Ranthambhore National Park: A Date With Big Cat(Tiger)
Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern India. It is situated 14 kilo Meters from Sawai Madhopur district and about 180 kilo Meters from Jaipur of southeastern Rajasthan in India. Being considered as one of the best place to view the powerful majestic predator Indian Tiger in the jungle. Ranthambore National Park is major wildlife tourist attraction and pulled attention of wildlife lover and photographers. Ranthambore National park is surrounded by the Vindhyas and Aravalis hill range and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve spread over an area approx 1410.64 sq.km including core and buffer area..
The vegetation of the Ranthambore is the tropical dry deciduous and tropical thorn type due to its hilly track, water is confined from narrow valleys and some lakes. There are several lakes in the park which known as Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Malik Talab. Ranthambore National Park is probably the best place in the world to see wild Indian tigers in its only dry deciduous natural habitat. Tigers can be easily spotted even during the day time. Ranthambore is also known for famous heritage site due to ruins and Fort. It is a home for different species of animals and birds.Location: 14 kms from Sawai Madhopur, a major rail head on Delhi-Mumbai rail route.
Nearest Airport: Jaipur, 180 kms
Timings:
| Visiting Timings |
| Oct 1-Oct 31: 6.30am-10.00am & 2.30pm-6.00pm |
| Nov 1-Jan 31: 7.00am-10.30am & 2.00pm-5.30pm |
| Feb 1-Mar 31: 6.30am-10.00am & 2.30pm-6.00pm |
| Apr 1-May 15: 6.00am- 9.30am & 3.00pm-6.30pm |
| May 16-Jun 30: 6.00am- 9.30am & 3.30pm-7.00pm |
| July 1 – Sep 30: Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve CLOSED |
Best time to visit: November to March
If the summer heat is not unbearable for you, summer can be a very fruitful time to visit Ranthambore National Park since the animals can be clearly seen in the leaf-denuded forests and along the lakes and watering holes as they are driven by thirst to the water’s edge.
Wildlife:
Tiger, leopard, nilgai, dhole, wild boar, sambhar, hyena, sloth bear, chital, mugger crocodile etc. with lot of species of birds.
Safari Rides:
Rides are carried out at two times: 06:30 AM and 02:30. PM Each ride lasts for about 3 hours. There are two options of vehicles for the safari : 20 seater open top canter or 6 seater open top gypsy. Each ride costs around Rs400-500 per person. You can book your ride online on the park’s website:
The cost of advanced bookings are following:
| Tariff Per Seat in Indian Rupees. | |
| Visit Charges For | Canter (Diesel) |
| Indian | 75.00 |
| Non-Indian | 475.00 |
| Visit Charges For | Gypsy |
| Indian | 131.00 |
| Non-Indian | 530.00 |
| Visit Charges For | Canter (Petrol) |
| Indian | 78.00 |
| Non-Indian | 478.00 |
The rest of the amount for vehicle rent and guide fee are payable at the time of boarding passes collection from tourist reception center office at sawai madhopur, which you can collect prior to 1 hour of your safari timing.
Vehicle Rent(Per Person)
Gypsy :-330.00/-
Petrol Canter:-330.00/-
Desiel Canter:-300.00/-
Guide Fee(Per Person)
Gypsy:- 42.00/-
Petrol Canter:-16.00/-
Desiel Canter:-13.00/-
Gypsy :-330.00/-
Petrol Canter:-330.00/-
Desiel Canter:-300.00/-
Guide Fee(Per Person)
Gypsy:- 42.00/-
Petrol Canter:-16.00/-
Desiel Canter:-13.00/-
Camera Charges:
At the entrance to the park you will have to pay ONLY for usage of your video-camera. Still photo cameras are used free of charge.
So each safari will cost around Rs.400-500 per person.The core park area has been divided into several zones and the safari vehicles go on one of those zones. Entry to the park is highly restricted. It is advisable to book your safari in advance. Since there is a good chance of not sighting a tiger in one outing, people usually take more than one ride.
The Park sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas and sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort also blends amicably with the background.
