Travel bucket list idea:
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India
Bucket List Experience
Few other animals have quite captured the imagination as the Bengal tiger. India’s national animal since 1973, it’s one of two subspecies that once roamed widely from eastern Russia and Turkey to Indo-China. India’s 3,000-odd tigers are scattered among around 50 reserves and, for visitors, Ranthambore in Rajasthan is among the most famous and popular.
Formerly a royal hunting ground, Ranthambore’s pretty forests and appealingly rugged hillsides also boast water bodies and a picturesque 13th-century fortress. Game drives are particularly enjoyable and sightings are reliably good – but not guaranteed.
One fine way to spend time between morning and afternoon drives is to explore the ancient and atmospheric remains of Ranthambore Fort, whose extensive ramparts lend great views.
Although well-served by bus and train, most visitors reach Sawai Madhopur town by car or coach – about 2.5 hours’ drive from Jaipur.
Visits require booking seats in the park’s safari vehicles and this can be done up to 90 days in advance via the official website. It’s quite a process, seats fill quickly especially at peak times (weekends and national holidays) and last-minute turn-up-and-go places are generally elusive.
The safaris are divided between set three-hour morning and afternoon drives (so stay at least a night for the dawn safari). Safari vehicles comprise 6-seat Jeeps and 20-seat Canters – each with their own driver and guide. These are the only vehicles permitted inside Ranthambore, even for guests of luxury hotels – pick-ups and drop-offs from most accommodations in the area can be arranged.
There are no cafés or restaurants within the park, so independent visitors might wish to bring drinks and snacks. Most of the surrounding hotels welcome non-guests; Sawai Madhopur is a small, functional town.
Mid-winter mornings in Rajasthan can be surprisingly chilly – take extra layers for those dawn safaris.
The Park is open from October to June with twice-daily safaris in the morning and afternoon. Closed July-September, during the monsoon season.
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