Originally the hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the park at Ranthambore was once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the most accessible parks on the tourist trail.
Ranthambore is located near the town of Sawai Madhopur, which is around 180 km (or five hours’ drive) south-east of Jaipur in Rajasthan. The park derives its name from the 11th-century fort of Ranthambore, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest.
Though overrun by vegetation, remnants of the summer palaces, temples and guard stones within the fort still remain. Earlier the hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the park at Ranthambore was once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the most accessible parks on the tourist trail. It is very popular and therefore runs with strict rules and regulations, with a route system in place that can make the viewing experience a rigid affair, similar to Bandhavgarh.
The park’s location means that is easy to include in a tour of Rajasthan. Ranthambore is home to over 80 tigers, which according to experts is over maximum carrying capacity for the park. Land north of Ranthambore is being considered for a relocation programme. Some tigers have been transferred to Sariska National Park so that they may not stray out of the protected forest area. The government is also relocating villages from the park boundaries (away from tourism zones) so that more space can be freed for wild animals.
Today excellent sightings have been happening in many zones, including those outside the original lakes and fort zones in the Mansingh Sanctuary area.
The park booking system opens for advance jeep bookings 365 days in advance. By securing your safari booking in good time enables a better choice of a preferred zone.
Ranthambore has recently introduced private permits, allowing a stay in the park for half or full day, with your chosen naturalist and private vehicle. This cannot be booked more than 24 hours in advance and comes with a steep price tag, but can be shared between four passengers. Please enquire about this option with our experts in order to secure a more exclusive safari experience.
Although the tiger is the main attraction for most jungle safaris, the park offers a wide range of wildlife such as deer, bears, boar, and numerous birds, both resident and migratory. A visit to the fort is an essential part of your trip and village visits and shopping trips to Donk and other community-run retailers are a must as well.
Ranthambore is a six-hour drive from Jaipur or a short train journey from Bharatpur, near Agra. Ranthambore combines well with a tour of Rajasthan.
A luxurious tented camp close to Ranthambore National Park offers “African style” tents and authentic safari experience.
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