Ranthambore is an ideal retreat for wildlife buffs, & a habitat for royal Bengal tigers. Lying in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, this place is worth visiting for its picturesque natural beauty, & intriguing wildlife. It attracts people from India and foreign tourists who cannot hold their urge to get a glimpse of roaming striped big cats in Ranthambore National Park. This willingness is fulfilled by experiencing a jungle safari. But if you come here solely for tiger viewing, the journey will seem incomplete as there are other places to explore in Ranthambore. So follow the Ranthambore itinerary guide as we would like to brief you about these top spots that deserve your attention during your visit to this wildlife haven.
Top Places to explore in Ranthambore on vacation
Tigers are a majestic species in the animal kingdom & are one primary reason for pulling the maximum tourist footfall. However, besides quenching your craze to spot these big cats, many other tourist attractions will also grab your attention. So let’s begin our Ranthambore travel guide with these places, beginning with:
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is one of the prime tourist attractions for viewing the royal Bengal tigers. It won’t be wrong to call it a hub for wildlife enthusiasts, who will be overjoyed to watch these beautiful big cats, other than Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. With so many safari zones in Ranthambore, you can have a great time enjoying this incredible wildlife retreat. The place is worth exploring for its jungle safaris, admiring nature, birdwatching, & lots more.
- Best time to visit: October to April
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM & 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Jogi Mahal
Nestled on the edge of Padam Lake, Jogi Mahal had been a resthouse for rulers of the bygone era. When exploring the place, you will also spot a banyan tree, which is 700 years old. It is known to be the second-largest tree in India, spread at 300 m. Locals here consider it as a sacred site. If you are a person who loves exploring natural attractions, & delving into history, then Jogi Mahal should be added to your Ranthambore travel itinerary.
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Timings: 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM & 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Ranthambore Fort
Ranthambore Fort is also one of the top places to visit in Ranthambore. It was built in the 10th century by Chauhan rulers. This fort is witness to many battles & sieges, including the one in 1301 between Rao Hamir & Alauddin Khilji. It is a perfect spot for picnicking with family & friends, as it holds a rich history, lakes, & various flora & fauna.
- Best time to visit: April to October
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Trinetra Ganesh Temple
Experience the utmost peace & blessings of Lord Ganesh, the god of wealth, fortune, wisdom, & education, at Trinetra Ganesh Temple, lying in the interior of Ranthambore Fort. It is the only Hindu temple where you will see the elephant-headed deity with three eyes. Here, he is shown with his entire family, including his two consorts (Riddhi & Siddhi) and two sons (Shubh & Labh). Trinetra Ganesh Temple is one of the oldest temples known in Rajasthan.
- Best time to visit: April to October
- Timings: 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Surwal Lake
If you wish to seek peace, then Surwal Lake is one of the places to explore in Ranthambore for its beautiful surroundings. It is a great place to use your photography skills best by capturing the best shots with your camera. For those who love travelling during the winter, visit Surwal Lake, as it is a haven for birdwatching.
- Best time to visit: November to March
- Timings: From early morning
Ranthambore School of Art
Ranthambore School of Art makes an ideal visit for all art lovers to admire the spectacular creativity of the artists from Rajasthan villages. Admire their incredible artwork through watercolour paintings, charcoal paintings, & use of poster colours on silk. You will also find black & white sketches.
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Padam Lake
Padam Lake is a great attraction in Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve. Moreover, it is known to be the largest lake & a drinking source where most animals & birds come here to quench their thirst. The surrounding natural attraction is so pleasing to the eyes that it will let you spend most of the time here. Jogi Mahal is close to this lake.
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History
Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History is the fourth regional museum of natural history in Sawai Madhopur. Here, you will see the display of flora & fauna, with the geology of the western Indian region. It is a must-place to visit for history buffs.
- Best time to visit: November to January
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary
National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is also a tourist attraction for watching gharials, & other fascinating dwellers. Crocodile safari is one of the best things to do in Ranthambore. This place is situated in the Sawai Madhopur region of Rajasthan.
- Best time to go: November to March
- Timings: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Village of Women Craft
Rajasthan is very popular in terms of tourism as it represents a true blend of rich culture & traditions. And this is what is shown in the Village of Women Craft in Ranthambore. The women here make the best use of colours for handmade creativity & crafts. With various artistic works presented here, you should buy a stunning piece of art as a token of your visit.
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Wild Dragon Adventure Park
Wild Dragon Adventure Park is one of Ranthambore’s best places to explore. Here, you will be getting thrilling enjoyment with ATV rides, zorbing, & even visiting the haunted houses. This adventure park does make an entry to your travel bucket list & is a must-place to visit with kids. It is one of the best activities to do in Ranthambore.
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Dastkar Ranthambore
Dastkar Ranthambore is an excellent place for those interested in Rajasthani art. It was an initiative to settle communities in the Sawai Madhopur region, & revive the importance of local crafts, including block-printing, tie-dye, patchwork, & much more. It is the best sightseeing tourist spot that cannot be overlooked.
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Timings: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Malik Talab
Malik Talab is a lake in Ranthambore; although not as extensive as Padam Lake, it is still worth exploring for all nature lovers & wildlife enthusiasts. When visiting this site, you can quickly see Indian Marsh crocodiles, ducks, & other different bird species.
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Timings: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Raj Bagh Ruins
Raj Bagh Ruins represents the traditional Rajasthani royal culture in maintaining its significance & uniqueness. If you want to escape from the places thronged with tourist footfall, then this place is best for you as it is the least crowded. These ruins are encircled by dense forest, & are a hideout spot for royal Bengal tigers.
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Kachida Valley
Kachida Valley is a very popular travel destination in Ranthambore, as it is appealing with its low rugged hills, & a habitat of panthers & bears. Hence, this is another example of being a preferred spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Located on the outskirts of National Park, this place is worth visiting for its variety of flora & fauna.
- Best time to visit: November to March
- Timings: Anytime
Lakarda & Anantpura
If you want to capture the sight of sloth bears, you should visit Lakarda & Anantpura, famous for its extensive dense forests, & honeycombs. Pugmarks of Indian hyenas can also be spotted here, although very rare.
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Timings: Anytime
Booking your luxury stay in Ranthambore
To experience all the safari zones, & other top attractions of Ranthambore, it would be better to ensure your booking to a nearby luxury resort. The best option is Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal, Ranthambore. Because of its proximity to the Ranthambore National Park, it is undoubtedly the right option for your staycation in the wilderness. This wildlife resort in Ranthambore has all sorts of luxury amenities ranging from necessities to leisure, like a spa & personal pool.
With such provisions, any guests would be convinced as they are getting their privacy. Equipped with 40 well-crafted rooms & suites, you will experience a memorable, comfy sojourn. Talking about its other features, it has open-air locations, including a theatre & poolside. For organising any special event like birthdays, weddings, or even corporate meetings, a banquet hall can accommodate around 500 people.
If you dream of a fairytale wedding, & are browsing for the top wedding resorts in Ranthambore, then Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal, Ranthambore, is absolutely the best for celebrating your special day & living moments that you will remember. Equipped with all kinds of facilities needed to make your event much more special, you will also enjoy savouring the rich Rajasthani delicacies & other international cuisines at Baradari, one of the best restaurants in Ranthambore.
The restaurant catches the attention of its visitors with its unique black & white chequered flooring, wooden furnishings, & spectacular artworks adorning the walls. A well-appointed bar nearby serves you with the best selection of cocktails & liquors. Located in the lap of nature, Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal, Ranthambore, is undoubtedly a luxury sojourn to spend your vacation filled with all sorts of comforts, activities, & much more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Explore In Ranthambore
Q. What makes Ranthambore National Park so popular in India?
A. Ranthambore National Park is a great place for being a habitat of royal Bengal tigers, & other animal and bird species.
Q. What are the top attractions in Ranthambore?
A. The top attractions in Ranthambore include Ranthambore National Park, Ranthambore Fort, Trinetra Ganesh Temple, Surwal Lake, Wild Dragon Adventure Park, Jogi Mahal, Malik Talab, Village of Women Craft, etc.
Q. What are the other animal species to spot apart from Bengal tigers?
A. Apart from viewing Bengal tigers, the other animal species to spot in Ranthambore National Park include leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, striped hyenas, etc.
Q. Is Ranthambore National Park worth visiting with family or friends?
A. Of course, Ranthambore National Park is a worthwhile travel destination to explore with family or friends. Stay here for two nights or more to avail the golden chance of spotting a tiger.
Q. Can we carry food inside the premises of Ranthambore National Park?
A. Strictly not, but you can carry light snacks & water bottles. Also, refrain from feeding anything to wild animals. It is not allowed here.
Q. Are there any best hotels & resorts to stay in Ranthambore?
A. Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal, Ranthambore, is ideal for experiencing every luxury amenity, including the villa pool.
