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Ranthambore SafariTiger safari & stays

Core zones 1 to 5 hold the park's lakes and ruins. Buffer zones 6 to 10 are quieter forest on its edges. Your vehicle only enters the zone allotted at booking.

Banas riverChambal riverPadam TalaoRaj BaghMalik TalaoFortMain gateto Sawai Madhopur
Core zones 1–5 Buffer zones 6–10 LakesIllustration, not to scale

Core zone

Zone 3

One of the most visited zones. It holds Padam Talao, the Rajbagh ruins and the Jogi Mahal surroundings, so lakes, old stonework and forest all meet in one drive.

  • Padam Talao
  • Rajbagh ruins
  • Jogi Mahal view
  • Excellent wildlife habitat
Ask about Zone 3

Zones are allotted under Forest Department rules and depend on availability. We can't always get a specific zone, and no zone can guarantee a tiger sighting.

  • 1

    Zone 1 Core

    The northwestern edge of the park: dense forest, rocky terrain and scenic valleys. Deer, langurs, wild boar and peacocks are common, with tigers and leopards seen from time to time.

    • Dense dry deciduous forest
    • Rocky hills and valleys
    • Excellent bird watching
    • Natural water sources
  • 2

    Zone 2 Core

    Rugged landscape, forest trails and water bodies that pull in wildlife. Sambar, nilgai, crocodiles, langurs and many birds are regular sightings here.

    • Natural water bodies
    • Open forest
    • Good for photography
    • Beautiful forest trails
  • 3

    Zone 3 Core

    One of the most visited zones. It holds Padam Talao, the Rajbagh ruins and the Jogi Mahal surroundings, so lakes, old stonework and forest all meet in one drive.

    • Padam Talao
    • Rajbagh ruins
    • Jogi Mahal view
    • Excellent wildlife habitat
  • 4

    Zone 4 Core

    Lakes, forest tracks and rocky hills. A calm zone for watching deer, crocodiles and birds, with old structures scattered along the route.

    • Scenic lakes
    • Rocky terrain
    • Ancient structures
    • Bird watching
  • 5

    Zone 5 Core

    A mix of grassland, woodland and water. Its open views and clean backgrounds make it a favourite with photographers.

    • Open grasslands
    • Forest roads
    • Wide landscapes
    • Photography friendly
  • 6

    Zone 6 Buffer

    Buffer forest running from dry woodland to rocky hills. It supports plenty of herbivores and predators and usually feels quieter than the core zones.

    • Buffer zone
    • Dry forest and rocky hills
    • Natural waterholes
    • Rich biodiversity
  • 7

    Zone 7 Buffer

    Buffer forest with seasonal streams and plenty of birdlife. A peaceful drive away from the busier routes.

    • Buffer zone
    • Seasonal streams
    • Excellent bird watching
    • Natural forest habitat
  • 8

    Zone 8 Buffer

    Open landscape, hills and dense vegetation. Expect deer, nilgai, wild boar, jackals and wide forest views.

    • Wide forest tracks
    • Open valleys
    • Natural wildlife habitat
    • Ideal for nature lovers
  • 9

    Zone 9 Buffer

    Woodland, grassland and rocky ground together, which suits a wide range of species. Known for its quiet and its scenery.

    • Grassland and woodland
    • Rocky landscape
    • Bird watching
    • Photography opportunities
  • 10

    Zone 10 Buffer

    One of the newest safari areas: forest, hills and untouched habitat on scenic driving routes.

    • Buffer forest
    • Natural ecosystem
    • Scenic driving routes
    • Peaceful wildlife experience

Which is the best zone?

Each zone has its own landscape and wildlife. Animals move freely, so no zone can promise a tiger.

Can I choose my zone?

Zone allocation depends on the booking system and availability. We tell you what's open, but a specific zone can't always be guaranteed.

Do all zones have tigers?

Tigers move across their territories, which cross zone boundaries. Sightings depend on their movement that day.

Are buffer zones worth it?

Yes. They are quieter, with beautiful forest, good bird watching and a wide range of animals.

Send the safari date, shift and number of guests on WhatsApp. We check availability and reply with the next steps.

Grrr. That's the whole forest. Book a safari?
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