Zones Of Ranthambore National Park

If you are planning a safari in Ranthambore, then one question will probably come to mind: Which zone should I choose?

Ranthambore National Park has 10 safari zones, and each one offers a different experience. Some zones are popular for tiger sightings, while others are better known for birds, lakes, open areas, or quieter forest routes.

You can explore most zones in either a 6-seater Gypsy or a 20-seater Canter. Canters are available in Zones 1 to 6, 9, and 10. Zones 7 and 8 are only open to Gypsies because the roads and terrain are rougher.

You can select your preferred zone while booking your safari online. But there is one important thing to remember: your preferred zone is not guaranteed. The Forest Department gives the final zone through its computerised allotment system, depending on availability.

Note: There are also some seasonal rules. Zones 1 to 5 remain closed from July 1 to September 30 during the monsoon. These zones are also closed every Wednesday. Zones 6 to 10 stay open during the monsoon but remain closed every Tuesday.

Now, let us look at each zone and see what makes it different.

Zone 1

If your main reason for visiting Ranthambore is to see a tiger, Zone 1 is a popular choice.

This zone is known for tiger activity, so many visitors try to get it when booking their safari. But keep one thing in mind: no zone can guarantee a tiger sighting. Tigers move around the park, so you never know where you may find one.

The safari starts and ends at the main park entry gate on Ranthambore Fort Road. Inside the zone, the route passes through places such as Singhdwar, Raipur, Sultanpur, and Kalapan.

These areas are known for tiger sightings, so keep looking around during the drive. Check the forest, grass, open areas, and water points carefully.

If seeing a tiger is at the top of your list, Zone 1 is definitely a zone worth considering.

Zone 2

Want to see more than just tigers? Then Zone 2 could be a good choice.

One of the best things about this zone is its water sources. There are several natural water bodies where animals come to drink. This can be especially useful during the hotter months.

As the temperature rises, animals need water more often. So, you may get the chance to see different animals around these areas.

Tigers and leopards are found here, along with many other wildlife species. The main official points include Jogimahal, Jhalra, Kamaldha, and Gandhria.

Planning a summer safari? Keep Zone 2 on your list. Spend some time watching the water areas instead of only looking deep into the forest. You may see more wildlife than you expected.

Zone 3

Zone 3 is a great option if you want both wildlife and nice natural views.

The main attraction here is Padam Talao, one of the most well-known lakes in Ranthambore. Animals, including tigers, often visit the lake area, especially when they need water.

So, while you enjoy the lake, keep watching the nearby forest too. A tiger or another animal may be somewhere close.

The main official points in this zone are Jogimahal, Padam Talab, and the old Rajbagh ruins. During one safari, you can see the lake, old ruins, and forest areas.

This is one of the reasons many visitors like Zone 3. You are not only looking for wildlife; there is also plenty to see around you.

If you want a safari with good views and a chance to spot a tiger, Zone 3 is a popular option.

Zone 4

Zone 4 is especially famous among tiger lovers because of its connection with Machli, one of Ranthambore's most famous tigresses.

Machli became very popular among wildlife lovers and helped bring a lot of attention to Ranthambore. Because of this history, Zone 4 continues to be a favourite with many visitors.

The safari route passes through forest areas and several well-known points, including Lakarda, Berda, Adidant, and Malik Talab.

Of course, seeing a tiger is never guaranteed. Wildlife moves freely, and every safari can be different.

Still, if you are interested in tigers and want to visit one of Ranthambore's best-known safari zones, Zone 4 is a good choice.

Zone 5

Could not get Zone 4? No need to worry. Zone 5 can also give you a very good safari experience.

Zones 1 and 5 use the same main entry gate on Ranthambore Fort Road, but the routes inside the park are different. Once you enter, Zone 5 takes you through its own forest areas and wildlife points.

The main official points include Jokha, Kachida, Bagdah, and Bakola.

Tigers are seen in this zone, and you may also spot deer and other herbivores during your safari.

So, if Zone 4 is not available, do not feel that you have missed the best option. Zone 5 is still worth choosing.

Keep looking at the trees, grasslands, open areas, and water points. Wildlife can appear when you least expect it.

Zone 6

Zone 6, also known as Kundal, gives you a different type of safari experience.

Compared with some other zones, you will find more open areas and wider views here. Although Zone 6 is next to Zone 1, its entry gate is on the opposite side. So, the safari route is completely different.

Tigers and other predators can be seen here, but that is not the only reason to choose this zone.

Zone 6 is also a good option for bird lovers. You may see many bird species during the safari, including the endangered vultures.

The main official points are Kundal, Mansarovar, and Guda.

So, if you enjoy watching birds along with animals, Zone 6 can be a very interesting choice. Keep your eyes open throughout the drive because there can be plenty to see.

Zone 7

Zone 7 may not get as much attention as Zones 1 to 5, but that does not mean there is nothing to see here.

Tigers can be spotted in this zone, along with several other animals. The main official points are Chidikho and Kushalidarra.

During your safari, you may see sloth bears, caracals, striped hyenas, wild boars, sambar deer, and other wildlife.

There is one important thing to remember about Zone 7. The terrain is rough, so only Gypsy safaris are allowed here.

If you want to explore a less common route and are interested in seeing different types of wildlife, Zone 7 can be a good option.

Zone 8

Zone 8 is quite similar to Zone 7. The terrain is rough, and the safari feels different from the more popular core zones.

Yes, you can look for tigers here. But do not focus only on tigers. Sloth bears, hyenas, and other animals can also be seen in this area.

The main official points are Balas, Kalibhat, and Mahakho.

Another good thing about Zone 8 is that it is generally less crowded than some of the more popular zones. Fewer vehicles can mean a quieter safari, giving you more time to enjoy the forest and search for wildlife.

Like Zone 7, this zone is only open to Gypsy safaris because of the rough terrain.

If you prefer a quieter safari and want to explore a less busy area, Zone 8 is worth considering.

Zone 9

Zone 9 takes you to a different side of Ranthambore, around the Qualji river area.

The main official points here include Qualji, Ghati ka Tiraha, and Pandu Kho.

There is one thing you should know before choosing this zone: it is quite far from the main Tiger Reserve gate. The road journey can take around 75 minutes.

Yes, that is a longer drive. But it also takes you to a different wildlife area that is less visited.

Tigers can be seen here, and you may also spot sloth bears, caracals, and different aquatic birds.

The river becomes especially important during summer. When water is harder to find, animals may come towards the river to drink. This can make the area more active during hot months.

If you do not mind the longer journey and want to see a less visited part of Ranthambore, Zone 9 can be a good choice.

Zone 10

Zone 10 is one of the newer safari zones in Ranthambore.

This zone is known for its hills, forest tracks, and water bodies. As you move through the route, the views can change, giving you different areas to explore during the same safari.

The zone has hilly tracks, deciduous forests, and several water bodies. You may also get chances to see different animals along the way.

The main official points are Halonda, Kailashpuri, and Devpura.

Zone 10 is a good option if you do not want your safari to be only about finding a tiger. You can enjoy the forest, hills, water bodies, and open views while looking for wildlife.

So, if you want a safari with different landscapes and wildlife opportunities, Zone 10 is worth considering.