Khandar Fort, Ranthambore National Park - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit
Distance (From Ranthambore National Park): 44 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 4 Hours/Half Day
Place Location: At Khandar
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab / + Walk/Trek
Travel Tips: None
At a distance of 44 km from Sawai Madhopur and 52 km from Ranthambore National Park, Khandar Fort is an ancient fort situated in the Khandar Tehsil of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. It forms the boundary of Ranthambore National Park.
Khandar Fort is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan and was earlier known as the 'security post of Ranthambore'. The fort was initially under the control of Sisodia Kings of Mewar before being taken over by the Mughals. Later, the fort was handed over by the Maharajas of Jaipur in the 18th century. This fort was also ruled by Bargujar Kings and was attacked by Alauddin Khilji.
Khandar Fort is perched on a vertical hill and has three entrance gates. It is believed that the king of this fort never once lost a battle to its enemy in the past due to its strategic location. Thus, the fort was considered as one of the most inaccessible and invincible forts in Rajasthan. The damaged walls, doors and ceilings of the fort serve as the evidence of the various historical incidents and battles that took place over here.
There are seven temples within the fort namely Jain temple, Hanuman temple, Chaturbhuja temple, Rani temple, Gobind Devji temple, Jagatpalji temple and Jayanti Mata temple. The Jain temple in this fort is known for its exquisite rock carved idols of Jain gurus. The Hanuman temple is famous for its single stone idol of Lord Hanuman with a demon under his feet. Chaturbhuja temple is known for its idol of four armed god. Jayanti Mata temple is known for its annual fair. There is also a beautiful Rani Temple located on top of the highest platform of the fort and perhaps the most magnificent part of the Fort.
Apart from the temples, the Khandar Fort also has two huge tanks namely Ramkunda and Laxmankunda. There were seven more small ponds here. However, due to lack of maintenance only four ponds out of them are visible now. Narsingha Dhar, a popular picnic spot, lies within the premises of the fort.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
