Ranthambore Tiger Safari offers an immersive adventure into one of India’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries, Ranthambore National Park. Located in the Sawai Madhupur district of Rajasthan, this park is famous for its significant population of Bengal tigers and is one of the best places in the world to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Visitors to Ranthambore can choose between jeep safaris and canter safaris, each providing a unique way to explore the park’s diverse zones. The park is not just about tigers; it boasts a rich ecosystem with leopards, sloth bears, various deer species, and an array of birdlife. Beyond its wildlife, the park also features the historic Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the natural beauty. The park is one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India and is particularly famous for its significant population of Bengal tigers.
In this blog, your all FAQ’S will be answered regarding Ranthambore Tiger Safari.
SEASON
The best season to visit the Ranthambore Tiger Safari is during the dry months from October to June. However, for optimal tiger sightings, the hottest months from April to June are particularly recommended. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season:
October to March: Pleasant Weather
- Pros: The weather is cooler and more comfortable for safaris. The park’s scenery is lush and green following the monsoon season.
- Cons: Dense foliage can make spotting tigers more challenging.
- Best For: Enjoying the overall beauty of the park and a comfortable safari experience.
April to June: Best for Tiger Sightings
- Pros: Higher chances of tiger sightings as the heat drives animals to water sources, making them easier to spot.
- Cons: Very hot temperatures can be uncomfortable.
- Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts focused on seeing tigers and other animals up close.
BEST ZONE
Which is the best zone for tiger sighting in Ranthambore?
Ranthambore Tiger Safari is divided into 10 zones. Zones 1-5 are the core safari zones, offering the highest chances of tiger sightings. However, tigers can also be seen in the other zones as their movement is unpredictable. Spotting a tiger ultimately depends on your luck.
Choosing the right zone can significantly enhance your safari experience, balancing between high tiger sighting probabilities and the serenity of less-visited areas.
- Zone Selection: While zones 1-5 offer higher chances of tiger sightings, zones 6-10 are less crowded and provide a more tranquil experience.
- Best Zones: For first-time visitors focused on seeing tigers, zones 1-5 are recommended. Wildlife enthusiasts may enjoy exploring the newer zones for a different experience.
MY RECOMMENDATION AS PER MY EXPERIENCE
I booked zone 4 evening safari and zone 6 morning safari. I found zone 4 extremely beautiful and eye catchy and was lucky enough to spot tiger GANESHA (Video At The End). This zone has beautiful water bodies like malik lake where you can explore whole jungle world. Zone 6 morning safari was also a great safari as it was in the morning but it is expanded in smaller area compared to zone 4 and also there is no large water bodies but only one pond. The jungle of zone 4 is more scenic.
GYPSY OR CANTER
Gypsy: The Gypsy at Ranthambore Safari is an open jeep with a seating capacity of 8 people, including the driver. It offers a more intimate and flexible experience.
Canter: The Canter is a 20-seater open bus, ideal for larger groups.
Which is Better: Canter or Gypsy?
In my experience, the Gypsy is the better option for exploring wildlife. Its compact size and mobility allow it to access spots that the Canter cannot reach, giving you a better chance for close-up views of the wild animals.
CHARGES OF GYPSY: Gypsy costs 1300+ per person.
CHARGES OF CANTER: Canter costs 800 per person.
CAMERA CHARGES
If you bring a mobile phone or DSLR camera, you don’t need to pay any extra camera charges. Avoid selecting the camera entry option during online booking to avoid paying up to ₹900 for camera charges. During my safari, no one checked the camera, but there are additional charges for video cameras if you choose to bring one. Whether you opt for video camera entry is entirely up to you.
MORNING SAFARI OR EVENING SAFARI
Which is better morning or evening safari?
MORNING SAFARI: BEST FOR TIGER SIGHTINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Why: Morning safaris offer the best conditions for spotting tigers and other wildlife due to cooler temperatures and higher animal activity levels.
Pros:
- High Chances of Tiger Sightings: Tigers are more active in the morning.
- Better Lighting for Photos: Ideal for capturing the wildlife and landscape.
- Comfortable Temperatures: Cooler temperatures make for a more pleasant experience.
- Less Crowded: Fewer visitors compared to the evening safari.
EVENING SAFARI – BEST FOR SCENIC BEAUTY AND A RELAXED EXPERIENCE
Why:
Evening safaris offer beautiful sunset views and a chance to see animals preparing for the night.
Pros:
- Scenic Beauty: The setting sun offers stunning views and photographs.
- Relaxed Experience: A more relaxed and less rushed experience.
- Good for Bird Watching: Late afternoon can be a good time for spotting birds.
HOW TO BOOK RANTHAMBORE TIGER SAFARI
You can book your tiger safari through official website.
HOW TO COLLECT BOARDING PASS
Once you pay online your seats are booked but you need to collect your boarding pass. So once you reach Ranthambore for safari you can download your boarding pass two hour prior around 12-12:30 pm in case of evening safari and in case of morning safari you can download your boarding pass one night before 8-8:30 pm.
You can also ask your hotel owner to get boarding passes or you can take help of any agent at very limited charges.
You need to show this boarding pass before boarding your gypsy or canter.
For more details on boarding pass you can watch the video.
BOARDING POINT
DO I NEED TO REACH ANY SPECIFIC BOARDING POINT?
No, you don’t need to reach any specific boarding point. The canter or gypsy will pick you from hotel or if you are not staying in hotel then you can talk to driver from the mobile number mentioned in the boarding pass and driver will tell you the nearest pickup point.
Hope this article clears all your doubts. In case if you have any doubt you can ask me on my Instagram.
