Useful Information During Ranthambore Tour

Ranthambore is a favorite wildlife destination for nature enthusiasts, particularly for those hoping to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. The Ranthambore Safari is managed by the Forest Department of Rajasthan and offers an unforgettable experience of exploring the park’s rich biodiversity. To ensure a smooth visit, it's essential to be aware of some key tour information. This includes details about safari timings, safari types (jeep, canter), safari shifts (morning and afternoon), and the park’s safari zones. Understanding the Ranthambore tiger territory can help visitors maximize their chances of spotting tigers. Additionally, it's important to familiarize oneself with safari pricing, ways to reach Ranthambore, and the history and introduction of the park. This information can help avoid any difficulties and enhance the overall experience of visiting this renowned wildlife sanctuary.

Introduction of Ranthambore


Ranthambore National Park, located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, is renowned for its majestic Bengal tigers and is considered one of India’s top tiger reserves. Spanning approximately 392 square kilometers, the park is not only home to an array of wildlife but also holds historical significance due to the presence of the imposing Ranthambore Fort, which dates back to the 10th century. The park’s varied landscape, which includes dense forests, steep cliffs, rocky outcrops, and numerous water bodies like lakes and streams, creates an ideal environment for wildlife, especially tigers. These magnificent predators roam freely within the park, offering wildlife enthusiasts and photographers a rare opportunity to witness them in their natural habitat. Beyond tigers, Ranthambore is also home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, sambar deer, spotted deer, Indian gazelles, and a wide variety of bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers.


History of Ranthambore


Ranthambore National Park, located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India, boasts a rich history that spans centuries. Originally used as a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 to protect its diverse wildlife. In 1973, it was designated as one of the first nine Project Tiger reserves, marking the beginning of dedicated efforts to conserve the endangered Bengal tiger. Over time, Ranthambore has transformed into a prominent hub for wildlife conservation and ecotourism, attracting visitors from all over the world. The park is not only famous for its majestic wildlife but also for its ancient ruins, including the iconic Ranthambore Fort, which serves as a testament to the region’s storied past.


Safari Schedule at Ranthambore

The Ranthambore Safari operates in two shifts daily: morning and afternoon, with the timings adjusted based on the sunrise and sunset. Here are the typical safari timings for different seasons:


Month Morning Shift Afternoon Shift
1st October to 31 October 6.30 A.M. to 10.00 A.M 2.30 P.M. to 6.00 P.M
1 November to 31 January 7.00 A.M. to 10.30 A.M 2.00 P.M. to 05.30 P.M.
1st february to 31 March 6.30 A.M. to 10.00 A.M 2.30 P.M. to 06.00 P.M.
1 Aprail to 16 May 6.00 A.M. to 10.00 A.M 3.00 P.M. to 06.30 P.M.
17 May to 30 June 7.00 A.M. to 10.30 A.M 3.30 P.M. to 07.00 P.M.

Ranthambore Safari Zones


Ranthambore National Park is divided into 10 safari zones, each offering unique opportunities to witness the park’s rich wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and a variety of bird species. These zones are strategically designed to provide diverse experiences, from dense forests to open grasslands, ensuring that visitors have the best chance to observe the wildlife in their natural habitats. Each zone offers a distinct view of the park's landscape, such as the Padam Talao area, known for its beautiful lake and tiger sightings, and the Bakaula Zone, famous for its dense vegetation and leopard sightings. The varying terrains and ecosystems across the safari zones make Ranthambore a truly unforgettable wildlife experience for nature lovers.

Core Safari Zones

The core zones of Ranthambore National Park are the primary areas where wildlife viewing takes place. These zones are carefully managed to minimize human disturbance and maintain the natural habitat of the park's wildlife.

  • Zone 1: Known for its high tiger density, Zone 1 offers excellent opportunities for tiger sightings.
  • Zone 2: Famous for its picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and various bird species.
  • Zone 3: Features rugged terrain and dense vegetation, providing a habitat for a wide range of wildlife species.
  • Zone 4: Offers a mix of forested areas and open grasslands, attracting a variety of wildlife species.
  • Zone 5: Known for its scenic beauty and occasional tiger sightings, making it a popular choice for safari enthusiasts.

Buffer Safari Zones

The buffer zones of Ranthambore National Park surround the core zones and serve as additional areas for wildlife conservation and tourism activities. While wildlife sightings are possible in buffer zones, they may not be as frequent as in the core areas.

  • Zone 6: Features diverse habitats, including lakes and wetlands, providing a habitat for water birds and other aquatic wildlife.
  • Zone 7: Offers a mix of grasslands and forested areas, providing habitat for various herbivores and carnivores.
  • Zone 8: Known for its beautiful landscapes and occasional wildlife sightings, including deer, monkeys, and bird species.
  • Zone 9: Features rocky terrain and dense vegetation, offering habitat for leopards and other elusive wildlife.
  • Zone 10: Offers serene surroundings and occasional wildlife sightings, providing visitors with a tranquil safari experience.

Ranthambore Safari Shifts


Ranthambore National Park in India typically conducts safari tours in two shifts: morning and afternoon. While the timings of these shifts may vary slightly depending on the season, the general schedule is as follows:

Morning Safari Shift:

  • Timings: Generally, the morning safari starts early in the morning, usually around sunrise.
  • Duration: Morning safaris typically last for around 3 to 4 hours, giving visitors ample time to explore the park and spot wildlife when they are most active.

Afternoon Safari Shift:

  • Timings: The afternoon safari usually begins in the afternoon, typically around mid-afternoon.
  • Duration: Similar to the morning safari, the afternoon safari also lasts for around 3 to 4 hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the wildlife sightings until sunset.

It's important to note that the timings and durations may vary slightly depending on the specific rules and regulations of Ranthambore National Park, as well as any changes implemented by park authorities.

Ranthambore Safari Types


Ranthambore National Park offers two types of safaris for visitors to explore its wildlife:

Gypsy Safari

The Gypsy Safari is a more intimate experience, typically conducted in open 4x4 vehicles (gypsies) with a capacity of 6 tourists per vehicle. This safari type allows for greater flexibility and maneuverability, making it easier to navigate through the park's dense areas and reach spots where wildlife is more commonly sighted. It provides a more personalized experience, with a better chance to observe tigers and other wildlife closely.

Canter Safari

The Canter Safari is conducted in open, larger vehicles that can accommodate up to 20 people. This safari is ideal for groups or families looking for a shared experience, offering a less personalized, but equally exciting way to explore the park. While it may not offer as much flexibility as the Gypsy Safari, the Canter Safari still provides a great opportunity to see the diverse wildlife of Ranthambore, including the Bengal tigers, leopards, and various bird species.

Ways to reach Ranthambore


Ranthambore is well connected to major cities of india by air, rail and road. You can easily cover the distance of ranthambore within a short time duration.

Nearest airport for ranthambore is Sanganer Airport in Jaipur, situated approximately 180 kilometers away, with a drive time of about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Jaipur is well-linked to major Indian cities like New Delhi and Mumbai, with daily flights operated by domestic airlines. The flight duration from Jaipur to Delhi is only 30 minutes, while the journey from Mumbai to Jaipur takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Ranthambore can be easily accessed via the railway station in Sawai Madhopur, situated on the main railway line connecting Delhi and Mumbai. This station offers convenient connectivity with Jaipur as well. Regular super-fast trains, such as Jan Shatabdi and Rajdhani, operate between these key destinations. The journey from Sawai Madhopur to Jaipur typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, while traveling to Delhi requires approximately 5 hours, and the route to Mumbai spans approximately 15 hours.

Ranthambore is accessible by road, with Sawai Madhopur approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes away from Jaipur via delhi-mumbai expressway, 4 hours and 30 minutes from Agra, and 5 hours from Delhi via delhi-mumbai expressway. These cities are well-connected by national highways, facilitating convenient road travel to this renowned wildlife destination.

Ranthambore Tiger Territory

 

The tiger territory within Ranthambore is characterized by a diverse range of ecosystems, including dense deciduous forests, open grasslands, rocky hills, and numerous water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and streams. This variety of habitats provides ample resources and shelter for the park's tiger population, allowing them to establish territories and thrive within the region.

Tiger Title Zone
Sultana-T107 And Cubs ( F), T01 ( M), Noori T105 & Cub( F) Zone 1
Noori-T105 & Cubs( F), T 60 (F), T57 ( M), T 101 (M), Arrow Head T84 (F) , T119 (F) Zone 2
Riddhi-T124 (F) , T120 ( M) & Cubs, T 41 (F) Zone 3
Riddhi-T124 (F) , T120 ( M), T19 ( F), Shakti -T111 & Cubs, T 121(M), T 41 (F) Zone 4
T102 & Cubs , T 125(F), T41( F), And T 103 ( F) Zone 5
T34, T8 And 3 Cubs, T39 Noor & Cub , T58 ( M), T127 F Zone 6
T58 ( M), T61 ( F) Zone 7
T58 ( M), T61 ( F) Zone 8
T62 (M), T99 (F). T108 (M) Zone 9
T58 ( M), T34 ( M), T114 & Cubs ( F), T 99 & Cubs ( F) Zone 10