Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is a gem of the Sawai Madhopur district of Southern Rajasthan. It is settled where Aravali and Vindhya Hills meet, around 14 km from the district. This national park covers 400 square kilometers and is home to various wildlife that grab the attention of wildlife lovers worldwide.

Moreover, Ranthambore National Park is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a renowned wildlife holiday destination in Rajasthan. This national park captivates visitors with exotic natural beauty, exciting history, and rich wildlife. Jungle Safari in Ranthambore National Park is one of the preferred ways to have close encounters with different species of animals, plants, and birds.

Quick Fact

Ranthambore National Park is home to around 320 species of birds, more than 40 species of mammals, approx. The tiger reserve area of this park is small compared to other parks. Hence, the chances of tiger spotting are higher in Ranthambore.

History of Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park’s fascinating history gives us a better outlook on the bygone era. This national park was first established as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary by the Government of India in 1955. As time passed, the population of tigers increased, and in 1973, it was designated as a Tiger Reserve. After seven years, on 1 November 1980, Ranthambore was declared a national park.

Moreover, Ranthambore Fort was also included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2013. Apart from that, the forests beside this park were Keladevi Sanctuary and Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary.

Flora and Fauna of Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore is one of the most iconic national parks, rich in flora and fauna. Apart from the majestic tigers, you can spot Sloth Bears, Jackals, Striped Hyenas, Crocodiles, Desert Foxes, Palm Civets, and Common Mongoose. The wildlife of this national park surely deserves appreciation as it has its specific variety of mammals, avifauna, and vegetation. From enjoying the thrilling vibes of wilderness to feeling the refreshing environment, Ranthambore National Park never disappoints. You will also see various species of flora. Some prominent trees in this national park are Banyan, Pipal, Babul, Gum, Kadam, Karel Khimi, and many more. In addition, aquatic floras such as lotus and water lilies are admirable attractions. Throughout your tour of Ranthambore, to explore its flora and fauna, you can feel the fresh air that will make your trip more captivating.

Places to Visit Near Ranthambore National Park

Numerous holiday destinations encircle Ranthambore National Park. From cultural aspects to historical beauty, the places near Ranthambore cover fascinating elements to enthrall your wildlife tour.

Here is the list of the top 5 tourist places you must visit near this national park.

Chand Bawri

Witness the incredible geometric symmetry near Ranthambore by visiting Chand Bawri. It is a historical stepwell built thousands of years ago and has become a renowned tourist attraction. This stepwell has more than 3500 steps leading to its core of water storage. Chand Bawri is one of the deepest wells in the world and is counted as the hidden gem of Rajasthan that you should not miss.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

This man-made site does justice with words like peace, refreshing environment, natural beauty, and scenic view. It is also known as Keoladeo National Park and is home to migratory birds. However, you can witness various species of birds you could not easily spot elsewhere. This tourist place near Ranthambore is an ideal choice to admire nature while connecting with it.

Wild Dragon Adventure Park

It is time to add a layer of fun to your wildlife tour by visiting Wild Dragon Adventure Park. It is one of the best places to visit around Ranthambore National Park, offering numerous fun activities. You can enjoy Zorbing, All-Terrain Vehicle Rides and get a unique experience at Horror House. This adventure fun offers unending fun, keeps you engaged, and gives you new memories.

Sawai Madhopur

Apart from being famous as the base point of Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur has great historical significance. You can explore many historical forts, temples, and museums showcasing this city’s great and exciting history. You would like to explore each of them and make everlasting memories with this city.

Jaipur

If you plan to extend your wildlife tour for a few days, do not forget to explore Jaipur. This city is renowned as the Pink City of Rajasthan and is considered one of the must-visit places near Ranthambore. From majestic forts to colorful bazaars, each thing is worth visiting here.

Safari in Ranthambore National Park

Jeep Safari in Ranthambore National Park

Exploring the jungle via an open jeep is one of the enthralling things to do on your wildlife tour. The jeep can accommodate six people and take you deep into the forest. While enjoying a jeep safari to witness flora and fauna, you will admire a beautiful mountain’s lush greenery and backdrop. In addition, you can enjoy wildlife photography and sighting at eye level. If you want to experience a close look at wild animals, nothing can beat the jeep safari experience in Ranthambore. There is no doubt that jeep safari is one of the best ways to explore the zones of the park and surrounding areas.

Canter Safari in Ranthambore National Park

There is no second thought that a 20-seater canter safari is a feasible way to enjoy a safari in Ranthambore. And if you are afraid of getting close to wild animals, you should choose a canter safari. Unfortunately, this kind of safari is not available at every gate of Ranthambore National Park. It is better to check the availability and book in advance to avoid disappointment at the last moment. Canter Safari follows the same path as the Jeep Safari in the park. Hence, the chances of spotting tigers and other wild animals are equally the same.

Safari timings

1st October to 31st October

  • Morning: 6.30 AM to 10.00 AM
  • Evening: 2.30 PM to 6.00 PM

1st November to 31st January

  • Morning: 7.00 AM to 10.30 AM
  • Evening: 2.00 PM to 5.30 PM

1st February to 31st March

  • Morning: 6.30 AM. to 10.00 AM
  • Evening: 2.30 PM to 6.00 PM

1st April to 15th May

  • Morning: 6.00 AM to 9.30 AM
  • Evening: 3.00 PM to 6.30 PM

15th May to 30th June

  • Morning: 6.00 AM to 9.30 AM
  • Evening: 3.30 PM to 7.00 PM

Ranthambore Zones

There are 10 safari zones in Ranthambore National Park to enjoy wildlife tourism; each one offers specific wildlife and landscape beauty. However, you cannot choose any zone with your preferences as the zone allotment is done randomly by the computer at the entrance of the park gate. So whether you choose a jeep or canter to explore safari zones in Ranthambore, the route will be the same to experience wilderness. The possibility of tiger sightings is the same in every zone of the park.

Zone 01 

Being a territory of the most famous tigers, such as Sultan (T-72), Noor (T-39), and Ustad (T-24), this zone offers a better chance of tiger sighting. The sites in this zone have a higher tiger population, like Tuti ka Nalla, Sultanpur, Gada Dub, Amreshwar Dang, and Peela Pani, which increases your chances of seeing big cats.

Zone 02

Zone 02 is remarkably the best for tourists to enjoy tiger sightings as it is dotted with numerous water holes. These water sites in this zone create a higher chance of seeing tigers. The zone is the territory of Jhumru (T-20), Krishna (T-19), Ustad (T-24), Noor (Y-39), Sultan (T-72), and many more. Jogi Mahal, Nal Ghati, Phuta Kot, Phuta Bandha, Jhalra, and Lahpur Tiraha are the hotspots to see tigers in Ranthambore.

Zone 03

Apart from the famous tiger spotting zones in Ranthambore, it is home to the famous lakes of this park, Padam Talab. You can witness the famous tigers of this park, like Sitara (T-28) and Krishna (T-19), and their cubs in Zone 03. The greenery and unique landscapes make it a highly preferable zone of Ranthambore. Raj Bagh ruins, Padam Talab, Jogi Mahal, High Point, and Mandook are the primary locations to spot tigers in this zone.

Zone 04

The zone was one of the preferable zones before the death of the tigress, Machli. However, it is still counted as the best zone because famous tigers can be spotted here. Zone 04 of Ranthambore is home to T-19, T-25, T-28, T-41, T-64, and T-75. Moreover, the main locations to observe the big cats are Malik Talab, Singh Dwar, Lakkad Da, Lambi, Adidaant, and Tamakhan.

Zone 05

The zone has the best position for tiger sightings and tourist attractions. It gives shelter to some of the most tigers of Ranthambore, like T-17, T-25, T-28, T-74, and T-75 (tiger numbers). In addition, the entry gate to Zone 5 and 4 are common, and you can also get a few spots for tiger sightings. The maximum possibility of witnessing tigers in Zone 5 is at Kachina Valley, Anantapur, Jokha, Baghda, and Dhakda.  

Zone 06

This zone is blessed with extensive open grassland with hills in the background. Zone 06 of Ranthambore offers you a great chance to spot Noor (T-39) with her cubs as she frequently roams in this zone. Besides, T-8, T-34, and T-57 are other famous tigers that can also be spotted here.

Moreover, you can find rare bird species in this zone, which makes it different from others. A few sites are recommended to catch sight of tigers, including Soleshwar, Palli Darwaza, Kala Pani, Patwa Ki Baori, Khabli, and Saran Ka Pattha.

Other Safari Zones of Ranthambore National Park 

Ranthambore’s remaining safari zones also have good chances to spot tigers and other wild animals. From Zone 7 to Zone 10, Ranthambore has a diverse range of wildlife tourist attractions. Zone 7 and Zone 8 are considered territories of T-8 and T-34. Zone 9 and Zone 10 are home to Sloth bears, Caracals, and aquatic birds. Apart from that, you can enjoy a blend of natural beauty and wilderness. 

Resorts at Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park has grown to be a hospitality hotspot with a profusion of hotels and resorts guaranteeing the best-staying experience due to its enormous reputation as the best wildlife experience in India. Depending on your needs and interests, Ranthambore National Park offers a variety of lodging options, from eco-friendly to luxury to themed hotels that guarantee one-of-a-kind experiences.

  • Sujan Sher Bagh
  • Oberoi Vanyavilas
  • Aman-i-Khas
  • Six Senses Fort Barwara
  • Vivanta by Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge
  • Nahargarh Haveli
  • Kipling Lodge
  • Juna Mahal
  • The Tigress
  • Dev Vilas  

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    BEST TIME TO VISIT RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

    SUMMER SEASON

    (April to June)

    The least recommended time to visit this park is summer, which lasts from April to June. During this time, the country experiences excruciating heat, which may make your wildlife tour unpleasant. Ranthambore Park’s proximity to the Thar Desert makes it even more challenging to explore during the day, with temperatures rising up to 48°C. However, if you can stand the heat, you should visit during this time for two reasons: first, there are fewer visitors, and second, there is a greater chance of spotting the majestic tiger, which is most often found in and around the water bodies.

    MONSOON SEASON

    (July to September)

    Monsoon brings reasonable amounts of rain to Ranthambore. It provides enough water to revive Ranthambore’s woodlands and lakes and water holes also get filled. The park residents are relieved when the high temperatures drop due mainly to the monsoon. Nevertheless, the Ranthambore National Park is only partially open during the monsoon. This is because tigers are believed to be in their breeding season during the monsoon months. Thus, park managers keep the area closed to protect them.

    WINTER SEASON

    (October to March)

    The best time to visit Ranthambore National Park is winter, which lasts from October to March. The cool weather appeals to tourists worldwide, and the forest teems with foliage after the rainy season, creating a pleasant and enjoyable environment. The area around lakes and other bodies of water is glistening because the flowers are in full bloom. A genuine feast for the eyes of bird watchers, the park is also visited by many migratory birds in the winter.

    HOW TO REACH RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

     
    By Flight
    By Train
    By Road
    The Jaipur International Airport is the closest airport to Ranthambore Park, situated about 181 km away in Sanganer town. There are two ways to travel from the airport to the park – by car or train. Every major city in India has frequent flights to Jaipur. In addition, the airport offers direct bus and taxi service to Sawai Madhopur, where Ranthambore Park is located.
    The train route is the quickest method to go to Ranthambore. The railway station in Sawai Madhopur is the one closest to Ranthambore Park. About 11 kilometers separate the station and the park. Visitors can travel there by local bus, taxi, or cab from Sawai Madhopur station. The major Indian cities of Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, and others have direct trains that stop at Sawai Madhopur station. It was recognized as one of India’s most tourist-friendly stations and is a heritage railway station.
    Road connectivity is also good to reach Ranthambore from major cities to this national park.However, most visitors prefer to travel from Jaipur, and the distance between Jaipur and Ranthambore Park is 191 kilometers. Jaipur is the closest big city to Ranthambore National Park. However, Kota, Agra, and Delhi are 138 kilometers, 263 km, and 397 km, respectively, which makes the national park easily accessible. From Kota, Agra, and Delhi, taxis and cabs are simple to find.

    TIPS FOR RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

    • Respect the national park’s rules and regulations as well as the residents’.
    • Obey the direction of the forest officials.
    • Talk softly inside the park. You do not want to disturb the animals. So go gently and carefully around the reserve.
    • Remember to dress soberly and in earth-friendly hues. Green or brown tones are recommended. Because of the unfamiliarity with bright colors, animals may be startled when they see them.
    • Keep a safe distance between yourself and the animals and cars, and only park in designated parking spaces and road shoulders.
    • Watch out for your kids. Keep them close to you, especially during safaris.

    FAQs

    What is the ideal time to visit Ranthambore National Park?

    October to March is the perfect time to enjoy a vacation at this popular wildlife hotspot of Rajasthan.

    Which is the closest airport to reach Ranthambore National Park?

    Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport to this national park, located approx. 200 km away.

    Which are the best cities to visit near Ranthambore National Park?

    Jaipur, Bundi, Bharatpur, Agra, and Delhi are the best cities to explore near Ranthambore.

    How many zones are there in Ranthambore?

    There are 10 safari zones in Ranthambore National Park, widely famous for diverse wildlife and tiger sightings.

    Which zone is best in Ranthambore to spot a tiger?

    Zone 2 and Zone 3 are highly preferable for tiger sightings. However, other zones of this national park also offer the thrill of the wilderness.