Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve

West India

Striking images of tigers lying on ancient tombs or fortress walls or lapping up water from its picturesque lakes draws thousands of visitors to Ranthambhore each year. It is brimming with tigers too, over 30 individuals plus numerous cubs at the last count. Ranthambhore National Park is part of the much larger 1,333 square kilometres Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. It derives its name from the hilltop fortress within its boundaries and has been the destination of many well-known documentaries over the years. The fort overlooks the lakes and is a picturesque spot where many birds and animals can be found, making you want to linger just a little bit longer, to watch one of the tiger royalties who reside here. The ancient mountain ranges of the Aravalli and Vindhya meet here creating a mix of flat tablelands and steep cliffs. These forests were, until 1949, the private hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Jaipur. This is where the Queen of England and her husband went on a tiger hunt in ...the late 1940’s. An inspired Park Director, Fateh Singh Rathore, pioneered the relocation of nine villages from the core area to lands outside the park boundaries between 1973 and 1975. This proved a resounding success as the dependence on the forest resources was reduced. The wildlife, relatively free from human interference, could roam the forests during the day and tiger sightings increased dramatically. Many of his ideas have helped shape the park you see today, flourishing with wildlife.

The majestic Ranthambhore Fort, built in the 10th century, stands 700 feet above the surrounding plains. Inside the fort, there are three red Karauli stone temples devoted to Ganesh, Shiva and Ramlala Ji. It is a scenic structure and often tigers can be spotted roaming the ruins. Visit one of the three shallow man made lakes within the park boundaries - Padam Talao, Raj Bagh and Milak Talao - around which most of Ranthambhore’s wildlife is concentrated. Padam Talao is the largest of the many lakes located in the park. The red sandstone Jogi Mahal can be found at the edge of the lake. The lodge was used by the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to view wildlife

Depending on the month you travel, you will see a variety of birds and animals. Winter sees plenty of birds that are migrating, while summer has large mammals roaming the forests in search of water. The varied topography provides habitats for animals like the jackal, mongoose, sloth bear, leopard, lesser cats, caracal and of course the tiger. Spend time near the lakes to spot waders and waterfowl including snipes, grebes, godwits, sandpipers, geese and ducks.

Areas around Ranthambhore have developed catering to tourists who flock to the park in large numbers. Visit the village and stop over at the Daskari Kendra, which is a women’s co-operative NGO producing block printing, local textile and handicraft work. Local bird watching tours around Mansarovar and Surwal Lakes result in plenty of sightings. Visit Amli Deh on the river Banas, renowned for spotting striped hyenas, foxes and jackals.

The settlements around the park are mainly agriculturist dependent upon the natural resources of the park. As the villages expand into the park boundaries, raiding by wild animals and livestock kills have increased. The main cause of deterioration is grazing of livestock in the buffer zone as well as in some areas of the core zone. Your visit is crucial to support the local economy, but please also report abuse or poor practice at admin@toftindia.org. Support the TOFTigers Village Wildlife Guardian programme through Tigerwatch.

Destination Information

How To Book

Safaris can be booked through your lodge, tour operators, or online.

Park Timings

Winter : Morning: 07:00 am to 10:30 am Evening: 02:15 pm to 05:30 pm Summer : Morning: 06:00 am to 09:30 am Evening: 03:00 pm to 06:45 pm The park is closed to visitors from July to September every year

Getting Around the Park

Game drives are in either government-registered jeeps or large 20-person safari bus called canters. Private vehicles are not allowed inside.

Entry Fees

Jeep: R 5,950 for Indian and Foreign Nationals. Canter: R 2,500 for Indian and Foreign Nationals

By Air: Jaipur (180 km). Transport can be hired to drive to the park. By Rail / Road: Sawai Madhopur (10 km). Transport can be hired to drive to the park.

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Eco-friendly properties in the area

Khem Villas

Owned by Dr. Goverdhan Singh, son of legendary Park Director, Fateh Singh Rathore and his charming wife, Usha, Khem Villas is a very comfortable and family-run stay in 25 acres of restored farmlands.

The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort

For those who demand the sumptuous home comforts, The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort is just your abode. Spread over twenty acres of landscaped gardens, it has a number of palatial tents with finely embroidered canopies and private walled gardens, a large waterhole and lounge areas fit for a Maharaja.

Other Destinations To Combine

National Chambal Sanctuary

Uttar Pradesh

National Chambal Sanctuary, named after one of India’s cleanest and longest rivers Chambal,

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve

West India

Ranthambhore National Park is part of the much large 1333sq km Ranthambhore Tiger reserve,

Keoladeo National Park

West India

Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird

Gir National Park

West India

The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat,

Travel Here with the Best Travel Companies & Agents

Plan you Indian holiday, Nepal adventure, or Bhutan visit using one of a large number of the world’s best known travel companies, or Indian based agents to put your very own itinerary together. Every travel company here has committed to drive their own sustainable travel practices, seek PUG certified accommodation providers wherever possible and support our conservation efforts.

Now you can enjoy a flawless and carefree travel itinerary to many of Indian subcontinent’s greatest wilderness destinations and combine this with its rich cultural and historic heritage.

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve