Ranthambore National Park - All You Need to Know

Located in Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhupur district, Ranthambore National Park is a popular wildlife sanctuary encompassed by the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. The national park’s name was inspired by the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, which stands inside the park and overlooks the sprawling forest. Ranthambore was designated a National Park in 1980, with a focus on the conservation of the endangered Bengal Tiger. As per the latest information furnished by forest officials, there are 88 tigers in the 1300 square kilometer national park.

In addition to tigers, the Ranthambore is home to leopards, hyenas, jackals, Langoor, sambhar, chital, sloth bears, chinkara, nilgai, and crocodiles. Because of its perfect blend of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, unique fauna, and the rich history of the Fort within the park, Ranthambore National Park is one of the most significant tiger conservation reserves and a fantastic wildlife sanctuary in India.

If you’re considering a visit to Ranthambore National Park, the safari experience will surely be the highlight. The odds of spotting a tiger in Ranthambore are pretty good, particularly if you take multiple safaris. However, you must keep certain important travel tips in mind to have an enjoyable and memorable trip. Here’s everything you need to know about Ranthambore and safaris, including types of safaris, the right time to visit, and the best wildlife viewing areas.

Right Time to Visit

Ranthambore National Park is open from October to June, with the best time for tiger sightings being November to April.

• Winter (October–March): This is a good time to visit the National Park because the days are pleasant, albeit it can get chilly in December and January. You may not be able to spot the tiger because there is plenty of greenery for the animals to hide in and water is everywhere. If you are a bird lover, November to February is the ideal season to head to Ranthambore since several species of exotic migratory birds travel here during the winter season.
• Summer (April–June): During the season, temperatures might reach as high as 42 degrees Celsius. However, because there is less water in the park, a greater number of wildlife species visit the lakes and other water holes during these months, increasing the likelihood of witnessing a varied range of wildlife.
• Monsoon (July–September): Due to the monsoon and to prevent disturbing the tigers during their mating season, the National Park generally closes and suspends safaris in July, August, and September. In recent years, however, the park has only closed zones 1 through 5 during these months (as they fill with water), leaving zones 6 and 10 available to visitors.

How to Reach Ranthambore

• By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur (160 km), from where you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ranthambore.
• By Train: The closest train station is Sawai Madhopur (11 kilometers away), which is linked to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. Taxis will be available at the railway station to take you from Sawai Madhopur to Ranthambore.
• By Road: Ranthambore National Park is well connected by road to India’s major cities, including Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota, and Agra. From these cities, you can hire a taxi or take the bus. The route to Ranthambore is beautiful, making the journey worthwhile. Ranthambore is 3 hours away from Jaipur, 5 hours from New Delhi, 5 hours from Agra, and 7 hours from Udaipur.

Type of Safari Experiences

Safaris are available twice a day, one in the early morning and the second in the late afternoon, each lasting approximately three and a half hours. The timing is intended to align with the peak periods of animal activity, enhancing your chances of sighting wildlife. You can select from two types of vehicles for your safari. 

• The Canter Safari (20-seater open vehicle) is more affordable and suitable for larger groups. However, it is a shared experience with limited flexibility. On the other hand, it provides an elevated vantage point, which might be useful for spotting wildlife in densely populated regions. Canters are not permitted in zones 7 and 8. Advance Booking Price: Rs 900 (Indians) and Rs 2180 (Foreigners)
• The Gypsy Safari (6-seater open jeep) offers a more comfortable and intimate experience with fewer passengers. It allows for greater mobility and access to more remote corners of the park that canters can’t reach. Advance Booking Price: Rs 1500/ (Indians) and Rs 2800 (Foreigners)

The maximum number of safaris authorized in each shift is 88 jeeps and 52 canters. It is not necessary to book the entire vehicle for yourself, but if you prefer a more personalized experience, you may do so by paying the requisite fees. All of the vehicles belong to the forest department and are driven by locals. Vehicles that are not affiliated with the Forest Department are not authorized in the park. Safaris can be scheduled 90 days in advance through the official government website, authorized tour operators, or your hotel. Hotels and tour companies charge additional fees depending on who you book with, but booking is considerably easier.

Same-day safari bookings (Just-in-time safari) can be done at the official booking counter in Ranthambore, subject to availability. Your last resort is premium jeep safaris (Tatkal/VIP safaris), but they’re very expensive (Rs 20,000-30,000). Safari permits are limited and in great demand, so book well in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak season. All tourists are required to pay the full cost of the safari. Safari deposit amounts are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

The timings of jungle safaris are determined by sunrise and sunset times. The schedule of park entry and exit is set by the forest authority, and it is subject to change without notice. A recent regulation states that Safari Zones 1 to 5 would be closed on Wednesdays and Zones 6 to 10 on Tuesdays. This update attempts to strike an equilibrium between conservation efforts and visitor access, allowing animals to flourish unhindered on certain days.

• Tentative Safari Timings (depends on the season):
  • Morning Safari: 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Evening Safari: 3 PM – 6:30 PM

Available Zones

Ranthambore National Park has ten safari zones, which are allocated by the Rajasthan tourism website depending on web availability. The zones are numbered from 1 to 10. Zones 1 through 5 are the core zones and the most popular choices for safari tours since they offer the best opportunities for sighting tigers. Zones 6-10 are buffer zones that were added later. When making a safari reservation at the National Park, visitors can choose the zone they want to go to, based on availability. However, the forest department reserves the right to close any zone at any time without notice.

Tiger sightings cannot be guaranteed in any zone. All zones are open to tourists between October 1st and June 30th. From July to September, the core zones 1 to 5 fill with water and hence remain closed. Zones 6-10 are open during the rainy season, though they may close temporarily due to heavy rains. You are free to move around in your assigned zone, but you are not permitted to enter any other zones throughout your safari.

• Zone 1: Home to Sultan, Ustad, Noor, and his two cubs. Big cats can be seen in Peela Pani, Amreshwar Dang, Tuti ka Nalla, Gada Dub, and Sultanpur in this zone.
• Zone 2: Because of the frequent sightings of tigers and leopards, this zone is regarded as the best for tourists. This area is rich in waterholes.
• Zone 3: Is home to star tigers such as Sitara and Krishna. It includes the famous Jogi Mahal, Rajbagh ruins, and Padam Talab, where tigers are frequently seen resting or hunting.
• Zone 4: The legendary Tigress Machli’s were located there. The area remains popular after her death and features landmarks such as the Lakkad Da, Malik Talao, Lambi, Singh Dwar, and Adidaant.
• Zone 5: Is notable for its rugged terrain and water holes, which attract a variety of species such as tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. Tigers can be spotted at Gada Dub, Amreshwar Dang, Tuti ka Nalla, Peela Pani, and Sultanpur.
• Zone 6-10: Although the likelihood of seeing wildlife is lower in zones 6 to 10, there are still plenty of opportunities to see tigers there. The access gates of these zones are placed far from the entry gates of zones 1–5.

Places to visit near Ranthambore National Park

• Ranthambore Fort: The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for everyone interested in history and architecture. The Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century and nestled inside the National Park, affords expansive vistas of the surrounding terrain as well as a glimpse into the region’s royal past. The fort houses three Hindu temples as well as a Jain temple.
• Chambal safari: Take a boat ride down the Chambal River to explore the Ranthambore Gharial Sanctuary. Keep a watch out for the highly endangered gharial crocodile, as well as northern pintail, egrets, herons, storks, flamingos, muggers, turtles, and other bird species.
• Kachida Valley: This valley is situated at the edge of Ranthambore National Park. It is famous for its stunning landscape, diverse flora and wildlife, and a high likelihood of seeing Panthers who migrated here to avoid clashes with tigers.

Where to stay in Ranthambore National Park?

Ranthambore National Park has a wide variety of accommodations, including budget, deluxe, luxury, and super-luxury tents. Although there are countless hotels outside the park, there are none within it. Some of Rajasthan’s most expensive resorts can be found in Ranthambore. If you’re loaded with money, Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, TUTC Sawai Shivir, and Aman-i-Khas are for you. Other luxurious properties include Sawai Taj, Survive Villas Resort, Bookmark Resorts, Nahargarh Palace Resort, Khem Villas, Sawai Madhopur Lodge, and Sujan Sher Bagh. Those looking for more economical options can consider Sultan Bagh, Earth, Tiger Moon Resort, Omak Tiger Seven, Ranthambhore Palace, Welcome Heritage Mount Valley Resort, Madhao Bagh, and so many more.

Park Guidelines

Ranthambore National Park has strict rules and regulations to protect the wildlife and environment. This includes sticking to designated paths, not littering, and never getting out of the Jeep during the safari. Do not attempt to feed or lure wild animals by throwing stones or anything else. Avoid making loud noises and trying to get too close for a better shot. Arrive early at the safari boarding point to finish all required formalities.

Packing Essentials

If you want to make the most of your safari, come prepared. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a scarf, a wide-brimmed hat, bug repellent, a small bag, plenty of water, and snacks to ensure a pleasant safari. Wearing comfortable clothing in neutral colors such as brown, beige, forest Khaki, and olive green will help you blend in with the environment and increase your chances of spotting wildlife. 

During summertime, the temperature becomes hot with blistering sun. As a result, it is preferable to wear loose, lightweight long-sleeve shirts and pants that protect against the sun and mosquitoes. Carry a light jacket or sweater for early mornings and evenings, when temperatures can drop. In the winter, it can be chilly in an open vehicle, so you should wear sufficient warm clothing – preferably in layers. If you’re going on an early morning safari in the colder months, take a blanket. Bring a set of binoculars and a good camera to spot and capture the wildlife.

Some Other Tips for Ranthambore National Park

• Local taxis, Ubers, and auto rickshaws are popular modes to get around in Ranthambore. They are generally less expensive than renting a private car. You could ask your hotel to book a cab or a private car for you.
• Given the size of Ranthambore National Park, a single safari is insufficient to experience everything the jungle has to offer. You should plan on taking 2-3 safaris to explore different zones of the park and enhance your chances of encountering the Royal Bengal Tigers.
• Don’t forget to keep your identification card. It’s a vital document that you will need during the course of your trip. Indian tourists should bring a photo ID or any other form of identification provided during the booking process. Travelers from other countries should bring their passports for identification.
• You are permitted to bring a camera or video camera into the park. The camera is free, however the video camera is charged. For Indian tourists, video camera fees are ₹600 for each safari, while international nationals pay ₹900 per person.
• There are no age restrictions in Ranthambore Park, and you can go on a safari with children of any age. Children under the age of five ride free without a seat, while children beyond the age of five must purchase a safari pass.