12 kms from Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur is not only the major gateway to Ranthambore, it also boasts of many historic legends due to its being one of the major center of attraction of the Rajput rulers. Besides being an excursion point, it is here that tourists go for shopping and for other such facilities which are not readily available in the thickly wooded area of Ranthambore, as it is the nearest centre of civilization to Ranthambore.

Famous for its Kaila Devi Fair, Karauli is close to Ranthambore and is a must-see. It was founded in 1348, and since then, has been mainly ruled by Yadhuvanshi Rajputs, said to be the descendants of Lord Krishna. Formerly known as Kalyanpuri after the local deity Kalyan ji, Karauli has many historic monuments and the temples of Kaila Devi and Madan Mohanji, which are worth a visit.