Picture a world where the sound of a tiger’s roar echoes through ruins and lakes shimmer in the sunlight’s golden hues while each twist and turn in the path hints at exciting adventures ahead. Are you ready to start your adventure?
Welcome to Ranthambore National Park located in the beautiful city of Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Ranthambore is renowned as one of the best tiger reserves in the country. Ranthambore is not just a destination it is an escapade.
Just imagine you are in Ranthambore sitting in an open jeep gently moving on rugged terrain and suddenly a Royal Bengal Tiger emerges, seeing the tiger in its raw state your heart starts racing. Isn’t amazing.
About Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore was previously exclusively used as a hunting ground, by the Maharajas of Jaipur until it was converted into a protected tiger reserve in 1973; this change marked the start of its evolution into one of India’s best tiger habitats. Today this national park is a part of the Project Tiger, an initiative started by the Indian government to save animals from extinction.
Brief Overview of Ranthambore National Park
| Area | 1334 square Kilometer |
| Best Time to Visit | October to April |
| Temperature in Summers | 28°C to 44°C |
| Safari Slot Timings | Morning and Evening |
| Active Zones | 10 active zones |
| Bird spotting | More than 260 bird species |
| Animals | Tigers, Hyenas, Leopards, Sloth Bear, and more |
| Other Popular Places | Forts, Lakes, Temples, and more |
Reasons to Visit Ranthambore National Park
What is it about Ranthambore National Park that makes it so appealing, to visitors and wildlife enthusiasts? Is it the excitement of coming face to face with a tiger’s presence, the quiet remnants of its history, or its serene natural surroundings? All of these things including more make travelers and wildlife enthusiasts like you want to visit Ranthambore.
Here are the top reasons to visit Ranthambore National Park:
- As I said Ranthambore National Park is one of the country’s finest and biggest national parks. Witnessing the King aka the Royal Bengal Tiger in its raw and natural state is a different level experience. You can spot 6 species of the cat family – Leopard, Tiger, Jungle cat, Rusty-spotted cat, Caracal, and Desert cat.
- What I like most about Ranthambore National Park is the scenery that changes as you move from forests to dry grasslands scattered with glistening lakes and tall cliffs. The park is bathed in a glow at sunrise and turns into a painter’s paradise, at sunset.
- For bird enthusiasts this place has got you covered you can spot more the 260 bird species.
- You can also explore the famous rivers of Ranthambore named Milak Talao, Padam Talao, and Raj Bagh Talao.
How to Reach Ranthambore National Park
Visiting Ranthambore National Park here are some details to help you plan your trip:
- By Air: The first step is to reach Jaipur International Airport why Jaipur because it is the closest airport. From Jaipur airport Ranthambore National Park is only 180 km. You can easily get a bus or even book a taxi to Ranthambore.
- By Train: If you love train rides then you can use this mode of transportation. You can get a train from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Jaipur straight to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station. From here Ranthambore National Park is just 10 km.
- By Road: To experience India from the inside, you can travel by road. All major cities are connected by a well-maintained network of highways. You can get a taxi or a bus.
- From Jaipur, the national park is 180 Km.
- From Mumbai, the national park is 1031 Km.
- From Delhi, the national park is 381 Km.
- From Udaipur, the national park is 288 Km.
Popular Ranthambore Tiger Safari Tours in India
The Jeep Safari: The best way to explore the park is by jeep safari. With the capacity of 6 people and an open vehicle, you can explore the park from all angles in the best way.
| Fee for foreigners | Rs. per seat |
| Fee for Indians | Rs. per seat |
| Morning Shift (Timing) | 7 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Evening Shift (Timing) | 2 PM to 5:30 PM |
Canter Safari: A more budget-friendly option. You get to explore the national park along with 20 people. Perfect for exploring the top zones of the national park.
| Fee for foreigners | Rs. per seat |
| Fee for Indians | Rs. per seat |
| Morning Shift (Timing) | 7 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Evening Shift (Timing) | 2 PM to 5:30 PM |
Tiger in Ranthambore National Park
The tigers of Ranthambore are as famous as Bollywood celebrities. One of the tigers even got a mention in a book. Ranthambore is a place where you get to see the world famous Royal Bengal Tigers. Here every tiger has a unique name according to their history and reputation.
Let’s start with T-16 also known as Machali. The most well-known tigress of Ranthambore also loves to pose. She was also awarded “The World’s Most Famous Tiger” title and she is the one who got featured in Katy Yocom’s book known as “Three Ways To Disappear”.
Coming up next is Sundari aka T-17 the daughter of Machali. Sundari’s daughter T-73 in 2019 gave birth to 3 cubs.
There are many more famous tigers in Ranthambore National Park like Sultana T107, Noori T-105, Riddhi T-124, Romeo T-6, Dollar T-25, Ustad T-24, Laila T-41, Mala T-39, Sitara T-28, and more.
Tiger Safari Zone in Ranthambore
There are a total of 10 zones in Ranthambore National Park in which zones 1 to 5 give a higher chance of tiger sighting.
| Zone 1 | The Land of Sultana and her Cubs. |
| Zone 2 | The Tiger’s Playground – Noori, cubs and Arrowhead |
| Zone 3 | The Photographer’s Paradise – Riddhi and Cubs |
| Zone 4 | The Queen’s Territory – Riddhi, Shakti and Cubs |
| Zone 5 | T102 & cubs, T 125(F), T41(F), and T 103 (F) |
| Zone 6 | T34, T8 and 3 cubs, T39 Noor & Cub, T58 (M), T127 F |
| Zone 7 | T58 (M), T61 (F) |
| Zone 8 | T58 (M), T61 (F) |
| Zone 9 | T62 (M), T99 (F). T108 (M) |
| Zone 10 | T58 (M), T34 (M), T114 & cubs (F), T 99 & cubs (F) |
Tips for First-Time Visitors to Ranthambore
- Plan and book all your tickets in advance.
- Choose the right safari slot according to your preference.
- Pack essentials like snacks, water bottles, insect repellents, a camera, and binoculars.
- Dressing properly is also important to carry layers because it is cold in the morning, especially in winter.
- Ranthambore is not just about tigers it is also home to more than 300 species of birds. You can explore rich flora and fauna along with ancient architecture.