Ranthambore National Park Rajasthan – Travel Guide 2023

Are you a wildlife lover who wants to visit Ranthambore National Park? Keep reading!

Ranthambore National Park is one of the best national parks in India. Located in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan this national park is very popular for conserving tigers. Bengal tigers are major attractions of this National Park, Rajasthan. Further, this national park also has a variety of other animal species, including leopards, hyenas, and sloth bears. To get a sight of these species, tourists can book safaris in the reserve. 

This article will provide you with all the details of the National Park, like location, the best time to visit, modes to reach, animal and plant species, timings, safaris, and zones of the national park.

History of Ranthambore National Park

 Indian Government introduced the Forest Act in 1953 to preserve the forests of India. In 1955, the Indian Government established the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in Ranthambore. After launching Project Tiger in 1973, the Government decided to turn this sanctuary into a tiger reserve to save the endangered tiger species. This tiger reserve expanded to include nearby forest areas, which are an important part of the National Park today.

An Overview of Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park Timings 

How to Reach Ranthambore National Park

By Air: Reach Jaipur International Airport in Jaipur. This airport is well-connected to all the major cities of India. After reaching the airport, take a bus or a taxi and travel 180 kilometres to reach Ranthambore National Park,Rajasthan.

By Railways: Travellers can reach Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, which connects the National Park to major cities like Jaipur and Delhi. Further, travellers can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the National Park.

By Road: Tourists can travel to Ranthambore National Park by bus or taxi. The distance between major cities of India and this park is as follows:

• Jaipur to National Park: 180 Km (via Rajasthan State Highway 24)
• Delhi to National Park: 381 Km( via NH 8 and NH 11A)
• Udaipur to National Park: 388 Km(via NH76 and RJ SH 29)
• Mumbai to National Park: 1031 Km(via NH3)
• Ahmedabad to National Park: 648 Km (via NH8 and NH76)

Best Time to Visit Ranthambore National Park

Travellers can visit the National Park from October to June. However, the best time to visit this National Park is between October and March because the temperature remains fairly low in these months and ranges from 10 degrees to 30 degrees. Also, the tourists can easily spot wildlife in these months.

Flora in Ranthambore National Park

You can find around 300 flora species in the Ranthambore Reserve Forest. The most common plant in the National Park is “Dhok” or Anogeissus pendula which covers more than 75 percent of the Ranthambore reserve forest. Dhok has a height of 15 meters and is a major source of food for animals in this National Park. Apart from this, major trees in this park are Neem trees, Banyan trees, and Pipal trees. Travelers can also find fruit trees such as tamarind, mango, and jamun.

Fauna in Ranthambore National Park

Travelers can spot a large variety of animal species in the National Park, including bird species, mammals, and reptiles. However, the most significant animal is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Apart from this, you can find Black Bucks, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Neelgai, and Jackals in this park.

It is estimated that the National Park has 320 species of birds, 35 species of reptiles, and 40 species of mammals.

Must-Visit Places in Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore Fort

This magnificent fort is a popular tourist attraction in Ranthambore National Park. Furthermore, Ranthambore Fort holds a significant position in the list of World Heritage Sites. Travellers can see different animal species and valleys near this fort.

Malik Talao

Malik Talao is a beautiful lake in Ranthambore. Travellers can see Marsh crocodiles and migratory birds around this lake. Also, other animal species frequently visit this lake to drink water.

 
Padam Talao

This is the largest lake in the National Park. Tourists visiting this lake can get a beautiful view of Jogi Mahal as it is situated at the edge of Padam Talao Lake. Thick green forests and lily flowers enhance the beauty of this lake.

Kachida Valley

Kachida Valley is the perfect place for you if you are looking for a peaceful place in Ranthambore. Here, tourists can get a sight of panthers and bears. The valley has unique flora and fauna.

Bakula Region

This is the perfect place for you if you are eager to see the Royal Bengal Tigers in the National Park. It has lush green vegetation which makes this place a perfect home for tigers.

Things to do in Ranthambore National Park

• Jeep Safari: A jeep safari is the best way to explore the flora and fauna in the National Park. There are 20 six-seater jeeps in this park.
• Center Safari: These are open buses to explore the National Park. They are ideal for exploring the 10 eco-tourism zones of the park.
• Go Bird Watching: The National Park has a variety of species of birds. The most notable bird species include Woodpeckers, Indian Gray Hornbills, Nightjars, pipits, etc. You can spot these birds in Ranthambore Fort, Malik Talao, and Jhalra Area. 
• Try hot air ballooning: Hot air ballooning is one of the best adventure activities in the National Park. In this activity, travellers can get an exquisite view of the park from the sky.
• Seek Blessings at Trinetra Ganesh Temple: Travellers can find Trinetra Ganesh Temple in Ranthambore Fort. The idol of Lord Ganesha has three eyes in this temple.

Hotels and resorts near Ranthambore National Park 

• The Earth: A tourist must travel 42 kilometres from the National Chambal Sanctuary to reach The Earth Hotel. You can get Asian breakfast, free Wi-Fi, private parking and a kids club in this hotel.
• Sher Bagh: Sher Bagh is 1 kilometre away from the National Park. It is a luxury tented camp with air conditioners, minibars, swimming pools and massage parlours. 
• The Tigress Resort: This is a luxury resort offering various services to guests. These include coffee shops, multi-cuisine restaurants and pool bars.
• Jungle Cave Resort: You must travel 1 kilometre from the National Park to reach Jungle Cave Resort. This resort provides garden views, free Wi-Fi, maid services and outdoor pools to visitors.
• The Tiger Roar: The Tiger Roar is the best hotel for you if you are looking for luxury services in Ranthambore. These include spa centres, jacuzzi and sauna rooms.

Ranthambore National Park ticket price 2023

The ticket price for Ranthambore National Park in 2023 varies based on the type of safari and whether you are an Indian or foreign national. Here are the ticket prices:

For Indian Nationals:

• Gypsy Safari: 1800 INR per person.
• Canter Safari: 1200 INR per person.

For Foreign Nationals:

• Gypsy Safari: 4200 INR per person.
• Canter Safari: 3000 INR per person.

Safaris in Ranthambore National Park

Travelers can explore the National Park through Jeep or Canter Safari. Travel guides will assist you in this safari. Further, there are ten zones in the National Park, and tourists can select the zone for their Ranthambore National Park Safari. Twenty 6-seater jeeps and 20 Canters are available in the park in one shift. 

Jeep Safari

A Jeep is a 6-seater vehicle which is open from all sides. Jeep safari is an amazing choice to explore Ranthambore National Park. You can easily spot tigers and click pictures on this safari. Here is a detailed list of prices for jeep safari:

Canter Safari 

A canter is a 20-seater open bus. This safari is more economical than a jeep safari, and a large group of people can explore Ranthambore on this safari. Here is a detailed list of prices of Canter Safari:

Requirements to book Ranthambore Safari

• Details of each visitor( Name, gender and age).
• Date of booking and timing of safari.
• ID card number of all tourists. ( Voter ID, PAN card, etc.)
• Advance payment of safari entry fee.

Essential Things for Ranthambore Safari Booking

• Every traveller must provide ID proof.
• The safari fee is non-refundable.
• You cannot transfer your booking to anyone.
• Foreign tourists must provide passport details.
• It is advisable to book in advance for the safaris.
• Travellers can book safaris through SSO ID.

Ranthambore National Park Map:-

Zones in Ranthambore National Park

The best zones for tiger sightings are zones 1 to 5. A detailed overview of the zones of the National Park is as follows:

Tips for Ranthambore National Park

• Travellers should abide by the instructions of the forest guide.
• Try to be quiet in the park.
• Avoid wearing bright colours as the animals are not used to them. Try to wear shades of brown and green.
• Try to maintain distance from the vehicles and animals.
• Ranthambore Park is closed every Wednesday, so plan your trip on other days of the week.

Prohibitions in Ranthambore National Park

• Don’t smoke, litter, or honk in the national park.
• Refrain from making any kind of noise.
• Avoid giving any food to the wild animals.
• Don’t carry any kind of plastic.
• You should not stand up when you are close to a tiger.
• Tourists should avoid using perfumes.
• Don’t throw any stones on animals.
• Avoid overspeeding or getting off from your safari, and stick to your route.
• Don’t carry any food with you. However, you can bring water bottles and light snacks.

FAQ

Q1. What are other tourist destinations near Ranthambore National Park?

Other tourist destinations near Ranthambore National Park include Ranthambore School of Art, Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum, Ranthambore Fort, and more.

Q2. What are some popular tigers of Ranthambore?

Popular tigers of Ranthambore are Ustad, Sundari, Dollar, and Machli.

Q3. Can travellers stay in Ranthambore National Park?

No, travellers cannot stay in the National Park. Instead, they should stay at a nearby hotel.

Q4. Can tourists bring children with them to Ranthambore National Park?

Yes, tourists can bring children with them to the National Park.

Q5. Are jeep safaris of Ranthambore National Park safe for tourists?

Yes, jeep safaris of the National Park are safe for tourists, provided that, they follow the instructions of the forest guide.

Q6. Which is the best zone of Ranthambore National Park?

Zone 2 is the best zone of Ranthambore National Park as you can spot tigers easily in this zone.

Q7. Can tourists bring pets or private vehicles to Ranthambore National Park?

No, tourists cannot bring pets or private vehicles to the National Park.

Q8. What are the recommended things to bring to Ranthambore National Park?

Some recommended things to bring to the National Park include mosquito repellants, sunscreens, sunglasses, and binoculars.

Q9. What are the popular fruits of Ranthambore National Park?

Popular fruits of Ranthambore National Park are mango, tamarind, and jamun.

Q10. Which shift is ideal for spotting tigers in Ranthambore National Park?

Both morning and evening shifts are ideal for spotting tigers in the National Park.

Q11. Can travellers select safari zones?

Yes, travellers can select safari zones as per their preference.

Q12. What is the ideal duration to explore Ranthambore National Park?

The ideal duration to explore the National Park is 2 days.