Ranthambore National Park is one of the renowned wildlife destinations in India, located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. The state that one belonged to the royal families of kings and emperors, also houses the most royal species of the animal kingdom. The Royal Bengal Tigers are known to be densely populated in the conservation premises of Ranthambore National Park. Tourists from across the country and beyond visit Ranthambore to enjoy the thrilling jeep and canter safaris. The primary allure of the safaris are spotting the Royal Bengal Tigers.
The jeep safari, which is the predominant attraction of Ranthambore National Park is operated every day in two shifts - morning and evening. On every safari shift, a fixed allotment of 20 jeeps and 20 canters are allowed entry into the national park. The Jeeps, which accommodate up to 6 passengers, offer an intimate and personalized experience, while the Canters, seating 20, provide a more communal adventure. Both vehicles are open on all sides, allowing for unobstructed views of the park’s diverse wildlife and landscapes, ensuring that visitors have the best possible experience.
The park is strategically divided into 10 distinct safari zones, each offering its unique wildlife sightings and natural beauty. This zoning system is designed to evenly distribute visitors throughout the park, minimizing the environmental impact on any single area while enhancing the overall safari experience. This minute management ensures that the park's wildlife remains undisturbed and that tourists have a higher chance of spotting the elusive Bengal tiger and other species in their natural habitat.
Tourists must take note that, once a jeep or canter is allotted for the said time slot and zone, there is no scope for alteration of the safari route before or after entering the designated zone. Each zone within Ranthambore National Park is equipped with a well-maintained network of safari tracks, making it easier to track tigers or explore the area. When you enter the park, forest officials randomly assign the vehicle to one of these zones. Typically, once a zone has been assigned, it cannot be changed. However, in special circumstances, you may request a zone change for an additional fee of approximately 1,000 INR. It's important to note that the final decision to approve a zone change rests entirely with the forest authorities.