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