A former hunting ground for the Maharajas (kings), Ranthambore has now become a reserve for the majestic Bengal Tigers, and a number of other animals. The Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest and most famous in India.
But Ranthambore is not limited to being a wildlife sanctuary– it is also home to historic monuments and lakes dating back to the 10th century! We strongly recommend you complete your tiger safari getaway with a short trip to the iconic city of Jaipur, to witness the vibrant Rajasthani history & culture.
How to reach Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur?
The best way to commute to Ranthambore is by hiring a private taxi. From New Delhi, Ranthambore is about 5 hours by road. While from Jaipur, it takes about 3-4 hours to reach Ranthambore by road. These distances can be covered by a bus too, but keeping comfort in mind, a private taxi is what we recommend.
RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK, RAJASTHAN
Spanning across an area of about 392 square kilometers, the Ranthambore National Park comprises 10 zones. The best safari zone to explore is said to be Zone 2, but it would be wrong to claim that any of these zones have more tigers than the others. The park can be described as a bunch of dry deciduous forests, a few lakes and hills.
A variety of wildlife species call Ranthambore their home— sambar deer, chital, sloths, nilgais, hyena, leopards and of course, the famous Bengal tigers are some of them. As mentioned earlier, Ranthambore has a rich history that one can witness through locations within the park such as the Ranthambore fort & Jogi Mahal.
Best Accommodation in Ranthambore National Park
Luxury 5 Star Picks
- The Oberoi Vanyavilas
- Zana Forest Resort
- The Tigeress
Luxury Boutique Picks
- Aman-i-Khas
- The Kipling Lodge
- Sujan Sher Bagh
Budget/Backpacker Options
- Sidhi Vinayak Resort
- Ranthambore Mahal
- Octave Haveli
Must Visit Sights & Landmarks in Ranthambore
The chance to spot a majestic tiger on your safari is undoubtedly the highlight of this tour. Take on the exhilarating Ranthambore Tiger Reserve safari– in a jeep or a canter to travel through the rugged terrains of the Park and enjoy the thrill of spotting its wildlife.
For the bird lovers reading this, Ranthambore is also home to a diverse array of birds– white-throated kingfisher, a variety of Indian owls, black-headed ibis, storks, among others.
Coming to the historical bits of the park, you can start with a visit to the opulent Ranthambore Fort, one of the top things to see in Ranthambore. This 10th-century fort is located atop a hill within the Park premises. Padma Talao is another picturesque spot, the lake derives its name from the lotus flowers (Padma in Sanskrit) that bloom on its surface during some seasons.
Visit Jogi Mahal, a historic palace located near the Padma Talao within the Park. Built during the reign of the Rajput rulers, Jogi Mahal served as a hunting lodge and retreat for the royals. The Trinetra Ganesh Temple is another significant spot located close to the Ranthambore Fort. The temple attracts devotees who seek blessings from Lord Ganesha before embarking on their safari.
Food & Restaurants in Ranthambore
Best International Cuisines in Ranthambore
1. Oberoi Vanyavilas
2. Vivanta by Taj
3. Jharokha – By WelcomHeritage
Local Food Experiences to try in Ranthambore
1. Laal Maas
2. Rajasthani Kadhi
3. Ker Sangri
JAIPUR
Affectionately known as the “Pink City” due to its terracotta-hued buildings, Jaipur is a destination that truly encapsulates the spirit of royalty and tradition. The main city is surrounded by multiple forts from the Rajputana era, each with a number of ornate palaces. Jaipur is also famous for being a hub of culture, arts & crafts.
Best Places to Stay
Luxury/5 Star Picks
- Taj Jai Mahal Palace
- Rambagh Palace
- Oberoi Rajvilas
Luxury Boutique Hotels
- Hotel Sarang Palace
- Laxmi Palace. The Johri Jaipur
Budget/Backpacker Options
- Nahargarh Haveli
- Chitra Katha
- Hotel Jai Singh Palace
Must Visit Sights & Landmarks in Jaipur
Start your city tour with the majestic Amber Palace (commonly known as the Amer Fort), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled atop a hill, this fort-turned-palace boasts intricate architecture, mirrored halls, and sweeping views of the Pink City. Explore the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and the intricate carvings that adorn the palace.
Any trip to Jaipur is incomplete without a visit to the Hawa Mahal, an iconic architectural marvel with its honeycomb of windows. Other such places include the City Palace, Jal Mahal and Albert Hall Museum. If time allows, you can make your way to the Swargasuli Tower, another iconic structure on the city skyline.
Foods & Restaurants in Jaipur
Fine Dining Experiences in Jaipur
1. Suvarna Mahal
2. Topaz & Sangria
3. Baradari
World Cuisines in Jaipur
1. Giardino
2. Burrels & Mixtape Bistro
3. Dragon House
Bakeries in Jaipur
1. Jaipur Baking Company
2. Petite Patisserie
3. O’Baque
Local Food Experiences in Jaipur
1. Dal Baati Chorma
2. Pyaaz Kachori
3. Mirchi Vada
Shopping in Jaipur
Street Markets in Jaipur
Explore Bapu Bazaar for all kinds of traditional items ranging from garments to shoes to decor items. Shop at the well known Johari Bazaar and witness local artisans work on their handicrafts live. This market is famous for all kinds of jewelry & stones. Visit the Chandpole Bazaar for decor handicrafts that will leave you in awe, especially the marble carvings.
Must Do Experiences in Jaipur
To witness Hawa Mahal at its best, visit it once during the day and again at night to see its real beauty reflected in its shining mirrored windows. The same goes for the Albert Hall Museum. Take a boat ride in the Man Sagar Lake and witness the beautiful Jal Mahal, which literally translates to “Water Palace”!
Museums, Nature & Parks in Jaipur
For an encounter with gorgeous peacocks, visit the Smriti Van. This is a serene forest for a relaxing nature getaway. Also visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand printing to witness the handicraft art marvels of the artisans.
Spas & Wellness in Jaipur
Take on a rejuvenating & luxurious spa experience in any of these spa centers: the Tattva Spa, Rejuve Spa by the Lalit, Kerala Ayurveda Kendra & the Seven Seas Spa.
We recommend you to book the experiences with the respective hotels well in advance to avoid the walk-in hassles.
Paint & Pottery Studios in Jaipur
For traditional pottery & paint workshop experiences, book a class via Tripadvisor. You may also check with your hotel if they organize the same.
Lessons & Workshops in Jaipur
How would you like it if you could print your own beautiful Indian style cloth? You can participate in such hand embroidery, natural dye, hand printing & traditional block printing workshops in cities across Rajasthan.
Explore and book such workshops & classes via Tripadvisor or through reputable travel agencies. Some top hotels also organize these workshops.
Do’s & Don’ts
- Being close to the expansive Indian Thar Desert, expect Jaipur & Ranthambore to be hot & humid during the day. Plan your trip accordingly and pack comfortable clothes for the weather.
- Considering the weather, keep yourself hydrated & carry enough water and drinks with you during your tours.
- Give Jaipur at least a day and a half to explore well.
- Wake up early to catch the morning safari, as animals are most active during cooler hours.
- Dress in layers, as mornings can be cool, and afternoons can get warm. Wear comfortable shoes for the safari.
FAQs
1. Where to stay in Ranthambore National Park?
You can find numerous hotels in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and book the one that suits your preferences. Your options will range from luxurious camp lodges to budget hotels. But, if you are looking forward to visiting during the peak season, be sure to book well in advance.
2. What is the best time to visit Ranthambore National Park?
As you plan your visit, remember that the best month to see tigers in Ranthambore is during the dry seasons from October to March when the foliage is sparse, and animals come close to water bodies. Zones 1 to 5 of the park remain closed from July to September.
3. How long do I spend in Ranthambore National Park?
The park’s expanse is a lot to cover, and for the best chances for a sighting, we recommend you stay at least two nights. But for those who don’t have much time in hand, a single safari (3-3.5 hours) does the job too.
