Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and diverse fauna. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your visit:
Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park spans approximately 1,334 square kilometers. Established in 1980, it was once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Today, it’s renowned for its population of Bengal tigers and diverse wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and over 270 species of birds.
Booking a safari permit for Ranthambore National Park is a straightforward process, but due to high demand—especially during peak seasons (October to June)—it’s advisable to plan and book well in advance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you secure your permit:
How to Book a Safari Permit
The Rajasthan Forest Department manages safari bookings through its official portal. To book:
Register/Login: Visit the Rajasthan Forest Department’s booking portal and log in using your SSO ID. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to register.
Navigate to Booking: After logging in, go to “Forest & Wildlife” > “Citizen Dashboard” > “Wildlife Tourism Permission Application” > “Advance Wildlife Permit Booking”
Select Park and Details: Choose “Ranthambhore National Park – Sawai Madhopur” as your destination. Then, select your preferred safari type (Jeep or Canter), date, time slot (morning or afternoon), and zone.
Provide Visitor Information: Enter the full name, age, gender, and ID proof details for each visitor. For Indian nationals, acceptable ID proofs include Aadhar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving License, etc. Foreign nationals must provide passport details.
Upload Photograph: A passport-sized photograph (not less than 100 KB) is mandatory for each visitor.
Make Payment: Pay the required fees online. The cost varies based on the safari type and visitor nationality.
Receive Confirmation: Upon successful payment, you’ll receive a confirmation along with an e-permit. Ensure you carry this permit and the original ID used during booking on the day of the safari.
If you prefer assistance, several authorized tour operators and agents can facilitate the booking process. They often offer packages that include transportation, accommodation, and guided safaris.
A limited number of permits are available for last-minute bookings under the Tatkal quota. These can be booked at the park’s booking counter, typically 7 days prior to the safari date. However, availability is not guaranteed, especially during peak seasons.
Jeep Safari: Ideal for small groups (up to 6 people), offering a more personalized experience
Ranthambore is divided into 10 zones, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife sightings. Zones 1 to 5 are often preferred for higher chances of tiger sightings, while zones 6 to 10 are known for their scenic beauty and diverse fauna.
Morning Safari: Starts around 7:00 AM and ends by 10:30 AM.
Afternoon Safari: Begins at 2:00 PM and concludes by 5:30 PM
Advance Booking: Permits can be booked up to 90 days in advance. It’s recommended to book early to secure your preferred zone and safari type.
The park is open to visitors from October to June. The cooler months (October to March) offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for safaris. For higher chances of tiger sightings, the hotter months (April to June) are preferable, as animals frequent water sources
Safaris are conducted twice daily: morning and afternoon. Visitors can choose between open jeeps (6-seaters) and canters (20-seaters). The park is divided into 10 zones, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. Zones 1 to 5 are considered premium due to higher tiger sighting probabilities
Safari timings vary with the seasons:
October to February: 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM & 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
March to June: 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
It’s advisable to book safaris in advance, especially during peak seasons
Ranthambore Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 10th-century fort offers panoramic views of the park and houses ancient temples and structures .
Clothing: Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend with the environment. In winters, mornings can be chilly, so layering is recommended.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, approximately 160 km away.
By Train: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
make a booking, you can visit their official website: Hotel Search Results | Nidhi Holidays
Ranthambore offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget hotels. Staying in resorts near the park gates can provide early access to safari zones and enhance the overall experience.
Embarking on a journey to Ranthambore National Park promises an unforgettable experience, blending the thrill of wildlife safaris with the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan.
