For those who plan to visit Ranthambore National Park, the Ranthambore Travel Blog will be very helpful. When I decided to go, I spent a lot of time searching the internet for information about how to book a safari, where to stay and what to do. Unfortunately, the information I found was outdated or too generic. I went to Ranthambore alone, with very little information.
Ranthambore is a national park located near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. The park is well-known for its large population, which means that there are better chances to spot the big cat and everybody’s favourite, the ‘Royal Bengal Tiger’. Ranthambore National Park also houses a variety of reptiles, mammals, and birds.
Because I couldn’t find any reliable travel information online, it was my decision to write it down as soon as I got back. The Ranthambore Travel Blog is the culmination of all the valuable and in-depth information we collected while visiting Ranthambore National Park on a tight budget.
Ranthambore Travel Blog: Where, When, How?
It was a long weekend, and I needed a break. After several days of discussion and deliberations, I decided it would be a wildlife-spotting getaway. These three were the final choices: Bharatpur bird sanctuary, Jim Corbett National park, and Ranthambore National park. No points for guessing who won!
As I mentioned earlier, it was difficult for me to find information about Ranthambore. My Ranthambore travel blog aims to give travellers accurate information and detailed information about this national park so that they can plan their perfect Ranthambore Trip.
Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of what you need to know about travelling to this destination.
Localization: Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan
The cheapest mode of external transport: Trains
The cheapest mode of internal transport: From the railway station, pool in Jeeps (Rs. 30/head).
Nearest airport: Jaipur
Nearest railway station: Sawai Madhopur Junction
The Best Time to Visit: November-April
Safari Cost per person:
Indian Nationals: 500 to 1000 INR per Person
For foreign nationals, 1000-2500 INR per head
Things to Keep
Winters are cold so bring a jacket and a muffler. The early morning and evening hours can be bone-chilling.
If you’re interested in bird watching, binoculars are essential.
Sunhat to protect your skin
Camera equipment
Identity Card
Four Amazing Facts About Ranthambhore National Park
- Here, tigers were hunted. It covers an area of 392 square kilometres. Ranthambore National Park covers 392 sq. km and is located in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Ranthambore National Park is located at the intersection between the Vindhyan and Aravallis mountain ranges. It was once a royal hunting ground.
Here is the timeline that it has existed:
1955: Sawai Madhopur Gaming Sanctuary was the birthplace of this sanctuary.
1973: Designated one of the Project Tiger reserves
1980: Ranthambore was declared a national park
1984: Contiguous forests designated Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary or Keladevi Sanctuary.
1991: Ranthambore National Park was created by the merging of Sawai Man Singh’s and Keladevi sanctuaries.
- Home To ‘Machli’: Ranthambore National Park is home to a variety of fauna and flora, but the star of the park is the Bengal Tiger. Park officials recently took a census in the early part of this year. There are a total of52 tigers, out of which25 of these cubs are cubs *Heart melts* This is the highest number of cubs since the park’s inception! The star tigress Machli, also known as Tigress Queen of Ranthambore, Lady of the Lakes or Crocodile Killer, was a resident of this National Park. Machli, if you don’t know it, was the most photographed Tigress worldwide and was instrumental in the repopulating of the national park. Her star status is evident in numerous documentaries and featured stories. She was 14 feet long and killed a crocodile.
- It’s not just about the tigers. Apart from the tiger, there are many other faunas, such as leopards, striped hyenas and Sambar deer.
- A paradise for photographersRanthambore National Park is the ultimate destination for wildlife and photographer enthusiasts. It is not uncommon to see animals, and they aren’t afraid of humans. If you’re lucky, you might even see some of them pose for you. Many people who have been on Safari have witnessed tigers chase them and kill them. You can read more about it here!
Which is the best and cheapest way to get to Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park can be found near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. The closest airport to the park’s location is Jaipur. Sawai Madhopur Junction is the nearest railway station.
Train travel is the cheapest option to get to Ranthambore National Park. From Jaipur and Delhi, trains to Sawai Madhopur run frequently. It takes between 5 and 6 hours to reach Delhi from Jaipur. From Jaipur, it takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
You can also hire taxis from Delhi and Jaipur to reach Sawai Madhopur. A taxi from Jaipur will run you around 2200 INR. You can find many cabs and taxis from Sawai Madhopur City to get you to your hotel or guesthouse.
Is it possible for Ranthambore National Park to stay?
You cannot stay in the national park. There are many options for budget and luxury remains in Sawai Madhopur, where the park is situated. These stays can be booked online via booking.com and Agoda. Agoda is a great tool that I use to book my stay in advance.
For weekend trips, you can expect high prices and crowded safaris. The costs will drop if you travel with friends.
You can hire an auto from the railway station or take a cab to your hotel if you are on Ranthambore Road. The Hotel Green View Ranthambore was our choice. We were pleased with our stay and the hospitality of the staff.
Other budget-friendly accommodations I recommend are:
Hotel Green View Ranthambore: Prices start at 1200 INR
Ranthambore Palace Hotel: Prices start at 1400 INR
Travel Soul Bed & Breakfast: Prices start at 1400 INR
Tip: Always refer to reviews on Google and other reviews when choosing a hotel or hostel for your stay.
Ranthambore National Park Safaris are available at no additional cost.
How can I book a Ranthambore Safari tour? This was the question I was trying to answer several weeks before my visit. Google can be used to search for “safari booking Ranthambore National Park”. You can book your Safari online with private operators and a portal provided by the Government of Rajasthan. This didn’t work.
Although I believe blogs can be reliable sources of information, reviews and information, I could not find Ranthambore blogs that answered all my questions.
How can I book a Ranthambore Safari for a low price?
Ranthambore Safari used to have an offline booking counter, but you can now register and make a reservation online.
There are two slots available for safari rides through Ranthambore National Park. The old safari booking centre is the boarding point.
Safari to Ranthambore National Park Safari
Safari Rides last about 3 hours and can be taken at different times throughout the year. These are the times.
Safari Timings:
From 1 October to 31 Oct
Morning Trip: 7.00 a.m. – 10.30 a.m.
Evening Trip: From 2.30 to 6.00 P.M.
November 1st January 31st
Morning Trip: 7.00 a.m. – 10.30 a.m.
Evening Trip: 2.00–5.30 pm.
From February 1st through March 31st
Morning Trip: 6.30 am. to 10.. 00 am.
Evening Trip: 2.30 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.
From April 1st through May 15th
Morning Trip: 6.00 am. to 9.30 am.
Evening Trip: 3.00–6.30 pm.
May 15th – June 30th
Morning Trip: 6.00 am. to 9.30 am.
Evening Trip: 3.30 pm to 7.00 pm.
Ranthambore National Park Safari: Everything You Need To Know
There are two options for safari vehicles. There are two options for safari vehicles: one is a 6-person jeep, and the other is a 20-seater open-top Canter. Morning and evening safaris are available (pay per person) or private half-day or whole-day safaris in Ranthambore National Park.
Evening and morning safaris
Each Safari lasts approximately three hours. It is per person. The guide and driver will take you around the designated area. These are the prices:
20-seater open top canter
Cost per person (Indian Nationals) INR: 500-600 per person
Cost per person (Foreign Nationals) INR:1000-1200 per person
Open-top 6-seater gipsy
Cost per person (Indian Nationals) INR: 800-900 per person
Cost per person (Foreign Nationals) INR: 1800-2000 per person
Ranthambore National Park Safari Zones: How are they allotted to you?
The Ranthambore National Park’s central area has been divided into ten zones. The safari vehicles travel to one zone. Zones 1-5 can be found in the core. Zones 6-10 can be found in the buffer zone. The best places for tigers are in the core zones.
At the time of booking, you will be assigned a zone. Vehicles are permitted to travel within this zone. The zone you are assigned cannot be changed. The booking will assign it at the time. It is a good idea for core zone security to book early.
Ranthambore Safaris Private Half-Day and Full-Day Private Safaris. Are they worth it?
These tours can also be booked as private half-day and full-day tours. The jeep will be yours, and you can travel in any zone. (EXTRA EXPENSIVE!) !
Full Day
Indian Nationals Pay INR 15,000
Cost (Foreign Nationals) INR: 30,000
Half Day
Cost (Indian Nationals). INR: 20,000
Cost (Foreign Nationals) INR: 40,000
Tip: Choose the morning safari if you only plan to do one Safari. This is a wonderful time to see animals and take great pictures in the morning light.
How did we spot the tiger in Ranthambhore National Park, India?
Ranthambore National Park is open from October through June every year. Although the chances of seeing the star in Ranthambore is high, it all depends on your luck. Sometimes, people spend a lot on full-day and half-day safaris that they cannot see a single big cat.
Let me tell you; it took us about 30 minutes to reach the entrance of the Safari. We were all so excited! We were all so excited! Our guide explained to us that he and the driver would do their best to provide us with the best safari experience possible and a sighting of tigers.
We saw a large Sambar Deer, who had come to drink water from small ponds as soon as we entered. We could stop the canter for a moment so we could take a look. However, the guide insists that we shouldn’t waste too much time and give ourselves enough time to search for a tiger. We saw some Chital deer grazing a little further. We came across another group of deer grazing as we went. The sun was getting warmer by this point.
Just as we were moving a bit further, we noticed that a canter was stopped, and people were looking at it. Everyone was so excited when the guide suddenly exclaimed, “There it is!” The guide had seen a tiger. My friends saw it quickly, but it took me 30 seconds to spot it.
It was there, in the distance, a shadow moving through the tall grass behind the trees. It was moving towards us, in fact, towards the herd that I had mentioned earlier. The guide pointed out that T 84, also known as Arrowhead, a female Tiger about three and a quarter years old. Her sighting was made in March 2014. Because of the arrow mark on her left cheek, she is known as Arrowhead. She was radiant in the morning sunlight. It was a beautiful sight to see her orange coat sparkle in the morning sun.
Pay attention to the Tigress’s crouching posture, she was sneaking up on a group of Deer, but the Deer saw her danger and fled before she could attack.
After spotting the Deer, the Tigress got ready to hunt for her meal. The Tigress crouched slowly toward the Deer, but unfortunately for her and us, the Deer fled. She gave up and continued her journey, moving right in front of our canter. THE MAJESTIC BENGAL TIGER right in front of us! (Can’t explain the feeling!)
Our guide was also happy. On our very first safari, we saw a tiger in just one hour.
We continued and encountered several other Deer, peacocks, and various birds. We also passed the Malik Talao or Malik Lake. It was beautiful and covered in red algae. We saw some crocodiles enjoying the sun on a small area of land.
Ranthambore National Park boasts a large number of birds, both migrant and resident. More than 200 bird species can be found here that you can review. One of the most beautiful places to observe birds is at the lake. Woodpeckers and Indian Gray Hornbills are the most important birds. Treepie, Graylag Goose, Snipes, Sandpipers, Gulls, Terns, Great Crested Grebe, Eagles, Darters, Bulbul, Mynas, Cormorants, Egrets, Flamingos, Ibis, Pelicans, Storks, Pittas, Shrikes, Minivets, Drongos, Ioras, Pipits, Bayas, Sparrows, Finches, Wagtails, Herons, Common Kingfishers, etc.
These birds were also visible near the lake, including Crescent Serpent Eagle, Bulbul, Sandpiper, Darte, Heron, Egret, Shrike, Common Iora, Pipit, Common Snipe, and Rufous Treepie.
We sat by the lake for several moments, taking photos and admiring its beauty. We also saw Sambar and chital herds on the return trip. At the very beginning of the Safari, we also saw other crocodiles. Our Safari ended at 10.30. We thanked our guide, and the canter dropped us off at our hotel. We were literally jumping for joy, and we were so happy. We were elated and literally jumping with joy.
Where can you visit after Ranthambhore National Park is over?
Other than Ranthambore National Park, these must-see places include
Go to the Reptile Spotting Palighat Gharial Sanctuary after Ranthambore
Keep half an hour aside for Palighat Chambal Sanctuary and National Chambal Sanctuary while you are in Sawai Madhopur. It is located approximately 35km from the city centre and is a conservation area for Gharials as well as crocodiles. It can be found on the banks of River Chambal, and it is only an hour drive from the city centre.
Take a local sightseeing tour in Sawai Madhopur.
Sawai Madhopur, a small town, can be explored in a single day. These are some important places that you should not miss.
Complex Ranthambore Fort Complex: A pool in can service can be taken from Sawai Madhopur railway stations. This will take you to Ranthambore Fort. The premises contain all the important locations you search for in Google (including Ganesh Temple).
Ex-poachers earn a living at Dhonk, near Ranthambore.
This social handicraft initiative aims to help village people and ex-poachers’ families. Their produce is then sold and shipped to other places. You can meet the locals here. It is located near Oberoi Vilas, at approximately 4 km.
Visit the Temples of Sawai Madhopur to pay homage.
There are some very well-known temples close to the centre.
Chauth Mata Temple
Kala GauraBhairav Temple
You can find souvenirs at the Ranthambore local markets.
You can find souvenirs for Ranthambore National Park such as Rajasthani handicrafts, Ranthambore caps, paintings, T-shirts, Caps, Caps, and Rajasthanijewellery while you are there. You will find many shops along the route to Ranthambore National Park. Before you buy anything, make sure to compare prices and look around.
What are some good places to eat in the vicinity of Ranthambore National Park?
Sawai Madhopur, a small town, is home to very few fine dining establishments. Vivanta by Taj and The OberoiVanyavilas are the best options for fine dining. Sawai Madhopur has very few options for non-vegetarian cuisine.
The budget. These are our top picks.
Restaurants and Prices for Two:
Asha’s Restaurant: 300-500 Indian Rupees
You must try:
- Sweet lassi
- Bajreki roti
- Lehsunki chutney
- Paranthas
Ram Shyam &Kanha Hotel: 200-400 INR
You must try:
Rajasthani food, including Daal Baati Churma
Hotel Riddhi Siddhi: 300-500 Indian Rupee
-Vegetarian food
Make sure to visit Asha Restaurant when you’re in Ranthambore. You must try their delicious Rajasthani and Indian dishes, including ‘Bajreki Roti” and “lehsun ki Chutney”.