Image by Lakshmi Narasimha, Unsplash
Ranthambore national park, also known as the Land of Tigers, is one of the most prominent destinations for wildlife safaris in India. With its diverse species of plants and animals, exploring this park is on the top list of nature enthusiasts. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is also very famous for its high probability of seeing the Royal Bengal Tiger in action!
The Ranthambore National Park is a popular wildlife tourist destination which attracts wildlife photojournalists and videographers. Situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeast Rajasthan, the park is considered among North India's best and largest national parks. It is about 130 kilometres from Jaipur and is sited at the confluence of the Vindhya and Aravalli mountain ranges. It is one of the best places to see wild animals, particularly because they get used to safari vehicles here.
In 1973, it was designated as a project for Tiger reserves in India. It was finally on 1st November 1980 when the Ranthambore National Park was officially established, with the adjacent northern forested area titled the Kela Devi Sanctuary in the year 1983. Correspondingly, Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary was founded on the southern side in 1984.
Ranthambore National Park is regarded as one of the best places to see the mighty and magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger. Hundreds of tiger enthusiasts from throughout the globe travel here every year to experience wildlife safari. In addition to the tigers, you can see many other animals, such as sloth bears, spotted deers, crocodiles, leopards, eagles, vultures, jackals, wolves, foxes, hyenas, mongooses etc.
With its steep mountainous terrain, the Ranthambore National Park's greenery is a tropical thorn and dry deciduous. This reserve has various water sources. Water flows from narrow valleys as well as three lakes named Malik, Padam, and Raj Bagh Talab. Padam Talao is the widest of them all, and the red sandstone Jogi Mahal is at the very edge of this lake. A massive banyan tree, which happens to be the 2nd biggest in India, is located near this lake. Overall, with more than 40 mammal species, 40 reptile species, 50 butterfly species, 320 species of birds, and approximately 300 plant species.
While tourists and nature lovers appreciate the beautiful scenery, historians are mainly attracted to the remains of the fort of Ranthambore. The valleys have witnessed many historical wars. Ruins of abandoned settlements that have been overrun by natural disasters are also worth a visit. The park also attracts religious worshipers or travellers to the temple and other religious shrines seen on the premises.
Ranthambore Safari Zones
Ranthambore National Park has a total of ten safari zones, i.e. Zone 1 to 10. Originally, the park had only five zones. The other five were added since it gained popularity. Due to the types of habitat, Zones 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4 and Zone 5 have the best chances of tiger sightings. The popular forts, on the other hand, fall under zone 3 and zone 5. All the zones are equally attractive and full of wildlife and beautiful jungle scapes. Safari prices vary from zone to zone and can certainly be denied on occasions where there are fewer available slots.
New restrictions for full-day and half-day safaris in Ranthambore National Park have been implemented by the Forest Department and were in effect from October 1, 2019. As a result of the new rules, visitors on full-day and half-day safaris will henceforth be limited to travelling in Ranthambore's safari zones 1 to 5 for three and a half hours during the normal safari time, rest of the time they need to explore zones 6 to 10.
Please note tiger sighting is not the only attraction of wildlife safari. Enjoy the wilderness of the jungle, other animals and numerous birds. Tiger sightings depend on many factors including luck, hence you should treat tiger sighting as an added achievement only. Only focusing on tigers will definitely reduce your overall jungle experience.
Tigers are free and masters of their own will. Tigers have their territory and this territory may include parts of multiple zones, below we have tried to provide you with an idea but you can see many more youngsters in these zones.
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Zone 1 of Ranthambore National Park
This is a buffer zone and is known for many famous tigers including Sultan (T-72), and Ustad (T-24). What makes it popular is the T-39 (Noor) and her cubs, who were the show stopper during 2016 and 2017. The main entry gate is titled the Singh Dwar.
Zone 2 of Ranthambore National Park
Perhaps one of the best zone for tiger sighting. T-24 (Ustad), T-72 (Sultan), T-20 (Jhumru), T-19 (Krishna), and occasionally the Noor (T-39) have all been seen in this area. Phuta Bandha, Jogi Mahal, Nal Ghati, Phuta Kot, and Lahpur Tiraha, are popular spots where chances of sightings are very high.
Zone 3 of Ranthambore National Park
Apart from wildlife this zone is also very popular for its architectural marvels and landscapes. The Padam Talab, High Point, Mandook, Jogi Mahal, and Raj Bagh Ruins, are some such examples. Popular tigers, including T-19 (Krishna) and T-28 (Sitara), made this zone vibrant.
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Zone 4 of Ranthambore National Park
This zone is the world-famous for Machli, the most photographed tiger in the world. Perhaps she made Ranthambore National Park famous among the photographer community. Berda, Lambi, Lakkad Da, Malik Talab, Tamakhan, and Singh Dwar are some of the common sighting locations. Popular tigers seen at this zone are T-19, T-25, T-28, T-41, T-64, T-75.
Zone 5 of Ranthambore National Park
This zone shares its tigers with zone 4. Tiger spotting such as the T-17, T-25, T-28, T-74, and T-75.
Zone 6 of Ranthambore National Park
This zone has large meadows, where you can enjoy gazing at animals in the backdrop of mountains. Since Zone 6 and Zone 1 have the same boundaries, you can see zone 1 tigers in this zone also. It's also very popular among birders.
Zone 7 of Ranthambore National Park
There are fewer points in this zone than in the rest of the zones. This area has fewer chances of tigers spotting. However, in the past tigers such as T-8 and T-34 have been occasionally sighted.
Zone 8 of Ranthambore National Park
Similar to Zone 7, the T-8 and T-34 tigers are spotted in this zone as well. The prominent spotting locations are Balas, Bhat, Kherai, Kali, Mahakho, and Neemli Dang.
Zone 9 of Ranthambore National Park
This area is situated on the banks of the Chakal River. Tourists will be able to see aquatic birds, and sloth bears. Tiger Fateh, the aggressive male tiger known for chasing and bear killing, is from this zone.
Zone 10 of Ranthambore National Park
There are a few attractive waterbodies and mountainous paths in Zone 10, which have only recently been added to the safari route. Many tigers have been spotted in this area over the years including T-43, T-13, and their pups. Travellers can catch a glimpse of the T-42 (Fateh) while they are in this area.
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Popular Tourist Spots of Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore Fort
The 10th century Ranthambore Fort is among the oldest forts in India. It is also designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich historical relevance. This gigantic fort, situated in the middle of the jungle, is 13 kilometres from the Sawai Madhopur train station. It was established in 944 AD by the Chauhan Rajputs and has thus witnessed Rajasthan's long and rich history. Before India got Independence in 1947, the fort had been under the control of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It was the pinnacle of the acts of bravery and glory of the Rajput monarchs of the different dynasties.
Trinrtra Ganesha Temple of Ranthambore National Park
The Trinrtra Ganesha temple, which is near the entrance gate to the Ranthambore Fort, has been popular among pilgrims. This special temple happens to be the only holy place of worship for the idol of Trinetra Ganesha along with his wives, Riddhi and Siddhi.
Kachida Valley of Ranthambore National Park
The Kachida Valley, situated on the outskirts of the tiger reserve area, is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts due to its leopards, bears, and other wild animals. It also has a distinct and captivating scenery with steep, small valleys, low hills, ravines, and water bodies. This stunning yet peaceful environment transforms this area into an authentic wilderness.
Jogi Mahal of Ranthambore National Park
The Jogi Mahal is a palace located on the bank of the famous Padam Lake in the park. It is an incredible location for architecture enthusiasts.
Bakula Area of Ranthambore National Park
The Bakula area, which has a breathtaking landscape enclosed with thick vegetation, is regarded as the best location for watching tigers in the Ranthambore forest. Due to the densely thick jungle as well as the availability of water from countless ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers, the place is a haven for wild animals and wildlife lovers. Tiger sightings are fairly common in this region, and visitors are frequently treated to the glimpse of a restful sleeping, sitting or moving tiger or tigress or even their cubs!
Jungle Safari Plannings & Reservations
The Ranthambore National Park gives an extraordinary experience of Sightseeing and Wildlife Safari in India. The park attracts a large number of both Indian as well as foreign tourists. An online website-based reservation for Jungle Safari Booking can be made for the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Advance booking start 90 days in advance.
Best Time to Visit Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is mainly open from the 1st October to 30th June for wildlife safari. The winter season is regarded as the best moment to tour the park due to the lovely weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. As a result, the months of October to March are the ideal time to visit this park. Throughout this time of year, animals are seen basking in the sun in broad daylight.
During months from April to June, the park experiences the heat of the summer season with temperatures reaching 40°C. While April is still pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 35°C.
The months of May to June are intolerably humid. But, there is a greater chance of seeing tigers and other animals that must regularly visit water sources to escape from the summer heat. The thing that must be noted is that during the rainy season, which happens from July to September, most areas of Ranthambore National Park are closed to tourists. So, it is preferable not to visit the park during monsoon times.
How to Reach Ranthambore National Park
Roadway
You can either drive yourself or take a bus to get to the Ranthambore National Park. Road networks connect Ranthambore to Jaipur, Udaipur, and Kota. So, travel from any part of the country, you will have no trouble reaching Ranthambore Park.
Railway
The closest rail station is Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, about 11 kilometres from the park. The station is a popular tourist destination with regular trains from major Indian cities such as Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai. You can either book a taxi or take the public bus to get from the station to the national park.
Airway
The closest airport is the Jaipur International Airport. It is about 160 kilometres away from the Ranthambore National Park. There are numerous domestic and international airlines linking Jaipur to different parts of India and overseas. To finally reach the Ranthambore National Park, you can easily get a taxi or bus from the Jaipur airport.
