All about Jogi Mahal: Palace where even ex-PM Rajiv Gandhi stayed without electricity

Ranthambore National Park is famous worldwide for its beauty. One of the highlights of this park is the Jogi Mahal, often called the heart of Ranthambore. Located in Zone 3 of Ranthambore National Park, Jogi Mahal stands in front of a large lake known as the Jogi Mahal Lake. 

Jogi Mahal is a historical building that is around 700 years old. It was built by the ruler of Ranthambore, Rao Hammir, for his guru. This two-story building has about eight rooms. People of the Nath sect are also called Jogi, which is how the place got its name. 

Currently, Jogi Mahal is used as a forest rest house. However, due to its location in a tiger territory, entry is restricted. 

In the past, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had stayed at Jogi Mahal. The family of Amitabh Bachchan also stayed here. Other notable visitors include former US President Bill Clinton, and Sachin Tendulkar. Notably, these people stayed here without electricity.

Nearby Jogi Mahal, you can find the second largest banyan tree in India. The largest banyan tree is in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden in Kolkata. During his visit to Ranthambore in 2000, President Bill Clinton called this banyan tree "The Warding Tree."

Jogi Mahal remains a significant historical and cultural landmark within the natural beauty of Ranthambore National Park.