Ranthambore Travel Guide for Inbound Travelers

Description: A renowned tiger reserve under Project Tiger, home to over 70 Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and 300+ bird species. Divided into 10 safari zones, it offers thrilling jeep and canter safaris.

Location: 14 km from Sawai Madhopur

Best Time to Visit: October–March for pleasant weather and better tiger sightings.

Tips: Book safaris in advance (90 days prior) via rajasthanwildlife.in. Zones 1–5 are best for tiger sightings. Opt for jeep safaris (6-seater) over canters (20-seater) for a quieter experience.

• • Entry Fee: Indians: ₹815 (canter), ₹1,400 (jeep); Foreigners: ₹2,000 (canter), ₹3,500 (jeep).
• • Timings: October–March: 7:00 AM–10:00 AM, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM; April–June: 6:30 AM–9:30 AM, 3:30 PM–6:30 PM. Closed July–September.

Description: A 10th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site within the park, built by the Chauhan dynasty. Features temples, cenotaphs, and panoramic views.

Location: Inside Ranthambore National Park, Zone 11

Tips: No safari ticket needed for fort visits. Explore Naulkha Darwaja, Hathi Pole, and Hamir Mahal. Wear comfortable shoes for the 4 km stretch from Mishra Dhara gate.

• • Entry Fee: Free.
• • Timings: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Description: A historic temple inside Ranthambore Fort, dedicated to Lord Ganesha with his family (Riddhi, Siddhi, Shubh, Labh). Known for its spiritual significance and unique three-eyed depiction.

Location: Inside Ranthambore Fort

Tips: Visit during Ganesh Chaturthi (September–October) for vibrant celebrations. Dress modestly.

• • Entry Fee: Free.
• • Timings: 6:00 AM–7:00 PM.

Description: The largest lake in the park, named for its lotus blooms. A hotspot for tigers, crocodiles, and birds, with Jogi Mahal nearby.

Location: Zones 3–4, near Jogi Mahal

Tips: Visit during morning safaris for wildlife sightings. Photography is best at sunrise. Not accessible for swimming.

• • Entry Fee: Included in safari ticket.
• • Timings: Safari hours.

Description: A historic hunting lodge by Padam Talao, now a forest rest house. Features scenic views and India’s second-largest banyan tree.

Location: Inside Ranthambore National Park

Tips: Open for sightseeing only, no stays allowed. Ideal for history and nature lovers.

• • Entry Fee: Included in safari ticket.
• • Timings: Safari hours.

Description: A seasonal lake ideal for birdwatching, hosting migratory birds like paradise flycatchers in winter.

Location: 25 km from Ranthambore National Park

Tips: Visit October–February for birdlife. Access is limited; check with local guides.

• • Entry Fee: Free.
• • Timings: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Description: A serene valley on the park’s outskirts, known for panthers, sloth bears, and scenic hills.

Location: Near Ranthambore National Park

Tips: Accessible by jeep safari. Best for photography and wildlife spotting.

• • Entry Fee: Included in safari ticket.
• • Timings: Safari hours.

Description: A museum showcasing Rajasthan’s wildlife and natural history, with exhibits on flora, fauna, and conservation.

Location: Ramsinghpura, 9 km from Sawai Madhopur

Tips: Ideal for families and educational tours. Check for guided tours.

• • Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners.
• • Timings: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, closed Mondays.

Description: A non-profit empowering local women through crafts like block printing, embroidery, and pottery. A cultural hub for unique souvenirs.

Location: Sawai Madhopur

Tips: Buy handmade textiles and support local artisans. Bargaining is minimal.

• • Entry Fee: Free.
• • Timings: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Ranthambore is not a primary yoga destination like Rishikesh, but several luxury resorts offer yoga and meditation sessions, blending wellness with the park’s serene wilderness.

The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort

• Description: Offers open-air yoga sessions with views of the Aravalli hills, focusing on Hatha and Vinyasa yoga. Meditation classes emphasize mindfulness amidst nature.
• Location: 10-minute drive from park entrance
• Tips: Sessions are often included for guests (₹73,500+ per night). Book via oberoihotels.com. Wear comfortable clothing.
• Cost: Included in stay or ₹1,500–₹3,000 per session for non-guests.
Timings: 6:00 AM–7:00 AM, 5:00 PM–6:00 PM.

Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal

• Description: Provides yoga and meditation in a tranquil setting near Padam Talao. Sessions focus on pranayama and guided meditation for relaxation.
• Location: Near Ranthambore National Park
• Tips: Book retreats in advance (₹15,000–₹30,000 per night). Ideal post-safari.
• Cost: Included in stay or ₹1,000–₹2,000 per session.
• Timings: 6:30 AM–7:30 AM, 4:30 PM–5:30 PM.

Ayuskama Ayurveda Wellness Spa

• Description: Located at Hotel Ranthambore Regency, it offers yoga and meditation alongside Ayurvedic therapies, focusing on stress relief and balance.
• Location: Sawai Madhopur
• Tips: Combine with spa treatments for a holistic experience. Book via hotelranthamboreregency.com.
• Cost: ₹1,000–₹2,500 per session.
• Timings: 7:00 AM–8:00 AM, 5:00 PM–6:00 PM.

• • Luxury:
• - The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort (10-minute drive from park): Offers luxury tents, yoga, spa, and Rajasthani dining. Approx. ₹73,500 per night.
• - Suján Sher Bagh (near park entrance): Eco-friendly tents with a focus on conservation and luxury. Approx. ₹50,000–₹70,000 per night.
• • Mid-Range:
• - Vivanta Sawai Madhopur Lodge (15 km from park): A heritage property with elegant rooms and safari packages. Approx. ₹12,000–₹20,000 per night.
• - Regenta Resort Vanya Mahal (12 km from park): Modern amenities with pool and cultural evenings. Approx. ₹8,000–₹15,000 per night.
• • Budget:
• - Ranthambore Regency (10 km from park): Comfortable rooms with safari bookings and spa. Approx. ₹3,000–₹6,000 per night.

Tips: Book early for peak season (October–March). Choose stays offering safari packages for convenience.

• • Tiger Moon Resort (12 km from park, Rating: 4.6/5): Eco-friendly homestay with cottages, Rajasthani meals, and safari assistance. Approx. ₹2,500–₹5,000 per night.


• • Khem Villas (15 km from park, Rating: 4.7/5): Sustainable homestay with organic gardens and yoga sessions. Approx. ₹3,000–₹6,000 per night.


• • Ranthambore Bagh Palace (10 km from park, Rating: 4.5/5): Cozy rooms with local hospitality and safari bookings. Approx. ₹2,000–₹4,000 per night.

Tips: Homestays often include cultural experiences like village tours. Confirm safari booking services. Check Booking.com for reviews.

• • Zostel Ranthambore (12 km from park, Rating: 4.6/5): Vibrant hostel with dorms, private rooms, and a social vibe. Approx. ₹500–₹1,200 per night (dorm), ₹2,000–₹3,500 (private).


• • Moustache Hostel Ranthambore (10 km from park, Rating: 4.5/5): Budget-friendly with dorms and adventure activities. Approx. ₹450–₹1,000 per night (dorm).

Tips: Ideal for backpackers. Book early during peak season. Ensure locker availability for safety.

• • Baradari Restaurant at Bookmark Resorts (near park): Serves authentic Rajasthani cuisine (Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri) and global dishes. Approx. ₹500–₹1,000 per person.


• • The Oberoi Vanyavilas Restaurant (10-minute drive): Offers fine dining with Rajasthani and continental menus, live music. Approx. ₹1,500–₹3,000 per person.


• • Manisha Restaurant (Sawai Madhopur): Budget-friendly vegetarian and North Indian dishes. Approx. ₹200–₹500 per person.


• • Vivanta Sawai Madhopur Lodge Dining (15 km from park): Heritage ambiance with Rajasthani thalis and international cuisine. Approx. ₹800–₹1,500 per person.

Tips: Expect vegetarian-heavy menus due to cultural norms. Reserve tables at luxury resorts. Specify spice levels.

• Popular Shopping Items:

• - Handicrafts: Block-printed textiles, pottery, and tie-dye scarves from Dastkar Ranthambore.
• - Wildlife Art: Tiger paintings, charcoal sketches, and watercolors from Ranthambore School of Art.
• - Jewelry: Traditional Rajasthani silver and beaded ornaments.
• Souvenirs: Tiger-themed trinkets, keychains, and postcards.

• Top Markets:

• - Dastkar Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur): Handmade crafts by local women. Prices: ₹200–₹2,000.
• - Ranthambore School of Art (Sawai Madhopur): Wildlife paintings and sketches. Prices: ₹500–₹5,000.
• - Sawai Madhopur Local Market (10 km from park): Street stalls for souvenirs, clothes, and snacks. Bargaining expected.

Tips: Support local artisans at Dastkar. Bargain 20–30% in markets. Visit Jaipur (180 km) for extensive shopping.

• Must-Try Dishes:

• - Kachori: Deep-fried pastries with spicy lentil or onion filling.
• - Pyaaz Kachori: Onion-stuffed kachori, a Rajasthani specialty.
• - Mirchi Vada: Spicy green chili fritters.
• - Lassi: Sweet or salted yogurt drink.
• - Samosa: Spiced potato or lentil-filled pastries.

• Best Spots for Street Food:

• - Sawai Madhopur Market (10 km from park): Stalls near railway station for kachoris and samosas.
• - Ranthambore Road (near park entrance): Small vendors for lassi and vada.

Tips: Choose busy stalls for freshness. Avoid street food during monsoons (July–September). Carry bottled water.

• • Jeep Safari: Explore tiger zones (1–5 recommended) for sightings of tigers, leopards, and birds (₹1,400–₹3,500).
• • Canter Safari: Budget-friendly group tours for wildlife spotting (₹815–₹2,000).
• • Ranthambore Fort Visit: Walk through history with views of lakes and forests (free).
• • Birdwatching at Surwal Lake: Spot migratory birds like paradise flycatchers (October–February, free).
• • Wild Dragon Adventure Park: Enjoy ATV rides, zorbing, and horror house for families (₹500–₹1,500 per activity).

Tips: Book safaris via trusted operators like Cultural Safari Tours (+91-7014717217). Wear khaki, olive, or brown clothing to blend in. Carry binoculars and sunscreen.

• • Festivals: Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi (September–October) at Trinetra Ganesh Temple or Kaila Devi Fair (April) near the park.
• • Rajasthani Cuisine: Savor Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, and Mawa Kachori at local restaurants.
• • Village Women Craft: Engage with artisans at Dastkar Ranthambore for block printing and textile workshops.
• • Folk Music and Dance: Enjoy performances at resorts like Oberoi Vanyavilas or Vivanta (on request).

Tips: Respect local customs at religious sites. Book cultural evenings through resorts.

• • Best Time to Visit: October–March (10°C–30°C) for pleasant weather and tiger sightings. April–June (35°C–47°C) for higher tiger visibility near water bodies. Park closed July–September.

How to Reach:

• • By Air: Jaipur International Airport (180 km, 3.5-hour drive) with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
• • By Train: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station (14 km) connects to Delhi (4–5 hours) and Jaipur (2–3 hours).
• • By Road: NH148 from Jaipur (180 km, 3.5 hours) or Delhi (400 km, 7–8 hours).

Getting Around:

Auto-rickshaws, taxis, or resort-arranged transport. Rent scooters (₹500/day) for local exploration.

Travel Tips:

• • Book safaris early via rajasthanwildlife.in or local agents to secure zones 1–5.
• • Wear sober colors (khaki, olive, brown) to avoid startling wildlife.
• • Carry sunscreen, hats, binoculars, and water bottles.
• • Respect park rules; don’t disturb animals or enter restricted areas.
• • Check vaccination requirements (Hepatitis A, Typhoid) for India.

Safety Concerns: Recent posts highlight overcrowding risks due to tourism growth, with shared gates for tigers, pilgrims, and visitors. Follow guide instructions strictly during safaris to avoid wildlife conflicts.

• • Follow safari guide instructions; stay in vehicles and avoid loud noises.
• • Dress modestly at temples (cover shoulders and knees).
• • Avoid unofficial guides or vendors offering cheap deals. Book through trusted operators.
• • Women travelers should avoid isolated areas at night and travel in groups.
• • Be cautious of overcrowding at park gates, especially during peak season.

• • Jaipur (180 km, 3.5 hours): Explore Amber Fort, City Palace, and vibrant markets.
• • Bharatpur (202 km, 4 hours): Visit Keoladeo National Park for birdwatching.
• • Agra (239 km, 5 hours): See the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Ranthambore offers a thrilling blend of wildlife, history, and Rajasthani culture, making it a must-visit for an unforgettable adventure. Plan ahead to maximize your safari experience and immerse yourself in its wild charm.