ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR TOURS IN INCREDIBLE INDIA
Ranthambore National Park is a wildlife sanctuary famed for its large population of Bengal tigers (found primarily in India with smaller populations in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Myanmar) and is regarded as one of the best places in India to see them in their natural habitat. Tigers are regularly seen here, with the prime time for tiger sightings during November to May. The park is home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna. Many exotic animals and reptiles can be found to include: leopards, jackals, Indian flying fox, black bucks, sloth bears, mongoose, squirrels. crocodiles, pythons, cobras, lizards, flamingos, Gray Hornbills, Flycatchers, and Nightjars. Situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of south eastern Rajasthan, 110 km north east of Kota and 140 km south east of Jaipur (the closest airport). In 2005, there were 26 tigers living in the park which is significantly lower than the recorded tiger population of the reserve in 1982 at 44. According to non official sources there were 34 adult tigers in the Ranthambore National Park in 2008, and more than 14 cubs. This increase was attributed largely to sustained efforts by forest officials to curb poaching. Villagers in the region were given incentives to stay out of the park, and surveillance cameras were also fitted across the reserve.
Safari Rides: Rides are carried out at 6:30 and 14:30. Each ride lasts for about three hours. There are two options of vehicles for the safari: 20-seater open top canter or 6-seater open top jeep. Each ride costs around Rs700-800 per person (GBP£9.30). The main park area has been divided into several zones and the safari vehicles go to one of those zones. Visitors often take multiple tours, as tiger spotting is fairly difficult. There are a number of resorts to stay in on the way from Sawai Madhopur to the national park, ranging from basic to high end. Top Tip: Take a jeep as you get to see more and it’s less crowded!
A visit to Ranthambore fits in perfectly with the Golden Triangle. Why not explore the cultural triangle of India, the contrasts of Old and New Delhi, visit the beautiful Taj Mahal and Jaipur Amber Fort with an extension to Ranthambore or even down south to the beaches of Goa?
The following Taj & Tigers Tour lasting 9 nights/ 10 days is one not to miss and is excellently run by Select Representation’s trusted client Trail Blazer Tours (known as TBi).
Tour Highlights include:
Delhi: Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb
Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort
Fatehpur Sikri: Ancient Mughal City Jaipur: Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar
Mantar (Observatory)
Ranthambore: Tiger Safari
Monument closing days:
Delhi – Red Fort: Monday
Agra – Taj Mahal: Friday
Park closing date: 1st July to 30 September.
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
On arrival at Delhi you will be met by TBi representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, proceed for the guided tour of Old Delhi with visit to Raj Ghat, drive past Red Fort and narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk (the walled city) by cycle rickshaw. Later drive past India Gate, Government buildings like President’s House and Parliament buildings. Afternoon visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Delhi/Agra (205 Kms/4 Hours)
After breakfast, drive to Agra. Arrive & proceed to hotel. Agra is famous as being home to one of the seven wonders of the world- the Taj Mahal. Afternoon proceed for guided tour of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04: Agra/Jaipur (235 Kms/ 5 Hours)
After breakfast leave for Jaipur, en-route visit the abandoned and ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Continue drive to Jaipur. Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, is the colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. On arrival proceed to hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 05: Jaipur
After an early breakfast, leave for an excursion to Amber Fort with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal. You may get an opportunity to climb up to fort on Elephant back (one way and subject to availability or by jeep). Afternoon guided tour of City Palace and the Observatory. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Jaipur/Sawai Madhopur 190Kms/4 Hours)
After breakfast, leave for Sawai Madhopur – famous for it’s Ranthambore Tiger National Park – the former hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. On arrival, proceed to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Sawai Madhopur
Ranthambore Tiger National Park is one of the largest and most renowned National Park in Northern India. The park has a large number of fauna, signicant among those being sambhar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, langur, wild boar, peafowl and the Great Indian Tiger.
Spend the morning and afternoon taking jungle safari by shared canter or jeeps. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08: Sawai Madhopur
Spend the morning and afternoon taking jungle safari by shared canter or jeeps. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09: Ranthambore/Delhi
An early morning transfer to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station on to connect train for Delhi. Arrive proceed to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to airport for your onward flight.
TBi works with a wide selection of excellent tour operators who will happily assist to book the above tour or will be able to tailor-make the itinerary to fit your own personal requirements. Please ask for details.