If you are wondering about the things to do in Ranthambore, we have got you covered. If you thought a tiger safari is the only thing Ranthambore offers, think again! Situated at the junction of the mighty Aravalli and Vindhya ranges in Rajasthan, Ranthambore is rich in wildlife and biodiversity. Read on to find out things to do in Ranthambore!
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Without a doubt, everyone visiting Ranthambore does so to visit Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve. A jungle safari in the national park is one of the most popular things to do in India, and with good reason. Home to more than 80 Royal Bengal Tigers, Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places for tiger sightings.
The park has 10 zones, with Zones 1 to 6 being most popular for tiger sightings. Apart from tigers, you can also spot leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of birds. You can choose a jeep safari or canter safari, but make sure to book in advance!
Visit the Ranthambore Fort
Perched on a hill in Ranthambore National Park is the Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 12th century. The majestic fort is built in the Rajput style of architecture and offers stunning views of the dense forests of the national park. It is a bit of a walk to the fort, but the views make it completely worth it.
Birdwatching
For avid birdwatchers, birdwatching is another popular activity in Ranthambore. The national park is home to more than 300 species of birds like grey hornbills, woodpeckers, Indian Skimmer, and more. Padam Talao and Malik Talao are popular hotspots for birdwatching.
Hot air balloon ride
An unconventional activity in Ranthambore, a hot air balloon ride is one of the best things to do here. Imagine soaring in the air at 4000 feet above the lush forests with beautiful views all around – this is one adventure activity you should definitely try in Ranthambore National Park. The ride lasts for around an hour, and the best time to experience it is between October and March, when the skies are clear and the climate is pleasant.
Read more: Best time to visit Ranthambore
Hot air ballooning in Ranthambore (Picture credits: Toubkal Trekking)
Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum
The Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History in Ranthambore showcases the natural history and rich flora and fauna of the country. Located near Ranthambore National Park, it is one of the best things to do in Ranthambore. Explore the museum and learn about biodiversity in nature. The museum is open on all days except Monday.
Visit the lakes
Ranthambore has many small lakes scattered around the region, a major spot for the wildlife to visit to quench their thirst. Padam Lake is the largest lake in Ranthambore National Park. A beautiful place surrounded by lush greenery, the lake is favored by many animals inhabiting the nearby area.
Surwal Lake is another beautiful lake in the national park, perfect for watching a sunrise. Raj Bagh Talao is also situated inside the national park. With the ruins of Raj Bagh adding a mystical vibe to the lake, it is a must-visit when you are at Ranthambore. Malik Talao is comparatively smaller, but it makes up for it by being home to many migratory birds and marsh crocodiles.
Visit historic sites
A short distance from the Ranthambore Fort is Jogi Mahal, a beautiful palace built by the kings of Jaipur. Situated near Padam Lake, the palace was once a hunting abode for the kings. Painted red, the palace contrasts nicely with the lush green forest surrounding it. It is open for visitors but with limited access.
Raj Bagh, meaning Royal Garden, was once a beautiful hunting lodge during the Rajput era. It is now known for its beautiful ruins and the stunning Raj Bagh Talao. The enchanting place, now reclaimed by nature, is often visited by wild animals like tigers, leopards, and deer. This spot is a favorite among photographers thanks to its beautiful frames and the high possibility of spotting wildlife.
Jogi Mahal (Picture credits: Goya Hills)
Explore the arts
When Ranthambore became a protected tiger reserve in 1989, the villagers lost access to the forest resources and were left divorce of a livelihood. This is when the NGO Dastkar stepped in. Dastkar Ranthambore is a women craft initiative started in 1989 by Dastkar to help women earn money through handmade crafts. More than 300 women are a part of this program where they make printed textiles, embroidered items, and handmade bags.
Another place to visit is Ranthambore School of Arts, a beautiful exhibition of tigers painted by skilled artists staying in the nearby towns and villages. You can even buy from them as a souvenir to take home.
Shilpgram Craft Village near Ramsinghpura is a museum displaying the arts, crafts, and culture of the country. Handloom products and handicraft are also produced here.
Enjoy nature
Located near Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Kachida Valley offers some of the most breathtaking views of the natural landscape. You can often spot wild animals like tigers, leopards, and panthers from the valley.
The Chambal River flows on the border of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and is home to many crocodiles and gharials. You can often spot gharials from the banks of the river. Better yet, go for a boat ride in the Chambal river, where there is a better possibility of seeing gharials and crocodiles closely.
Visit the temples
The Trinetra Ganesh Temple is located within Ranthambore Fort. Built in the 13th century, it is one of the oldest temples of Lord Ganesha in Rajasthan. Trinetra translates to “three eyes”, since the idol of Lord Ganesha here has three eyes. Devotees visit the temple throughout the year.
Amreshwar Mahadeo Temple is another beautiful temple in Ranthambore National Park, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believed to be more than 1200 years old, the temple is visited by devotees all over, made even more beautiful with the nearby waterfall and stunning landscape.
Glamping
If you want to do a jungle safari in style, Ranthambore offers the ultimate luxury – glamping. Combining camping with luxury, there are many wildlife luxury camps here, such as the Oberoi Vanyavilas, Sujan Sher Bagh, and Aman-i-Khas. These camps provide spacious tents with air-conditioning, king-size beds, private balconies or decks, and fine dining. If you are in the mood to splurge, this is a great way to enjoy a wildlife adventure!
So, what activities will you be doing in Ranthambore? Let us know! At India Someday, we create personalized itineraries to India for you based on your likes and requirements. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
You need at least 3 to 4 days in Ranthambore, where you can enjoy 3 to 4 tiger safaris and also explore a few other attractions like Ranthambore Fort, Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum, and more.
Ranthambore is known for Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, home to a large population of Royal Bengal Tigers. It is one of the most popular wildlife safari destinations in India to spot tigers.
The best time to visit Ranthambore is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant with lush greenery and clear skies. However, the summer months from April to June offer higher chances of spotting tigers, although the heat is often too uncomfortable for safaris.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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