RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK — Attraction in Rajasthan

Zone 1-5 or nothing!

We went in January 2022 for a morning slot and were lucky enough to spot four tigers in Zone 2 - a mother tigress named Noori and her three cubs (which are almost the same size as the mother, at 5-6 months of age).

They say that zones 1-5 have all the tigers and that if you happen to go to zones 6-10, you may not have any tiger sighting. It is said that these zones were added later and some taxi drivers even claim that these zones don't have a single tiger and are only a money making scheme! These zones have other animals and birds, but most people come to Ranthambore National Park to see tigers. :)

Please note that you need not book multiple slots on multiple days, to sight a tiger. A lot of it is just dumb luck. So cross your fingers and go for it. There are a lot of people who book so many slots and end up wasting a lot of time and money, and regret it later.

It's preferable to book your date and time slot through the official website of Rajasthan Government, because agents will have their commission, making ticket booking through agents a bit more expensive.

There are two slots available for booking, a morning one (7-10 am) and an afternoon/ evening one (2-5 pm).

Further, you can book one of two vehicles - gypsy (jeep) or canter (like a tempo traveller). However, do note that both are open, i.e., roofless. So you can have unhindered views. There isn't much of a price difference between the two, so book a gypsy if you can afford it, since in the canter, if there's more people and you get a seat somewhere in the middle, your view might be obstructed. Also, the gypsy makes less noise and can maneuver more easily, making it ideal to quickly turn and go the other way to get a better glimpse of an elusive tiger!

Also, look out for other animals and birds. We saw kingfishers, peacocks, sambar deer, nilgais, etc. And also, crocodiles lazing near the lake.

It would also help if your fellow passengers during the safari are silent and don't drive away the tigers with excessive noise, as it happened with us.

And we also observed some tourists eating packed food and then throwing away the plastic/ paper packaging in the forest. Please abstain from littering the forest, there are enough dustbins in all hotels in Ranthambore! :P

Ranthambore itself is accessible by road from the Sawai Madhopur railway station, which is the nearest railway station, a few hours away from Jaipur. The same trains mostly also connect to Jodhpur.

It's preferable to book your tickets to Ranthambore after you get confirmation of tickets for the tiger safari, since that is the main activity/ attraction here, other than the Ranthambore fort and Chambal river (crocodile) safari.

Also, I suggest you book a hotel which is near Ganesh Dham, from where the safari starts, since the only mode of transport here is private taxis and they are pricy. Do try to negotiate with the taxi drivers!

Do keep in mind that you cannot enter Ranthambore limits after approx. 5 pm, for safety concerns. So plan your road/ rail journey accordingly and keep enough margin to reach your hotel before that.

Also, it is said that tigers roam the road after dark and hunt down cattle/ dogs. So do be careful to not venture out after dark. For the same reason, we found, that there is no bike rental service available in Ranthambore.

Last but not the least, carry a good camera with a sizeable memory card!

Also, some reviews here claim that there are lions in this park. There aren't any, believe you me! Nor are there any elephants here. It is not a zoo, after all! :D

Hope I have helped you plan your trip better! Have a...

Ranthambore National Park is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India. It is one of the largest national parks in Northern India and is famous for its rich biodiversity and thriving population of royal Bengal tigers.

Covering an area of approximately 392 square kilometers, Ranthambore National Park is a captivating blend of dense forests, rocky terrains, and open grasslands. It is nestled around the historic Ranthambore Fort, which adds to the park's charm and cultural significance.

The primary attraction of Ranthambore National Park is its population of majestic tigers. The park is considered one of the best places in India to spot these elusive big cats in their natural habitat. Visitors have the opportunity to embark on thrilling jungle safaris and tiger tracking expeditions, where trained guides and forest officials lead them deep into the wilderness in search of these magnificent creatures. Spotting a tiger in Ranthambore is an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty and power of these endangered animals.

Aside from tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife species. The park shelters a variety of mammals, including leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), and langurs. It is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 300 bird species, including peafowls, owls, eagles, and migratory birds that visit during the winter months.

The landscape of Ranthambore National Park is visually striking, with its rugged hills, ancient banyan trees, and serene lakes. The picturesque surroundings create a perfect backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photographers to capture breathtaking moments.

In addition to wildlife safaris, the park offers opportunities for nature walks, birdwatching, and guided tours to explore its diverse ecosystems. Visitors can also visit the iconic Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which sits atop a hill within the park. The fort showcases impressive architecture and provides panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

Ranthambore National Park is well-managed and equipped with facilities to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for visitors. It is advisable to plan your visit in advance, as the park has a limited number of safari vehicles allowed per day, and booking your safari in advance is recommended.

Overall, Ranthambore National Park is a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Its majestic tigers, diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes, and historical significance make it a must-visit place for anyone seeking an immersive wildlife experience in the heart...

Early morning was at 5am Woke up to the smell of wet soil. With moist eyes we could smell the earth and realized that it had rained overnight. The chill in the air could be felt. Our first safari was at 7 am. A shower and a hot cup of tea 🍵 brought us to our senses and we were all charged up for the safari. Our gypsy reported late because of the rains. We started our safari at 7.15 am with a very overcast sky and no sign of the sun ☀️. But thanks to our luck. We did not get any rains. The weather was pleasant. Once the gypsy took off we felt a bone chilling wind run down our spines. The environmentalist (guide) suggested the the forest would be warmer. And indeed it was.

The forest is divided in different zones Zone 1 to 4 are the most fertile zones in the sense of its flora and fauna. Tiger sighting is almost taken for granted in these zones. But the tiger population now stands at 65 in a 1734sq km area. Only 20% of this area is open for public. And the ratio of male and female tigers in Ranthambore is almost equal. It should be 2:1 two female against one male. In fighting among males has led to tigers migrating into territories lesser known for tiger sightings So things have changed. Zone 6 which is considered as the buffer area of the forest has been reporting tiger sightings on a regular basis for the past one year. Within 30 mins of the safari we had the majestic predator - The tiger in front of us. Marking his territory the mighty tiger kept his date with us for a good 20 minutes. Great pics were captured and the striped king was totally elusive to our presence. Our day was made. Spotted 🦌 dear, and many antelopes were sighted.

Second was a Canter safari in the evening was in zone 4. The forest was beautiful but alas no tigers were sighted. Sloth bear, mongoose, jackals, Sambhar, Neelgai, fox and innumerable number of birds 🦅 were sighted. That was also amazing. The forest did not disappoint Back at Jhoomar Baori we wanted to explore the area around the Resort but were told that it is not allowed on foot as the Resort is in the Ranthambore forest area. Had a light dinner of vegetable soup and retired early.

19/11 Day 8 Opted for a morning safari to zone 7. The safari driver and the environmentalist tried hard to trail the pug marks of the tiger for sightings but soon news from forest rangers came that the tiger had wandered into Zone 8. Enjoyed the hilly terrain of the forest in this zone with scenic beauty and...