Source: Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:080_Bengal_tiger_in_Ranthambore_National_Park_Photo_by_Giles_Laurent.jpg
Ranthambore National Park spans roughly 392 sq km of dry deciduous forest where the Aravalli and Vindhya hills meet, about 14 km from Sawai Madhopur. Once a royal hunting reserve of Jaipur, it is one of the best places in India to see a tiger, along with leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, sambar and over 300 kinds of birds. The 10th century Ranthambore Fort, lakes such as Padam Talao and old ruins give the safaris a striking backdrop.
Safari essentials: the park is divided into 10 safari zones. Zones 1 to 5 form the core and close every year from 1 July to 30 September; zones 6 to 10 lie in the buffer and stay open through the monsoon. The core reopened on 1 October 2026 for the 2026 to 2027 season. Safaris run in morning and afternoon shifts in six seat gypsies and larger canters, with timings that shift with sunrise and sunset. Book only on the Rajasthan Forest Department portal, fmdss.forest.rajasthan.gov.in, well ahead for winter weekends.
- Hours: Morning and afternoon shifts. Core zones 1 to 5 open 1 October to 30 June; buffer zones 6 to 10 also run in the monsoon.
- How to Reach: Sawai Madhopur railway station is on the Delhi to Mumbai main line; the park gates are about 14 km from town along Ranthambore Road. Jaipur airport is about 180 km away.
- Website: https://fmdss.forest.rajasthan.gov.in
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