Ranthambore National Park — location and key facts
Ranthambore National Park is a Project Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. The landscape is a dry-deciduous forest system at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges, broken by lakes, ravines, and the ruins of Ranthambore Fort — a 10th-century fort within the core zone. The park is named after this fort.
When is Ranthambore National Park open
• Open: October 1 to June 30 — all 10 zones operational
• Monsoon: July 1 to September 30 — Zones 1–5 (core) closed. Zones 6–10 (Kundal, Chidikho, Balas, Kuwalji, Aantri) remain open
• Weekly closures: Zones 1–5 closed every Wednesday. Zones 6–10 closed every Tuesday
Wildlife in Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore is primarily a Bengal tiger reserve — the tiger population is estimated at 70-80 individuals across the reserve.
Tigers in Ranthambore National Park
The tiger population is estimated at 70-80 individuals across the reserve. The Ranthambore Fort ruins within Zone 3 are one of the few places in India where you can observe tigers moving through historic structures.
Other mammals in Ranthambore National Park
Beyond tigers, the park supports a significant leopard population, sloth bears, striped hyenas, jackals, caracals, and Indian wolves. Ungulates — spotted deer (chital), sambar, nilgai, and wild boar — are present in large numbers throughout the park.
Safari zones in Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore is divided into 10 safari zones. Zones 1–5 form the core zone — original protected forest with denser vegetation and historically higher tiger density. Zones 6–10 are buffer zones — added later, less crowded, with open grassland terrain. You can select a preferred zone at the time of booking.
Zone 1: Core
Entry via Singh Dwar gate. Mix of dense forest and open areas. Tigers move between Zone 1 and Zone 6.
Zone 2: Core
Multiple water holes including Nal Ghati and Phuta Kot. Consistent leopard and tiger activity around the lakes. One of the most active zones in the park.
Zone 3: Core
Contains Padam Talao, Raj Bagh, and Jogi Mahal — the most photographed locations in the park. Ranthambore Fort ruins are in this zone and historically the highest tiger sighting zone in the park.
Zone 4: Core
Hilly terrain and dense forest. Known for tiger cubs and dominant male sightings.
Zone 5: Core
Shares movement corridors with Zone 4 and Zone 6. Mix of open and forested terrain.
Zone 6 — Kundal: Buffer
Open grasslands with Aravalli hills backdrop. Shares boundary with Zone 1 — tigers cross between both. Known for Red Headed Vulture sightings and Indian gazelle.
Zone 7 — Chidikho: Buffer
Jeep-only zone — canters not permitted. Rugged terrain. Leopard and sloth bear sightings alongside tigers.
Zone 8 — Balas: Buffer
Jeep-only zone. Scenic hilly topography. Tiger and large mammal sightings.
Zone 9 — Kuwalji: Buffer
Located on Chakal Riverbank. Known for sloth bears, caracals, and aquatic birds.
Zone 10 — Aantri: Buffer
Hilly tracks, deciduous forest, scenic water bodies with growing tiger sighting.
Safari types and permits at Ranthambore National Park
Safari timings at Ranthambore National Park
The park opens 30 minutes after sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. Each safari session is approximately 3–3.5 hours. Arrive at the gate at least 45 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
Oct 1 – 31
6:30 AM – 10:00 AM
2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Nov 1 – Jan 31
7:00 AM – 10:30 AM
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Feb 1 – Mar 31
6:30 AM – 10:00 AM
2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Apr 1 – May 15
6:00 AM – 9:30 AM
3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
May 15 – Jun 30
6:00 AM – 9:30 AM
3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Safari types at Ranthambore National Park
Two vehicle types operate in Ranthambore: Gypsies (jeeps) and Canters. Both are government-managed and the only vehicles permitted inside the park on safari.
• Gypsy (Jeep): A 6-seat vehicle (including guide and driver) with private and shared booking available. It is more maneuverable in narrow tracks and permitted in all 10 zones.
• Canter: A 20-seat open vehicle with shared booking only. It is not permitted in Zones 7 and 8 and is more economical per seat.
A trained naturalist guide accompanies every safari — mandatory and is already included in the permit fee.
How to book a Ranthambore National Park safari permit
All safari permits are booked through the official Rajasthan Forest Department booking portal. There is no official alternative.
• Official Booking Portal: booking.forestrajasthan.com
• Portal Hours: 1:30 AM to 11:30 PM IST daily
• Advance Booking: Up to 90 days in advance
• Tatkal (Emergency) Booking: Opens 7 days before visit date at 11:00 AM IST. Full gypsy reservations only.
• Premium Tatkal (Extra Emergency) Booking: Opens 3 days before at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM IST. For shared reservations.
• Current Day (Morning): Book at least one day prior.
• Current Day (Afternoon): Same-day booking allowed after 10:00 AM IST.
• Foreign National ID: Passport only — no alternative ID accepted for foreign nationals.
• Collect your boarding pass at the safari booking counter at least 45 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
OTP delivery for foreign travelers — verify before you book
OTPs are sent via WhatsApp through the official Ranthambore Tiger Conservation Foundation account, and confirmed tickets are also delivered via WhatsApp.
OTPs are currently limited to Indian mobile numbers (+91) via SMS. Foreign travelers may face OTP delivery issues — contact the reserve at +91 9461412641 or booking@forestrajasthan.com if this occurs.
Ranthambore National Park safari entry fees
Fees below are per person per safari, as of the current season, with vehicle and guide fee included.
Gypsy Safari
₹3,050 per person per safari
Canter Safari
₹2,422 per person per safari
Ranthambore National Park safari cancellation policy
• 75% refund if you cancel 30+ days before visit
• 50% refund if you cancel 3–30 days before visit
• No refund if you cancel within 3 days of visit
• Tatkal bookings are Non-refundable and non-transferable
There is no refund if park access affected by rain, weather, or natural events. Monsoon season bookings are provisional.
All fees and charges listed on this page are applicable to foreign nationals only.
Safari rules at Ranthambore National Park
Safari conduct rules at Ranthambore are enforced by the guide assigned to every vehicle and apply to all visitors regardless of nationality.
• Wear earth-toned, neutral colors — khaki, olive, brown, or grey. White, red, and bright colors are not permitted inside the park.
• Silence is mandatory on safari. No shouting or sounds that disturb wildlife.
• Single-use plastic is prohibited inside the park. Carry a reusable water bottle.
• Carry your own water. Food is not permitted inside the park. Smoking and drinking alcohol are strictly prohibited.
• Do not stand up or lean out of the vehicle. Stay seated at all times. Do not get down from the vehicle unless explicitly instructed by your guide. Private vehicles are not permitted inside the park.
• Pets are not permitted inside the park.
• Do not feed animals. Maintain a safe distance at all times. Allow animals the right of way.
• Collect your boarding pass from the safari booking counter at least 45 minutes before your scheduled entry time. Late arrival means the guide and driver will proceed without you.
Photography rules at Ranthambore National Park
Photography is permitted but flash photography is not allowed. There are no separate fees for standard cameras and lenses.
How to reach Ranthambore National Park
Sawai Madhopur is the access town for Ranthambore — the park gate is approx. 10 km from the railway station. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes and transport info below.
Ranthambore Access Town — Sawai Madhopur
Rail Stations: Sawai Madhopur Junction (SWM)
Airport: No airport in Sawai Madhopur. Nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport (JAI) — approx. 160 km away.
Bus Terminals: Sawai Madhopur Bus Stand
Travel to Sawai Madhopur (SWM) by train and hire a taxi to the park gate. If flying, Jaipur International Airport (JAI) at approx. 160 km — travel onward to Sawai Madhopur by train or taxi. Buses from other cities also connect to Sawai Madhopur.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ranthambore National Park
OTPs are currently limited to Indian mobile numbers (+91) sent via SMS, alongside WhatsApp delivery through the official Ranthambore Tiger Conservation Foundation account. If you don't receive an OTP on a non-Indian number, contact the reserve directly at +91 9461412641 or booking@forestrajasthan.com rather than assuming the booking has failed.
All safari permits are booked through the official portal at booking.forestrajasthan.com. Advance booking opens up to 90 days ahead, with Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tiers available closer to your visit date at premium rates.
A Gypsy is a 6-seat jeep, including guide and driver, available for private or shared booking and permitted in all 10 zones. A Canter is a 20-seat open vehicle with shared booking only, more economical per seat, but not permitted in Zones 7 and 8.
Zones 1-5, the core zone, close from July 1 to September 30 each year for monsoon. Zones 6-10, the buffer zones, remain open for safari throughout this period.
Zones 1-5 (core) are closed every Wednesday. Zones 6-10 (buffer) are closed every Tuesday. Plan your zone choice around these closure days if you have a fixed visit date.
Yes, with a tiered refund: 75% if you cancel 30 or more days before your visit, 50% if you cancel 3-30 days before, and no refund within 3 days of your visit. Tatkal bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances, and no refund applies if park access is affected by weather or natural events.
Late arrival means the guide and driver will proceed without you. Collect your boarding pass from the safari booking counter at least 45 minutes before your scheduled entry time to avoid forfeiting your slot.
Sawai Madhopur is the access town, with the park gate approx. 10 km from Sawai Madhopur Junction (SWM) railway station. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport (JAI), approx. 160 km away. Buses from other cities also connect directly to Sawai Madhopur.
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