The window to experience one of India’s top safari tours at Ranthambore India Wildlife Park, home to indigenous tigers, leopards, crocodiles, sloth bears, and over 250 species of birds. The park, which remains closed from July to September due to the monsoons in the Sawai Madhopor region of Rajasthan, offers daily open-air jeep safaris through the forest, rocky hills, and lakes of the national park with best viewing times for the tigers being early morning and in the evening. Seeing these big cats up close in their natural setting is truly an unforgettable experience.
Ranthambore India Wildlife Park
Located amidst dense forest in Rajasthan, the India wildlife park is home to the world's largest collection of native Indian animals. The star attraction is the Indian Tiger with marsh crocodiles, hyenas, other jungle cats, sloth bears, and over 250 bird species rounding out the cast. Guided safaris are the best way to see the park and other family travel activities include visits to Ranthambore Fort and any of the 6 lakes within the park. Family-friendly lodges can be found at either end of the park compound.
Pros
- Seeing some rare and wild animals up close
- Remote safari setting
- Staying at rustic but elegant forest lodges
Cons
- May have to wait around to locate the animals
- Hardly any shopping areas nearby
- Closed from July through September due to the monsoon season
Description
- Cost: Hotel packages range from $100 to $400 nightly and some include meals and 1 guided safari tour as part of the package
- Individual park and safari tours cost on average $40 per person
- Still cameras are free but video cameras require a $5 fee within the park
- Directions: Nearest Airports are Jaipur and Kota
- Ranthambore is connected to Jaipur and Kota by rail with trains coming to Ranthambore every 8 hours
- By road Ranthambore is 480 km from Delhi and 180 km from Jaipur
Guide Review - Ranthambore India Wildlife Park
LandscapeWith the Banas river running along its Northern border and the Chambal river making up the Southern perimeter, the 392 square km park is filled with lakes, forests, and rocky hills fit for its wild inhabitants. Monsoons limit the park’s open season to October through June. As you ride the safari, you feel the bumps on the dirt and deciduous paths carved by years of thrill seeking vehicles.
Activities
The best times to see the tigers and other India wildlife are the early morning or evening. There are 4 main paths that crisscross across the park and a half day excursion will almost ensure you will spot a tiger. The open-air jeeps are considered safe and your driver acts as your guide and guardian. The animals seem used to human presence and go about their activities in their elegant natural way.
Other India wildlife residents that are thrilling to witness are the marsh crocodile, forest leopard, and the rich diversity of bird life teeming in the trees. Also nearby are the ancient ruins of Ranthambore Fort, a historic lakeside dwelling whose stone archways and deep chambers revive Rajasthan’s rich military past in a setting with breathtaking views and great photo opportunities.
