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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Amar Grover

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.

While you’re there

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.

Price from: £25
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 3 hours

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

The Park is open from October to June with twice-daily safaris in the morning and afternoon. Closed July-September, during the monsoon season.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Adventures Ranthambore Wildlife Safari Tour from Delhi with Safari Rides

Adventures Ranthambore Wildlife Safari Tour from Delhi with Safari Rides

New Delhi

Ranthambore Safari Tours from Delhi is a unique tour specially designed for the tourists who love to do a safari, If you've always dreamed w...

$280 | Rating 4.8 / 5 [10 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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4-Day Ranthambore Tiger Safari Tour to Agra and Jaipur from Delhi

4-Day Ranthambore Tiger Safari Tour to Agra and Jaipur from Delhi

New Delhi

4-Day Ranthambhore Tiger Safari Tour Including Agra and Jaipur from Delhi. First day we visit Delhi, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Bahai Temple a...

$424 | Rating 4.92 / 5 [38 ratings]

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5 Days Golden Triangle with Ranthambore (Delhi Agra Jaipur Ranthambore Tour)

5 Days Golden Triangle with Ranthambore (Delhi Agra Jaipur Ranthambore Tour)

New Delhi

This private tour ensures personalized attention from your guide and a flexible itinerary and also allows you to explore some of India’s gre...

$599 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [17 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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8-Day Private Golden Triangle Tour with a Ranthambore Wildlife Safari From Delhi

8-Day Private Golden Triangle Tour with a Ranthambore Wildlife Safari From Delhi

New Delhi

On this tour you will make your lifetime memories by adding a Royal touch the way king and queen used to live their life. Golden triangle to...

$931 | Rating 4.66 / 5 [9 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Aman-i-Khas

Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, India[6.2 miles]

Refined and supremely high-end camp on the edge of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, providing exceptional comfort and service and unrivalled access to the Park.

Official star rating:

Khem Villas

Sherpur, Rajasthan, India[6.3 miles]

Superb understated ‘jungle camp’ and eco-lodge close to the rugged hills of Ranthambore, with an excellent conservation ethos.

Official star rating:

Kipling Lodge

Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, India[8.8 miles]

A good value lodge with comfortable ‘cottages’ in a quiet garden surrounded by tranquil farmland, ideally situated for tiger-spotting safaris in nearby Ranthambore National Park.

Official star rating:

The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambhore

Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, India[9.4 miles]

Super luxurious boutique-camp with lavish villa-like tents that offer Ranthambore’s most polished service, and the chance to see the Park’s world-famous Bengal tigers.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience