Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park, located in Sawai Madhopur of Rajasthan, India, is one of the most famous tiger reserves in the country. Known for its Royal Bengal Tigers, ancient Ranthambore Fort, and scenic ruins of temples and palaces, this park attracts wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers from all over the world. The park is located near the confluence of the Aravalli and Vindhya mountain ranges, which provide a diverse landscape of rocky ridges, dry deciduous forests, and lakes.
BEST TIME TO VISIT RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
Season | Months | Weather | Best for |
Winter | November – February | 10°C to 25°C | Best for comfortable safaris, active wildlife |
Summer | March – June | 30°C to 45°C | Good for tiger sightings near water sources |
Monsoon | July – September | 25°C to 35°C | Park remains partially closed |
Season | Months | Weather | Best for |
Winter | November – February | 10°C to 25°C | Best for comfortable safaris, active wildlife |
Summer | March – June | 30°C to 45°C | Good for tiger sightings near water sources |
Monsoon | July – September | 25°C to 35°C | Park remains partially closed |
Park Closing Period
- Zones 1 to 5 remain closed from July to September due to monsoon.
- Zones 6 to 10 remain open even in monsoon for limited safaris.
- The best time for tiger sightings is March to June, when animals gather near water sources.
HOW TO REACH RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
By Air
- Nearest Airport to Ranthambore National Park : Jaipur International Airport (JAI) (~160 km)
- Jaipur has regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other major cities.
- From Jaipur, you can hire a taxi or take a train to Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town.
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station to Ranthambore National Park: Sawai Madhopur Junction (SWM) (~11 km from Ranthambore)
- Direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Agra, and Jodhpur.
- Popular trains:
- Golden Temple Mail (Mumbai – Sawai Madhopur – Amritsar)
- Jan Shatabdi Express (Delhi – Sawai Madhopur – Kota)
- Ranthambore Express (Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Indore)
By Road
- Distance from Jaipur: ~160 km (~3-4 hours drive)
- Distance from Delhi: ~380 km (~7-8 hours drive)
- Buses and taxis are available from Jaipur, Kota, and Delhi to Sawai Madhopur.
MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
Wildlife & Biodiversity
- Royal Bengal Tigers (One of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild)
- Leopards, Sloth Bears, Striped Hyenas
- Sambar Deer, Chital, Nilgai, Wild Boars
- Mugger Crocodiles in the lakes
- Over 270 Bird Species, including Indian Eagle-Owl, Painted Spurfowl, and Crested Serpent Eagle
Major Tourist Spots
- Ranthambore Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – A 10th-century fort with stunning views.
- Padam Talao (Lake) – The largest lake in Ranthambore, famous for crocodiles and lotus flowers.
- Malik Talao & Rajbagh Talao – Best places to spot tigers and birds.
- Jogi Mahal – A heritage site near Padam Talao.
- Kachida Valley – A rocky region with high leopard activity.
SAFARI IN RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK (ZONES & PRICES)
Ranthambore National Park is divided into 10 safari zones, each offering a different experience:
Zone | Route | Length |
Zone 1 | Singhdwar, Raipur, Amreshawardang, Tuti Ka Nalla, Sultanpur, Gadadub, Khariya Chatha, Katt-padi deh, Gadadub view point, Kalapani anicut, Pilapani and back singhdwar exit. | 20Km |
Zone 2 | Jogimahal Gate, Jhalra, Kamaldha, Amrai, Footabandha, Pandudeh, Guda, Gandhria, Polkiya, Jogimahal Gate | 20Km |
Zone 3 | Jogimahal Gate, Padam Talab, Rajbagh, Mandook, High Point, Jogimahala Gate | 18Km |
Zone 4 | Singdwar, Tambakhan, Maliktalab, Lakarda, Berda, Semali, Adidant, Singdwar | 27Km |
Zone 5 | Singdwar, Jokha, Kachida, Dhakara, Bagdah, Bakola, Anatpura, Singhdwar | 18Km |
Zone 6 | (Kundal) Rajbag naka, Pallidarwaja, Kundal area, Patawabaori, Mansarovar, Guda | 27Km |
Zone 7 | (Chidi kho) Rajbag naka, Chidikho, Jamoda, Kushalidarra | 12Km |
Zone 8 | (Balas) Balas, Neemalidang, Kalibhat, Kharai, Mahakho | 16Km |
Zone 9 | Qualji, New Talai, Ghati ka Tiraha, Kamleshwar Mandir view point, Chakal Nadi Road, Pandu kho, Gajipur Tiraha, Gajipur & Devpura | 22Km |
Zone 10 | Halonda, Kailashpuri, Antari, Bebri, Jojeswar Mandir view Point, Devpura Band | 20Km |
Zone | Route | Length |
Zone 1 | Singhdwar, Raipur, Amreshawardang, Tuti Ka Nalla, Sultanpur, Gadadub, Khariya Chatha, Katt-padi deh, Gadadub view point, Kalapani anicut, Pilapani and back singhdwar exit. | 20Km |
Zone 2 | Jogimahal Gate, Jhalra, Kamaldha, Amrai, Footabandha, Pandudeh, Guda, Gandhria, Polkiya, Jogimahal Gate | 20Km |
Zone 3 | Jogimahal Gate, Padam Talab, Rajbagh, Mandook, High Point, Jogimahala Gate | 18Km |
Zone 4 | Singdwar, Tambakhan, Maliktalab, Lakarda, Berda, Semali, Adidant, Singdwar | 27Km |
Zone 5 | Singdwar, Jokha, Kachida, Dhakara, Bagdah, Bakola, Anatpura, Singhdwar | 18Km |
Zone 6 | (Kundal) Rajbag naka, Pallidarwaja, Kundal area, Patawabaori, Mansarovar, Guda | 27Km |
Zone 7 | (Chidi kho) Rajbag naka, Chidikho, Jamoda, Kushalidarra | 12Km |
Zone 8 | (Balas) Balas, Neemalidang, Kalibhat, Kharai, Mahakho | 16Km |
Zone 9 | Qualji, New Talai, Ghati ka Tiraha, Kamleshwar Mandir view point, Chakal Nadi Road, Pandu kho, Gajipur Tiraha, Gajipur & Devpura | 22Km |
Zone 10 | Halonda, Kailashpuri, Antari, Bebri, Jojeswar Mandir view Point, Devpura Band | 20Km |
SAFARI TYPES AND PRICES
Safari Type | Indian (Rs.) | Foreigner (Rs.) | |
Gypsy | Advance | 1458 | 2746 |
| Current | 1458 | 2746 | |
| Tatkal | 20848 | 28576 | |
Canter | Advance | 891 | 2179 |
| Current | 891 | 2179 | |
| Note: Advance, Current & Tatkal Bookings are explained in the table below. | |||
| Safari Type | Indian (Rs.) | Foreigner (Rs.) | |
Gypsy | Advance | 1458 | 2746 |
| Current | 1458 | 2746 | |
| Tatkal | 20848 | 28576 | |
Canter | Advance | 891 | 2179 |
| Current | 891 | 2179 | |
| Note: Advance, Current & Tatkal Bookings are explained in the table below. | |||
Booking Type | Opened On | Booking Period | |
Advance | 1st August 12PM (Afternoon) | 1st October to 31st December | |
5th November 12PM (Afternoon) | 1st January to 31st March | ||
1st February 12PM (Afternoon) | 1st April to 31st June | ||
Morning Trip | Evening Trip | ||
Current | 10:00 AM to 6:00 AM (Next Day) | 10:00 AM to Shift Start Time (Same Day) | |
Tatkal | 7 Days before Visit Date and 7th days’ booking will open at 11AM of 7th Day | ||
Booking Type | Opened On | Booking Period | |
Advance | 1st August 12PM (Afternoon) | 1st October to 31st December | |
5th November 12PM (Afternoon) | 1st January to 31st March | ||
1st February 12PM (Afternoon) | 1st April to 31st June | ||
Morning Trip | Evening Trip | ||
Current | 10:00 AM to 6:00 AM (Next Day) | 10:00 AM to Shift Start Time (Same Day) | |
Tatkal | 7 Days before Visit Date and 7th days’ booking will open at 11AM of 7th Day | ||
Other Booking Extra Charges, if needed | |
Choice Gypsy (Indian/Foreigner) | Rs. 7476 |
Choice Guide Charges for Gypsy (Indian/Foreigner) | Rs. 1697 |
Choice Guide Charges for Canter (Indian/Foreigner) | Rs. 1903 |
Other Booking Extra Charges, if needed | |
Choice Gypsy (Indian/Foreigner) | Rs. 7476 |
Choice Guide Charges for Gypsy (Indian/Foreigner) | Rs. 1697 |
Choice Guide Charges for Canter (Indian/Foreigner) | Rs. 1903 |
Zone Change Charges | |||
Inter Zones/Within Zones | Type | Indian (Rs.) | Foreigner (Rs.) |
Zone 1-5 to Zone 6-10 or vice versa(Inter Zones) | Gypsy | 820 | 3300 |
Canter | 444 | 2924 | |
Zone 1 to 5 or Zone 6 to 10(Within Zones) | Gypsy | 410 | 1650 |
Canter | 222 | 1462 | |
Zone Change Charges | |||
Inter Zones/Within Zones | Type | Indian (Rs.) | Foreigner (Rs.) |
Zone 1-5 to Zone 6-10 or vice versa(Inter Zones) | Gypsy | 820 | 3300 |
Canter | 444 | 2924 | |
Zone 1 to 5 or Zone 6 to 10(Within Zones) | Gypsy | 410 | 1650 |
Canter | 222 | 1462 | |
RANTHAMBORE TIGER RESERVE TIME TABLE
Time Period | Morning Trip | Evening Trip |
1st October to 31st October | 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM | 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
1st November to 31st January | 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM | 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM |
1st February to 31st March | 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM | 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
1st April to 15th May | 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM | 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM |
16th May to 30th June | 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM | 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM |
Time Period | Morning Trip | Evening Trip |
1st October to 31st October | 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM | 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
1st November to 31st January | 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM | 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM |
1st February to 31st March | 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM | 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
1st April to 15th May | 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM | 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM |
16th May to 30th June | 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM | 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM |
Booking Tip:
- Jeep safaris get fully booked months in advance, especially for Zones 1 to 5.
- Canter safaris are easier to get but offer a less private experience.
HOW TO BOOK SAFARI IN RANTHAMBORE (ONLINE & OFFLINE)
Online Booking:
- Official Website: https://obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in/
- Required Details: Name, ID proof (Aadhar, Passport), date of visit, preferred safari zone.
Offline Booking:
- Available at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Office in Sawai Madhopur.
- Limited availability, so early booking is recommended.
Important Travel Tips for Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
✔️ Book safaris & accommodations at least 60 days in advance for the best experience.
✔️ Wear light-colored, breathable clothes in summer and warm layers in winter.
✔️ Carry binoculars & cameras for a better wildlife experience.
✔️ Follow park rules, do not make noise, or try to get off the safari vehicle.
✔️ No mobile network inside the core zones, so inform family beforehand.