Ranthambore Tiger Safari and Travel Guide: Land of the Royal Bengal Tiger

A Ranthambore tiger safari is one of the great wildlife experiences of India. Ranthambore National Park lies in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, and it is one of the best places in the world to see a wild tiger in daylight. This guide explains the safari zones, the jeep and canter safaris, the best time to visit, where to stay and which tour suits you best.

Shamrock Journeys is a trusted Rajasthan tour operator. We arrange your safari booking, your lodge, your car and your guide, so you only have to enjoy the forest.

Why Visit Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore was once the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. It became a Project Tiger reserve in 1973 and a national park in 1980. Today its tigers are protected and are used to safari vehicles, which makes a Ranthambore tiger safari so rewarding.

• Tigers by day: the tigers here are often seen walking, resting and hunting in the open.
• A fort in the forest: Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rises above the park.
• Rich wildlife: leopards, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and more than 300 kinds of birds.
• Easy to reach: a short drive from Jaipur and a direct train from Delhi.

Jeep Safari and Canter Safari

There are two ways to take a Ranthambore tiger safari, or Ranthambore wildlife safari. Both are open vehicles and both go with a forest guide.

• Jeep safari: an open jeep, called a Gypsy, with six seats. It is quiet, quick and can use the narrow tracks. It is the best choice for families, couples and Ranthambore photography tours.
• Canter safari in Ranthambore: an open truck with twenty seats. It costs less and is good for groups.

Each safari lasts about three and a half hours. There is one in the early morning and one in the afternoon. The exact times change a little with the season.

Ranthambore Jeep Safari Zones

The park is divided into ten zones. Each vehicle is given one zone and must stay inside it.

• Zones 1 to 5: the core of the park, with the lakes, the old ruins and the fort in view. These are the most popular zones for a Ranthambore tiger safari.
• Zones 6 to 10: the outer zones. They are quieter and also have good tiger sightings.

Tigers move freely, so no zone is always the best. That is why we suggest three or four safaris in different zones.

Ranthambore Safari Booking

Seats on every Ranthambore tiger safari are limited by the forest department, and jeeps sell out early in the main season. Ranthambore safari booking opens many weeks ahead, so please plan early.

• We book your safaris as soon as you confirm your tour.
• Every guest must give the name and number of a passport or photo ID.
• Carry the same ID with you on the safari.
• A Ranthambore guided safari always includes a trained forest guide. We can also arrange a private naturalist.

No one can promise a tiger. But with three or four drives, most of our guests see one.

Wildlife of Ranthambore

The tiger is the star of every Ranthambore tiger safari, but there is much more to see on our Ranthambore wildlife tours. Look for leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted deer, nilgai, wild boar and langur monkeys. Marsh crocodiles lie on the banks of the lakes. Bird lovers can see peacocks, kingfishers, owls, eagles and many winter visitors.

Places to Visit in Ranthambore

Between the drives of your Ranthambore tiger safari, make time for these places.

Ranthambore Fort

Ranthambore Fort stands on a hill inside the park. It is about a thousand years old and is one of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Walk up through its great gates for wide views over the forest and the lakes.

Trinetra Ganesh Temple

This temple inside the fort is one of the oldest Ganesh temples in Rajasthan. Families send wedding invitations here to ask for a blessing.

Padam Talao and Jogi Mahal

Padam Talao is the largest lake in the park. The red sandstone Jogi Mahal stands on its bank, beside a huge old banyan tree. Tigers and deer often come here to drink.

Rajbagh Lake and Malik Talao

Rajbagh Lake has old palace ruins on its shore, a favourite resting place for tigers. Malik Talao is a smaller lake that is good for birds and crocodiles.

Surwal Lake and the Village Crafts

Surwal Lake, outside the park, is lovely for birdwatching at sunrise in winter. You can also visit a local centre where village women make block prints and tiger paintings.

Our Ranthambore Tour Packages

Every Ranthambore tiger safari we plan is private and can be changed to suit your dates and budget. These are our most popular Ranthambore holiday packages:

These Rajasthan tours include Ranthambore:

• 8-day Jaipur Ranthambore Udaipur tour: Jaipur, a Ranthambore tiger safari, Pushkar and Udaipur.
• 9-day Rajasthan tour: the 8-day route with a third night in Udaipur and a day at Kumbhalgarh.
• 10-day Rajasthan tour: Jaipur, Ranthambore, Pushkar, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.
• 12-day Rajasthan tour: the full circuit of Rajasthan, with all six destinations.

• Ranthambore National Park tour package: two nights at a lodge with three safaris and a visit to the fort.
• Ranthambore tour from Jaipur: a private car from Jaipur, about three and a half hours each way.
• Jaipur Ranthambore tour package: the Pink City and the tiger reserve in four or five days. Read our Jaipur guide.
• Ranthambore tour package from Delhi: by direct train or private car, ideal for three or four days.
• Ranthambore weekend package: one night and two safaris, a short break from Delhi or Jaipur.
• Ranthambore family package: a private jeep, family rooms and an easy pace for children.
• Ranthambore honeymoon package: a romantic lodge, private dinners and jeep safaris for two.
• Luxury Ranthambore safari: a luxury tented camp or lodge, a private jeep and your own naturalist.
• Ranthambore photography tours: a private jeep, extra safaris and a guide who knows the light.

Ranthambore is also part of these longer tours:

• Golden Triangle with Ranthambore: our Delhi Agra Jaipur Ranthambore tour, with Mughal heritage and two safaris.
• 8-day Rajasthan Royals tour: Jaipur, Ranthambore, Pushkar and Udaipur.
• 9-day Heritage with Wild and Leisure tour: the same route at an easier pace.
• 10-day Rajasthan Wildlife and Culture tour: one of our best Rajasthan wildlife tour packages.
• 12-day Royal Panorama tour: a Ranthambore and Rajasthan heritage tour of the full circuit.

Ranthambore in Our Rajasthan and India Tours

A Ranthambore tiger safari fits easily into our Rajasthan tour packages, because the park lies between Jaipur and Agra. It is also the easiest way to add an India tiger safari tour to a first trip to India. Many guests come here after the Taj Mahal in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.

Suggested Ranthambore Itineraries

Ranthambore in Two Days

Arrive by lunch and take the afternoon safari. On day two, take the morning safari, visit Ranthambore Fort and the Ganesh temple, then leave after lunch or take one more drive.

Ranthambore in Three Days

This is the plan we suggest for a Ranthambore tiger safari. You have time for four safaris in different zones, the fort, Surwal Lake and a restful afternoon at your lodge.

Best Time to Visit Ranthambore

The Ranthambore tiger safari season runs from October to June.

• October to March: the most pleasant weather. Mornings are cold in an open jeep, so bring a warm jacket. This is the best season for birds.
• April to June: very hot, but the best months for tiger sightings, because the animals stay near the water.
• July to September: the core zones are closed for the monsoon.

Ranthambore National Park holidays are most popular from November to February and at Christmas and New Year. Book well ahead for these dates.

How to Reach Ranthambore

Every Ranthambore tiger safari we plan includes your transfers by private car.

• By air: Jaipur is the nearest airport, about 180 km away.
• By train: Sawai Madhopur station is a few kilometres from the park. It has direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Mumbai.
• By road: about three and a half hours from Jaipur, five to six hours from Agra and seven hours from Delhi.

Where to Stay in Ranthambore

Ranthambore has some of the finest wildlife lodges in India. For a Ranthambore luxury safari you can stay in a luxury tented camp or a heritage hunting lodge. There are also many good deluxe resorts with gardens and pools, and simple hotels for smaller budgets. We choose a lodge close to your safari gate, to save time in the early morning.

Safari Tips

A few simple tips will help you enjoy your Ranthambore tiger safari.

• Wear clothes in dull colours such as green, brown and beige.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and a warm jacket in winter.
• Stay quiet and stay seated when you see an animal.
• Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
• Do not feed the animals or leave any litter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which zone is best for a Ranthambore tiger safari?

Zones 1 to 5 are the most popular, but tigers are seen in all ten zones. Taking several safaris matters more than the zone.

How many days are enough for Ranthambore?

Two nights with three safaris is ideal. Three nights give you an even better chance.

Is a tiger sighting guaranteed?

No. The tigers are wild. But Ranthambore has one of the best records in India for tiger sightings.

Which is better, a jeep or a canter?

A jeep is smaller and quieter, and it is our first choice. A canter is cheaper and carries more people.

Is a Ranthambore tiger safari safe for children?

Yes. Children enjoy it very much. We suggest a private jeep, so you can keep your own pace.

Can I add Ranthambore to a Golden Triangle tour?

Yes. It lies between Agra and Jaipur and adds only two nights. See our Golden Triangle tour page.

How much does a Ranthambore tiger safari cost?

The price depends on the vehicle, the number of safaris, your lodge and the season. Tell us your plans and we will send a clear quotation.

Extend Your Journey

Many guests add more places to their Ranthambore tiger safari:

• Jaipur: the Pink City of India.
• Ajmer and Pushkar: the Dargah and the holy lake.
• Udaipur: the City of Lakes.
• Agra: the Taj Mahal and Mughal heritage.

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