk to the Platform just a few meters away from the Hotel, this was best as we just had to hop on our train.

Still feeling fresh from the whole Trip, I was not at all sleepy and was waiting patiently on the Platform to board our Train to Vikramgarh Alot. Our next Destination, Shri Nageshwar Parshwanath.