Renowned for its population of bengal tigers, the Ranthambore National Park & Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, offers a unique tiger safari experience in India. Home to a variety of wildlife species, the park is one of the largest and most famous in the country. We recommend exploring the iconic city of Jaipur as you make your way to Ranthambore. As the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a cultural hub with the perfect blend of modernism and vibrant traditions.
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. Perched on hills surrounding the city are forts with its imposing ramparts and ornate palaces, telling the story of Rajput valor. Jaipur has also been a hub of culture, arts, and 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, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled atop a hill, this fort-turned-palace boasts intricate architecture, mirrored halls, and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and the intricate carvings that adorn this regal edifice. Venture to the Hawa Mahal, an architectural marvel with its honeycomb of windows and experience the grandeur of the City Palace, Jal Mahal and Albert Hall Museum. Visit the Swargasuli Tower, an 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.
How to commute to Ranthambore?
The best way to commute to Ranthambore is by hiring a private taxi. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Ranthambore from Jaipur by road, which can be covered by a bus too.
RANTHAMBORE
Spanning across an area of about 392 square kilometers, the Ranthambore National Park comprises dry deciduous forests, a few lakes and hills. It is home to a variety of wildlife species including sambar deer, chital, sloths and the bengal tigers which the park is famous for. Ranthambore also has a rich history that one can witness through the locations within the park such as the Ranthambore fort & Jogi Mahal.
Best Places to Stay
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 tiger safari– in a jeep or a canter to travel through the rugged terrains of the Ranthambore National Park and spot the wildlife the park shelters, up close. Ranthambore is also home to a diverse array of birds. Birdwatchers can enjoy their time here as they get a chance to witness a variety of bird species, including some migratory birds.
Make a visit to the historic Ranthambore Fort, which is located atop a hill within the National Park premises. Padma Talao is a picturesque spot in the Park, 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. One of its kind, the Trinetra Ganesh Temple close to the Ranthambore Fort 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
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.
Best time to do the Ranthambore Tiger Safari
As you plan your visit, remember that the best time to spot tigers and other wildlife is during the dry seasons from October to March when the foliage is sparse, and animals come close to water bodies.
