As the holiday season approaches, ask your secret Santa to add a touch of adventure to your Christmas celebrations with a thrilling safari in Ranthambore National Park. Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, Ranthambore is one of most popular tiger spotting destinations in India. Once a hunting ground for the Royal members of the region, today Ranthambore is a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those eager to spot the elusive Bengal tiger. This December, treat yourself to a break from the usual festivities by immersing yourself in the heart of wilderness. Get yourself ready to head towards Ranthambore National Park that offers an unforgettable experience that will make this Christmas truly magical.
Make this Christmas a Memorable One with a Ranthambore Safari
It’s going to be different this Christmas! Instead of singing ‘Jingle Bells’, you will exclaim with ‘‘Look there! I spotted a Tiger!’’ Isn’t the mere thought of spotting a tiger or more than one tiger giving you goosebumps? December is an ideal time to visit Ranthambore, as the winter months bring a cool and pleasant climate, perfect for exploring the national park. The temperatures range between 10°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for long days spent in open safari vehicles. The winter season also sees animals venturing out more frequently during the daytime, increasing your chances of spotting the magnificent Bengal tigers and other wildlife.
Getting to Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park, located in Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur district, is accessible by road, rail, and air, making it a convenient destination for travellers from various parts of India. By road, the park is well-connected to major cities like Jaipur (approx. 175 km), Delhi (approx. 373 km), Agra (approx. 305 km), and so on. The nearest railway station, Sawai Madhopur Junction, is only about 12 km from the national park and is serviced by numerous trains from Delhi, Jaipur, and other cities. For those flying in, Jaipur International Airport is the closest airport, about 167 km away, and offers easy access to Ranthambore by a scenic three-hour drive through Rajasthan’s countryside.
Explore the Zones of Ranthambore with Jeep and Canter Safaris
Ranthambore National Park is divided into 10 distinct zones, numbered 1-10. Both jeep and canter safaris are available, allowing visitors to explore the park in guided tours. Jeep safaris, accommodating up to six passengers, offer a more personalized and flexible experience. You can choose between a full jeep (exclusive) for private groups or a sharing basis where individual travellers or small groups can join others, making it an affordable option.
Canter safaris, on the other hand, are conducted in open-air buses that seat up to 20 people and provide a lively, group-based adventure. Both vehicles operate in all zones, and each safari lasts about three hours, with morning and afternoon slots. For avid wildlife lovers, visiting zones 1 to 5 is recommended, as they are known for higher chances of tiger sightings. Ranthambore safari tickets are available for online booking so that you can plan for your wildlife adventure from the comfort of your home.
Embrace the Ranthambore Experience Beyond the Safari
While the safari is the highlight of any Ranthambore trip, there’s much more to explore in this stunning region. For an essence of history amid the forest ambience, visit the Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site located within the park itself. Dating back to the 10th century, this fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and insight into the region’s fascinating past. Do not miss to offer prayer at the Trinetra Ganesh Temple, inside the Fort, which is considered to be a highly revered spot by the local residents.
You can also visit the tranquil Padam Talao Lake, home to crocodiles and an array of bird species, and the Jogi Mahal, a beautiful old hunting lodge overlooking the lake. The lake’s surroundings make for an excellent spot to relax and observe the park’s diverse avian life, as winter is a peak season for bird-watching in Ranthambore. The Surwal Lake, another beautiful location a bit farther from the park, is ideal for those looking to add a peaceful, scenic day trip to their itinerary.
