Ranthambore

How the safaris work

The park is divided into zones and you are allocated one by the forest department, not by us and not by your hotel. Zones one to five hold the highest tiger density but allocation is a lottery. Safaris run twice a day, early morning and mid afternoon, in an open jeep for six or a larger canter for twenty. We recommend the jeep.

Two nights gives you two safaris, and that is what we suggest. One safari is a coin toss. Two roughly doubles your odds.

An honest word about the tiger

Nobody can promise you a tiger. Around sixty to seventy live in the park and sightings are common but never guaranteed. Any operator who guarantees one is selling you something they do not control. What we can promise is that you will see the park properly: sambar deer, crocodiles, langurs, peacocks, and a ruined tenth-century fort in the middle of it that most visitors never look up at.

When the park is open

October to June. The core zones close for the monsoon from July to September. April and May are hot but the best months for sightings, because the animals come to the water.

Getting there and driving times

Three and a half hours from Jaipur, four from Agra. It sits neatly between the two, which is why we built a Golden Triangle route that includes it.

What is and is not included

Our price covers the car and driver getting you there and onward. Park entry and the safari jeep are booked separately and paid to the forest department; we will arrange them for you at cost and tell you the exact figure before you commit.

A suggested stay

Two nights gives you three or four safaris. Arrive by early afternoon for a first drive the same day. The next day, take the morning safari, rest at the hotel through the middle of the day, and go out again in the afternoon. Leave after the last morning safari.

Gypsy or canter?

A gypsy is an open jeep for six people. It is quieter, moves faster and can turn on narrow tracks. A canter is an open truck for about twenty people. It is cheaper and easier to get at short notice, but noisier. For the best chance of seeing wildlife, book a gypsy.

Beyond the safari

Ranthambore Fort stands inside the park on a high rock, with views over the forest and lakes. It is part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Trinetra Ganesh Temple inside the fort is a busy pilgrimage site, especially on Wednesdays.

Practical tips

• Safari seats are sold on the official Rajasthan Forest Department site and need passport details for every traveller. Book early in the high season.
• Winter mornings in an open vehicle are cold. Bring a jacket, a hat and gloves from November to February.
• Wear dull colours such as green, khaki or brown, and keep your voice low.

Questions people ask

Will we see a tiger?

Nobody can promise it. Ranthambore gives one of the best chances in India, and staying for three or four safaris improves it a lot.

How far is Ranthambore from Jaipur and Agra?

About 180 km from Jaipur, three and a half to four hours. From Agra it is about 270 km, five to six hours.

When is the park closed?

The main zones close during the monsoon, from about July to the end of September. The park reopens on 1 October.

Ask us about Ranthambore

Tell us when you want to travel and how long you have. We come back with a route, the vehicle it needs and one price, usually within 24 hours. Our day rates are published in full, and your hotels stay your own choice.

Get a price for your Ranthambore trip   See our car and driver rates