The awe-inspiring woodlands of the Ranthambhore National Park are blessed with diverse habitats consisting of dhok trees, open grasslands, large pristine lakes and rugged mountainous terrains. Situated in India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore nurtures some stunning species of wildlife! It is a major tourist attraction, luring the likes of wildlife lovers and first-timers alike to make their Ranthambhore safari booking and venture to explore the ancient forests!
The park provides refuge to a wide range of species, such as leopards, jungle cats, sloth bears, striped hyenas, chinkaras, chousinghas and is home to over 300 magical bird species too! These wild denizens beckon people to go on a Ranthambhore safari and they seldom fail to amaze visitors!
Let us now break down the Ranthambhore safari booking process and go through all the available options.
Ranthambhore safari options
The ancient forests of Ranthambhore are one of the few places on earth where one can witness the seamless blend of history and natural history. Apart from being home to some iconic big cats, Ranthambhore’s other major attractions are its historic fort, crystal-clear lakes and monuments such as Jogi mahal and other ruins.
A Ranthambhore safari is the means to explore this timeless land in all its glory grandeur and greatness. Be it on a jeep or a canter, a Ranthambhore safari is truly an exhilarating experience. Following the rustic forest path, scanning every shrub and open grassland, straining one’s ears to catch a distant alarm call of a distressed herbivore and finally catching a big cat trail - one can expect all this on a Ranthambhore safari.
- Jeep safari in Ranthambhore
A jeep safari in Ranthambhore is arguably the best and most comfortable way to experience its wildlife and natural beauty. A jeep’s seating capacity is for a maximum of only six people so one can sit comfortably and witness wildlife from up-close.
The other benefit is that photographers have ample space to manoeuvre their telephoto lenses and make some incredible frames. Unlike the canter, the jeep is open like a convertible, so one can feel the invigorating cool breeze all along the way and breathe the freshness of the soil.
Moreover, one has maximum opportunities to sight an animal or any signs of one on the ground or in the canopy, in front or behind and on either sides! All in all, a jeep safari in Ranthambhore is a truly unique and intoxicating experience to be had at least once in one’s lifetime!
- Canter safari in Ranthambhore
One can also explore the captivating woods of Ranthambhore in a canter. If one is on a tight budget or travelling in a large group of over 15 people, a canter safari in Ranthambhore is the go-to option.
Although not in operation in zones 7, 8, and 10 because of the hilly track and steep turns, in the other zones, a canter safari takes you on the same paths a jeep would. To know more about the zones in Ranthambhore, read our blog “Zones of Ranthambhore”.
However, in a canter safari, one’s range of vision is limited as compared to a jeep safari and one can observe the jungle mainly through the window beside one’s seat.
The canter safari is not ideally suited for avid nature lovers and enthusiastic wildlife photographers. But for children on school trips or a large group of people who just want to witness wildlife and have a first taste of the forest, a canter safari in Ranthambhore is a thrilling experience.
Ranthambhore safari cost
Now that we have clearly chalked out the different options, let us look at the Ranthambhore safari cost and how to go about making a Ranthambhore safari booking.
The Ranthambhore safari cost varies depending on which type of vehicle one chooses. The jeep safari and the canter safari are both three and half hour long ventures into the forest that occur twice a day. The jeep safari costs roughly Rs.6000 and is divided by the number of people on safari (max 6) and the canter safari costs about Rs.600 per head.
Some of Ranthambhore’s other features are half-day and full-day zone-free safaris. These safaris have several benefits, but cost significantly more than the regular canter and jeep safari charges. Read our blog “Full-day vs regular safari in Ranthambhore” to know more about its advantages.
How to make a Ranthambhore safari booking ?
One of the most frequently asked questions by tourists is “how to book a Ranthambhore safari?” There are multiple ways in which one can make a Ranthambhore safari booking. If the resort one is staying at is associated with the forest department, one’s resort can help one book one’s jeep safari(s). Usually its expenses will be included in the resort’s tariff.
For booking one’s seat on a canter safari, one has to purchase its ticket from the Forest Department booking counter present just outside the main entrance of the Ranthambhore National Park.These counters open about 30 minutes before the start of the safaris, and hence punctuality is crucial to make the bookings and enter the forest on time.
However, one can escape this tedious process and book one’s seat on a jeep as well as a canter safari well in advance via online platforms.
Making a Ranthambhore safari booking online
Quite recently, the Rajasthan Forest Department has launched an online portal to facilitate Ranthambhore safari bookings. One can easily book a Ranthambhore safari from this site - http://www.ranthamboreforest.in/online-safari-booking.php
This online addition really helps tourists, allowing them to book safaris from the comfort of their home and within just seconds, instead of the previous method of standing and waiting in queues for long hours to fetch a ticket from the counter.
Steps to make your booking:
- Visit the official website of the Rajasthan forest department, which is http://www.ranthamboreforest.in/online-safari-booking.php
- Click on the ‘online safari booking’ heading on the website
- Fill out the chart and provide the relevant details asked for
- Crosscheck all the details provided
- Submit the form
- Proceed to make your payment
The same document number as entered on the website while making the online booking has to be in hand at the time of one’s Ranthambhore safari.
Summarising the Ranthambhore safari booking process
Spotting the magnificent gamut of wildlife species that Ranthambhore hosts against its breathtaking landscapes are extraordinary sights to behold! The different options and means of a Ranthambhore safari make the forests more accessible to everyone and promise a cherishable experience to all. The jeep and canter safari take one through the winding forest paths and one can spot the many animals and birds that call this park home.
The process of booking any of these safaris in Ranthambhore has been simplified thanks to the online portal provided by the Rajasthan government. If one is staying in a resort associated with the forest department, one’s booking is taken care of by them and one has a hassle-free most wonderful experience.
The teeming wildlife in Ranthambhore is sure to leave one spellbound! It is a perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of city-life and one can feel completely rejuvenated within 24 hours! Ranthambhore welcomes everyone with open arms and most often, one leaves with a piece of its heart!
