Jungle Drives in Ranthambore

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, your best chance of spotting a tiger in the forest in India is at Ranthambore. The Ranthambore National Park is one of the most visited wildlife parks in the country and is close to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.

Flora and fauna at Ranthambore

If you are in Ranthambore, chances are you will see not just the tiger, but also spot a sloth bear, hyena, leopard and chital. The sanctuary has a rich deciduous forest and has many banyan trees. There is also a rich birdlife in the forest, including sandpipers, owls, nightjars, terns, darters, cormorants and hornbills.

The best way to get a fair idea of the forest and spot the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger is to go on a jungle safari. The Forest Department of Rajasthan offers options for the type of vehicle for the safari, and you could choose gypsies or canters. There are well-trained professional guides who will help you answer any of your questions about the treasures of the forest. Typically, the safaris last roughly three hours; you could take the morning one or the afternoon one. The National Park is also divided into zones, so you could choose separate zones on different days to increase your chances of spotting the tiger and other species.

While you are on a safari…

• At Ranthambore, don’t miss the giant banyan tree near the Padam Talao, which is the largest lake. The banyan tree is said to be the second biggest one in the whole of India.
• Although no reserve can ensure that you can spot a tiger, the chances are greater if you visit the lakes in the forest. Apart from Padam Talao, there are Milak and Raj Talao where your chances of spotting a tiger are greater.

• During your safari at the National Park, you can also visit the famed fortress by the same name, which is inside the park. The fort is a tenth century structure and houses temples as well.
• You can also visit Surwal lake, which is located near a small village called Surwal. The lake offers many opportunities for bird watching as hundreds of migratory birds throng here during winter.

When to visit

If you are planning a larger golden triangle — Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore is very doable, as it is only about 150 km away from Jaipur.

Although the Ranthambore Park is open between October and June, it is not a great idea to visit the region during winter or summer, when the temperatures are extreme. February and March are ideal to visit because the weather is pleasant, but if you go in April or May, the chances of sighting a tiger are greater because the animals are known to hover around waterholes because of the heat.

There are many jungle resorts in Ranthambore to choose from, where you can enjoy a nice session at the spa, savour some great cuisine or lounge at the pool.