People enjoy activities like sightseeing, wildlife safari, or any other adventure activity during their vacation to relax. Wildlife safari is an incredible way to encounter nature and wildlife simultaneously. The best part about Jungle Safari is that there is no age barrier for going on a tiger safari, The fresh air inside the jungle not only refreshes the body but the mind as well. Read through our blog on the Weekend getaway to Ranthambore National Park to find out more about one of the best tiger safari parks in India.
The protected forest of India is not only a great place to sight wildlife but also helps in understanding the behaviors of the various animals. It is the perfect wildlife destination for the weekend from any city at Golden Triangle Tour of New Delhi, Agra, or Jaipur as this brings us closer to nature and wildlife. Its also known for birdwatching with around 300 species recorded.
Ranthambore National Park
History of Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park covers an area of 400 square kilometers and includes rocky hill crests that descend to open valleys between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, dotted with water pools and fruit trees. The park is named after the thousand-year-old fortress Ranthambore Fort, which looms above the forest. The forest, hills, and forts of Ranthambore have seen investment from the Khilji army in 1301 AD and the Mughal dynasty in 1569, and are now exclusive hunting grounds for the Maharaja of Amer. It became one of India’s Project Tiger reserves in 1973.
Ranthambore was declared a national park on November 1st, 1980, and the woods adjacent to it were named Sawai Man Singh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kailadevi Sanctuary in 194 and later merged into the Tiger Reserve Zone in 1991.
About Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore is a very special and unusual area where the natural beauty of the forest meets a historical past. Dotted across the landscape are the crumbling ruins of its past glory, be it chhatris or cupolas, like palaces or old guard posts, all of which reinforce the magical and ethereal quality of this great wilderness. The landscape of Ranthambore National Park consists of Deep gorges, grassy slopes, rugged hills, ravines, and large lakes making this park a photographer’s delight.
Ranthambore is a very special and unusual area where the natural beauty of the wilderness meets a historical past. The crumbling remains of the past cover an area, be it chhatris or cupolas, palaces, or old guard posts, all of which add to the beautiful and ethereal nature of this vast expanse. 3 large lakes, named Padam Talao, Raj Bagh Talao Milak Talao filled with crocodiles and Deep gorges, grassy slopes, rugged hills, ravines, and large lakes making this park a photographer’s delight.
Safari Zones in Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore is a unique park that has zones numbered one to ten. Initially, it only had 5 zones, however, as the park gained popularity and got attention from wildlife enthusiasts, the park was expanded to accommodate 10 zones. Each of these 10 zones is thriving with unique flora and fauna. A total of 144 vehicles including jeeps and canters are allowed in all 10 zones each shift of morning and afternoon safari.
Both vehicles use the same designated safari tracks in their allowed zone. The safari vehicles are not allowed to change their allotted zone and the vehicles are allowed to roam anywhere on the network of routes in their allotted zone. The time of the beginning of the safari is dependent on Sunrise and sunset and continues for almost 3.5 hours.
Explore popular tiger safari tours and book safari in Ranthambore National Park.
How to reach Ranthambore National Park
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is located around 180 km from the Ranthambore.
- By Rail: The nearest station is Sawai Madhopur Railway Junction, which is located 11 km from the Ranthambore. It has very good connectivity to trains from New Delhi and Jaipur and is perfect for weekend outings on the Train.
- By Road: Ranthambore is connected with the State Highway, which is connected with the major cities like Jaipur (180 Km, 3 hours’ drive) Agra, and from New Delhi, Ranthambore is well connected by state highways, it takes around 8 hours to cover the distance of around 400 Km.
Things to do at Ranthambore National Park
There are many interesting things to do around Ranthambore National Park. The prey base is also good including the sambar, chital, chinkara, nilgai, and langur for tigers and other predators. Many hidden gems should be covered if you have some extra time at Ranthambore National Park and have already seen tigers on safari inside Ranthambore National Park. Some places to visit or activities near Ranthambore National Park are:
- Ranthambore Fort- The Three thousand-year-old for gives a panoramic view of the forest.
- Gharial Sanctuary at Palighat- Situated an hour’s distance it is perfect to visit after Monsoon. The boat safari on the Chambal river brings us closer to Gharials.
- Surwal Lake- One of the birding hotspots in Ranthambore National Park.
- Mansarovar Dam- It is another Birdwatching spotting in Ranthambore National Park.
Best Budget or luxury lodges in Ranthambore National Park
Top 3 luxury category lodges options in Ranthambore
- Oberoi Vanya Vilas
- Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge
- Sujan Sher Bagh
Top 3 Budget category lodges options in Ranthambore
- Tigers Den
- Ranthambore Kothi
- The Tigress
Top Recommended Tours covering the Ranthambore
Luxury Rajasthan Safari tour
The most luxurious tiger safari tour covers the incredible state of Rajasthan. A perfect blend of cultural destinations like Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. A tiger safari tour at Ranthambore National Park.
Corbett Taj Mahal Ranthambore and Jaipur tour
Corbett Taj Mahal Ranthambore and Jaipur tour is the best to explore the two best destinations to spot tigers in the diverse fauna of Ranthambore and Corbett National Park. It is also perfect to combine with cultural destinations such as Agra and Jaipur.
Tiger Safari and Rajasthan Tour
Tiger Safari and Rajasthan Tour cover the state of Rajasthan which is known for tiger safaris in India and the plethora of bird species at Ranthambore and Keoladeo National Park. A boat safari on the Chambal River at Dholpur perfect opportunity for birding but also spot Gharials and Gangetic Dolphin.
