Tiger Safari in Ranthambore
Table of contents
Tiger Safari in Ranthambore.
This is a short article specific to tiger safari in ranthambore. Safaris in India are controlled by forest dept of their respective States. The overall structure remains the same however there are minor differences in way they are run in each state. For more details you can refer to recommended read section below.
Introduction to Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is one of the Most popular Tiger Reserve in India. As ranthambore falls in the golden triangle of the tourist circle there is always a demand for safaris in ranthambore. The reserve is known for its tiger population and beautiful dry deciduous forest.
Ranthambore is Located in Rajasthan in Sawai Madhopur.
Best Time to Visit Ranthambore for Tiger Safaris
The best time for frequent tiger sightings is summer. Mar to June are the best months as forest water holes shrink and there is absolutely no foliage. Visibility is high and finding tigers is much easier.
Once you have the park in the summers it is worth a visit in winter, especially in the cold months of Dec & Jan. The Mornings are just amazing especially in zone 3 the landscape near the lake is worth seeing. Read in Best time to see and photograph tigers in India
About Safaris in Ranthambore.
Ranthambore has two safaris, one in morning and second in afternoon. These safaris can be done in Gypsy(4×4 vehicle) or a Canter (open mini bus).
You can book these in advance. You can book an entire gypsy or a single seat. For serious photography a Gypsy is recommended.
Full Day and Half Day Safaris have been stopped as of 2023.
What to Expect on a Tiger Safari in Ranthambore
Ranthambore is a Tiger haven and one can definitely expect to see Bengal Tiger. Besides Tigers one can expect to see Sambar deer, Magar crocodile, Cheetal, Langur, rhesus macaque etc. If lucky, one may even see the elusive Leopard and Sloth bear. There are also Lots of birds both resident and migratory. We all expect to see a tiger, however it is also advised to enjoy the dhok forest and beautiful lakes and landscape especially in zone 3 along with other wildlife and birds.
Tips for Seeing a Tiger on a Safari in Ranthambore
Most important is to book Safari in the right season. Summers (Mar to June) are usually the best time for frequent sightings. Winters are good for the pleasant weather however sightings may be less frequent. Make sure you book the correct zone which is most important. 1-5 zones are usually good but check to see which is doing better during booking. 6 and 10 zones were also good in past few years. The rest may be just avoided unless there are no options. if possible before you book take advice of a local guide or driver or someone who knows ranthambore. Do at-least 3 -4 safaris to maximize your chance to see a Tiger.
When to book Tiger Safari in Ranthambore National Park
Safaris in Ranthambore need to be booked one year in advance especially if you wish to do it in a Gypsy. Although this is much in advance and something which the forest dept should reduce, due to high the demand make sure you book well in advance. Canter safari are usually available except festivals and long vacations. Although the booking happens online the process to actually get a vehicle and guide in time for safari is not very simple. You have to go to the forest office to get the vehicle and pick the guide. An easier way is booking through a good agent as they take care of getting your vehicle to your hotel in time.
There are also Tatkal Permits at almost double charges.
Official Rajasthan Site for Ranthambore Safari Booking
Tiger Photography in Ranthambore National Park.
For Tiger Photography or in general wildlife photography you should book a gypsy either shared or entire if possible. The canter is not suitable as there are a lot of people and in the crowd serious photography is difficult.
In Ranthambore everything has a price. So if you are doing a few safaris hire a good guide so s/he is with you for entire trip. A good guide will not only help find the animals you are looking for but also get your vehicle on time. Ranthambore charges an extra fee to keep the same guide.
If you have a good budget and want to do some serious photography then hire a good driver who knows about photography and can drive according to photography needs. This is very expensive and forest dept charges a huge fees. however if you can afford it then do hire a good driver.
You can read my article Tiger Photography: A Guide to Capturing these Majestic Cats
What to Wear on a Tiger Safari in Ranthambore
Wear comfortable earth color clothes on safari with No Perfumes. If you wish to know in details read my article Packing for Wildlife Photography in India
What to Bring on a Tiger Safari in Ranthambore
Definitely bring a Camera if possible, a good Mobile is also helpfull for landscape and when tiger is close, Binocular, Water. A light jacket or fleece is good for early mornings and late evenings. A cap or hat is good on sunny days. These days it can rain any month so carry some rainwear.
In peak Winters (Dec/Jan) carry warm beanie or hat, jacket, gloves etc as temp can be around 5-10 deg celcius which can feel cooler in an open vehicle.
Safety Tips for Tiger Safaris in Ranthambore
Dont get out of the vehicle unless the driver/guide stop at designated stops. Avoid drinking too much liquids as you can only get down at designated stops which are sometimes quite far. Don’t shout or throw things at any Animal. Don’t ask driver to get too close to a Tiger especially Tigress with cubs. Give way to the tiger and keep safe distance.
Where to Stay in Ranthambore
There are many hotels in ranthambore of various budgets. You can easily search google and tripadvisor to find many places to stay in ranthambore. Depending on your budget and preference you can find an appropriate resort or even a local homestay.
How to Get to Ranthambore National Park
Nearest airport is Jaipur. You can drive (approx 3-4 hrs) to Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore.
Nearest rail station is Sawai Madhopur (approx 30 mins) from Ranthambore and is connected to all major rail stations.
Recommended Reading on Ranthambore and Safari.
Packing for Wildlife Photography in India
Tiger Photography: A Guide to Capturing these Majestic Cats
Best Tiger Tours in Ranthambore
Gallery
