Ranthambore National Park

Erstwhile hunting grounds for royalty, Ranthambore National Park is now a huge has made long leaps in conservational efforts involving locals as well. From 26 tigers in 2005 to over 62 tigers a decade later, with 10 zones across 392 square kilometres, Ranthambore is clearly your best bet at a big cat sighting in the wild.

Itinerary

Daywise Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrival in Ranthambore

    As soon as you land in Ranthambore, you realise the wilderness in the air, albeit of a different kind. Not a thick cover but a different geography altogether. Head to your hotel and relax for the day.

  • Day 2

    Morning safari

    Probably one of your best chances getting up close to a tiger, begin your day early with a gypsy (jeep) ride to the park. With 10 zones spread across 400 square kilometres and arid climate, Ranthambore National Park literally guarantees a tiger sighting. About 3 kilometres in lie the ancient gates built by erstwhile Maharajas. Narrower road lead into the Aravallis where you see Ranthambore Fort standing tall in the distance. Another gate to pass through, and you're literally in 'big cat' territory with 40 known species of mammals, 35 known species of reptiles and 320 species of birds in this deciduous forest.The naturalist will tell you more about the different species of wildlife here. Sit quiet through rugged hilly terrain, staying on the alert for the low growl that signifies a tiger in the vicinity. Watch out for the odd leopard, caracals, spotted deer, sambhar, black buck, wild boar, sloth bear or jackals as well as the numerous birds here. If you are a birding enthusiast, you will not be disappointed while at Ranthambore. Get your binoculars out for the graylag goose, nightjar, woodpeckers, hornbills, kingfishers, cuckoos and Asian palm swifts and more. The 3-hour safari ends all too soon as you head back with a camera full of amazing memories.

    Evening safari

    The fun about Ranthambore is that there's no such time as the 'only' time for 'possible' wildlife sighting. Enjoy another round of safari that will increase the probability of you spotting the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

  • Day 3

    Jeep safari

    Riding safe with 20 people in rugged jungle might not be a bad idea after all. With 10 zones spread across 400 square kilometres and arid climate, Ranthambore National Park literally guarantees your tiger sighting of a lifetime. Head out to the park early morning in a 'canter' that curiously can go on tracks smaller jeeps take as well. About 3 kilometres in lie the ancient gates built by erstwhile Maharajas. Narrower road lead into the Aravallis where you see Ranthambore Fort standing tall in the distance. Another gate to pass through, and you're literally in 'big cat' territory with 40 known species of mammals, 35 known species of reptiles and 320 species of birds in this deciduous forest. The naturalist will tell you more about the different species of wildlife here. Sit quiet through rugged hilly terrain, staying on the alert for the low growl that signifies a tiger in the vicinity. Watch out for the odd leopard, caracals, spotted deer, sambhar, black buck, wild boar, sloth bear or jackals as well as the numerous birds here. If you are a birding enthusiast, you will not be disappointed while at Ranthambore. Get your binoculars out for the graylag goose, nightjar, woodpeckers, hornbills, kingfishers, cuckoos and Asian palm swifts and more. The 3-hour safari ends all too soon as you head back with a camera full of amazing memories.

    Departure

    Time to pack your bags and leave for home. The wilderness of Ranthambore and those exciting safaris linger on.

Inspirations