Ranthambore Tourism

Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the world’s best known wilderness areas. Located 14 kilometres from Sawai Madhopur and at the junction of some of the geologically oldest mountain ranges - the Aravallis and Vindyas - Ranthambore offers some of the finest opportunities for sighting the magnificent tiger in the wild. A mix of rolling hills and crags, and meadows, lakes and rivulets, this dry-deciduous forest system is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Apart from the tiger, you can also spot sloth bear, leopard, caracal, jackal, fox, hyena and mongoose at Ranthambore.

The elusive Indian wolf too, has been spotted here occasionally. The dainty chital, sambhar deer, the blue bull antelope or nilgai, rhesus macaque, langur and an incredible variety of birds amidst a setting of dhok, fig and banyan trees makes a visit to this park a delight – for tourists and naturalists alike. Basking crocodiles, king vulture on a snag, the scream of the serpent eagle, the alarm call of spotted deer are some sights and sounds that make this a safari experience like none other. The landscape is dominated by the 10th century fortress of Ranthambore while the valleys have numerous cenotaphs, ruins and abandoned settlements overcome by nature - testament to battles and romances of an era long gone. Open from October to June, Ranthambore is accessible by rail from Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur and by road from Jaipur and Delhi. Sawai Madhopur has a range of accommodation to suit every budget and travelers can stay back for a few days to soak in the sunshine and calm of the forests. Given the popularity of the Park

Ranthambore fort
If you go to Ranthambore and don’t go to the fort, your visit might turn out to be a waste because there’s nothing like it you will see in your life again. It is the heart of the National park and the main tourist attraction as well. Built during the Chauhan dynasty, the fort is now a UNESCO world heritage site, and it is a great honour for anyone to be able to visit such a location. You would have to walk a little into the reserve to be able to catch hold of the high walls of the fort and experience it. The best time to go and see the fort is during the summers, anytime between the months of April to October. It is also suggested to go early morning to experience the freshness of nature that lays bare in the air around the fort.

The green Tiger reserves
This is another thing that you have to have on your priority list when you are in Ranthambore. It is one of the most well-kept Tiger reserves in the country with an area so massive, none of us can contemplate. The Ranthambore fort is close to the reserve so you can get both places done at once. You will come across rare flora and fauna when you are exploring the park, and so many photographers and bird watchers can be seen taking pictures. Seeing the Bengal tiger is everyone’s wish when they come to Ranthambore. The best way to explore the Tiger reserve is through the Jeep safari. Always ensure that jeeps are available for service; otherwise, advance bookings might not work. There are only limited jeeps available around the park, so working out the timings is the best option at hand.

The serene Surwal Lake
Ranthambore has plenty of sightseeing spots in town, Surwal lake being one of them. You will have the most serene experience when you visit this lake as it is surrounded by hills and explicit greenery. A lot of birds also come to the lake to catch fish, so that is another thing you can experience while you are there. The best time to visit the lake is during winters because it is usually dried out in summers. It is not a very deep lake, so this is expected. Morning time is anyways the greatest time to see any of the beautiful tourist locations in Ranthambore. It is also a part of the national park itself so you can see the lake while you are enjoying your bird watching session. Anyone looking for a little solace should definitely see Surwal lake because there isn’t a more peaceful spot by the water.

The green Tiger reserves
This lake is the largest one in the entire Ranthambore with the beauty you won’t be able to forget. You can see most of the animals coming to drink water near the lake in the early hours of the morning, which is also the best time for watching. If you are lucky, you might just see a deer as well. Many photographers have made this their hotspot because of most animals being spotted hunting near this area. Padam lake is also known for the flowers it has got its name from, water lilies. During the season when water lilies are in bloom, you can see the lake being full of them. Again, this is a part of the national park tour itself, so you definitely don’t want to miss it.

The splendid Jogi Mahal
If you are an architecture fan or an architect yourself, this is one destination you can’t afford to miss. The house was initially used as a rest house by hunters when the kings and their families had lived. Now, it has been turned into a guest house, and it is your luck to find the mahal open to staying, You can also contact Rajasthan Travel Guide to know this. Otherwise, you can enjoy the beauty that it has and the environment around it. Everything around the Jogi Mahal is lush and green, like a house in a forest. If that is something you would want to experience, then this should be on top of your list. One of the largest Banyan trees is also located near the house, which is something that attracts many. Also, this is one place you can see in Ranthambore at any point of the year and still get the best experience out of it.

The peaceful Kachida Valley
Very few people know of the Kachida valley being a tourist spot in Ranthambore. It is one of the most peaceful places in the entire national park because it is located a little on the outskirts. You can go for a small hike in the evening or during the early hours to experience the terrain and the low cut hills. Whether it is sunset or sunrise, both look beautiful when seen from the valley. Travelers have been fascinated by this spot if they know of it because of the exotic flora and fauna around the entire valley. You might even spot animals that you wouldn’t find in the entire park if you travel to the valley. It is best to go on a jeep if you are specifically going for animal watching. Otherwise, you can walk a bit as well.

The three-eyed Ganesh temple
Like every town or tourist destination in India has, Ranthambore also has a popular temple that sees thousands of believers every year on its doorstep. It is the three-eyed Ganesh temple and is a must-visit even if you are not one of the spiritual experiences. It is an ancient temple inside the fort and seeing something so grand is a treat in itself. For those who are coming in for the spiritual experience, they will love the five aartis that happen every day at the temple. No matter what, you can’t skip this out of you Ranthambore list for sure. The architecture and the built structure will surprise you on its own for it to be an experience in its own. Even the vibes around the temple are worth catching onto.