Serving travellers since 1993·Licensed tour operator·Our story·Español

Enquire now
Prices & timings for November 2026

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Safari 2026 – Booking, Price, Timings & Zones

Everything you need to book a Ranthambore tiger safari — the official 2026 fees, safari timings by month, gypsy vs canter, zones and how online booking works.

Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National ParkTigress with cubs in RanthamboreTiger beside a safari jeep in RanthamboreTwo tigers in Ranthambore National ParkTiger walking through Ranthambore forest

Quick answer

A Ranthambore tiger safari is a 3.5-hour drive in an open gypsy (6 guests) or canter (about 20 guests), in the morning or afternoon. From 1 April 2026 the official fee is ₹3,025 per foreign guest in a gypsy and ₹2,400 in a canter (Indian guests ₹1,612 / ₹987). Permits are sold only on the Rajasthan Forest Department's FMDSS portal, in your name with passport details. All zones run from 1 October to 30 June.

Season
1 Oct – 30 Jun core zones
Gypsy (foreigner)
₹3,025 ≈ US$32 per person
Canter (foreigner)
₹2,400 ≈ US$26 per person
Indian guests
₹1,612 / ₹987 gypsy / canter
Safari length
≈ 3.5 hours morning or afternoon
Today
Open: all zones running

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, is famous for Bengal tigers that are often seen in daylight — by lakes, ruins and the old fort. Safaris are the only way to enter the park, and every vehicle follows a fixed route in one of 10 zones.

Ranthambore safari price 2026 (official fees)

The Rajasthan Forest Department revises safari fees every year on 1 April. These are the official per-person fees from 1 April 2026.

VehicleForeign guestIndian guest
Gypsy (open jeep, 6 guests)₹3,025 ≈ US$32₹1,612
Canter (open bus, ~20 guests)₹2,400 ≈ US$26₹987
  • Fees are per person, per safari. Still cameras are included; professional video cameras may need an extra fee.
  • Agency and hotel quotes are higher because they add the hotel pick-up, booking service and sometimes a private vehicle. Always ask what is included.
  • A private gypsy (whole vehicle for your group) can be booked by paying for all seats.

Gypsy or canter?

Gypsy (open jeep)Canter (open bus)
Guests6≈ 20
Fee (foreign guest)₹3,025₹2,400
ExperienceQuieter, more flexible, better photosShared and busier, higher seat
AvailabilitySells out firstEasier at short notice
We book your safari permits

Send us your dates — we book permits on the official portal and arrange your hotel, car and naturalist in one package.

Get a free quote

Ranthambore safari timings

There are two safaris a day. Exact times are set by the Forest Department each season and follow sunrise and sunset.

MonthsMorning safariAfternoon safari
October6:30 – 10:00 AM2:30 – 6:00 PM
November – January7:00 – 10:30 AM2:00 – 5:30 PM
February – March6:30 – 10:00 AM2:30 – 6:00 PM
April – May6:00 – 9:30 AM3:00 – 6:30 PM
June6:00 – 9:30 AM3:30 – 7:00 PM
July – September (buffer zones only)≈ 6:30 – 10:30 AM≈ 2:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Weekly closure: Zones 1–5 close on Wednesdays and zones 6–10 on Tuesdays (as reported; confirm before you book).
  • Monsoon: core zones 1–5 are closed from 1 July to 30 September; buffer zones 6–10 may run, depending on rain.
  • Your vehicle picks you up from the hotel about 15–30 minutes before the safari start time.

How to book a Ranthambore safari

Safari permits are issued only through the Rajasthan Forest Department's official online system (FMDSS).

  • Use the official portal

    Permits are sold on fmdss.forest.rajasthan.gov.in. Many websites look official but are private agents — check before you pay.

  • Book early

    Booking opens well in advance, and morning gypsies in the core zones sell out weeks ahead in peak season (October–April).

  • Passport details

    Each permit is in the guest's name with passport (foreigners) or ID (Indians) details, and the same ID is checked at the gate.

  • Zone allotment

    You can request zones, but the Forest Department allots the final zone and vehicle.

  • On the day

    Be ready at your hotel before the pick-up time — vehicles cannot wait at the gate.

  • Or let us book

    As a licensed operator since 1993, we book permits for you as part of your package and send the confirmation.

Ranthambore safari zones in brief

Each safari visits one of 10 zones. Core zones 1–5 are around the lakes and valleys; buffer zones 6–10 are on the edges of the park.

ZoneTypeKey areasWhat to expect
Zone 1CoreNear the main gateDry forest and grassland close to the entrance; popular in summer.
Zone 2CoreLakes & fort sideCore forest towards the lakes and the fort; popular and sells out early.
Zone 3CorePadam Talao, Rajbagh TalaoThe famous lake zone with palace ruins — classic tiger-by-the-lake views.
Zone 4CoreMalik Talao, LakardaLakes, grassland and valleys; known for regular sightings.
Zone 5CoreKachida valleyRocky valleys and open country; good for leopards, sloth bears and tigers.
Zone 6BufferKundalOpen grassland on the park edge; often good for tigers that move out of the core.
Zone 7BufferChidikhoQuieter forest with fewer vehicles.
Zone 8BufferBalasHilly terrain, dense forest; quieter drives.
Zone 9BufferKuwaljiAway from the main gate, near the Chambal side; sloth bears and birds.
Zone 10BufferAantri, Bhuri PahadiRemote buffer area; peaceful and less crowded.

Visitor guide & tips

Ranthambore safari tips

  • Book 3–4 safaris

    More drives in different zones make the biggest difference to your chances.

  • Mornings are best

    Tigers are most active in the cool early hours; afternoons in summer are good near water.

  • Dress for the jeep

    Neutral colours; a warm jacket, cap and gloves for winter mornings (Nov–Feb); a scarf for dust.

  • Bring a zoom

    A 200 mm+ lens and binoculars help — tigers are often a little way off the track.

  • Follow park rules

    Stay seated, keep quiet, no feeding animals, no plastic or smoking.

  • Carry your passport

    The original passport used for booking is checked at the gate.

Allowed

  • Still cameras and binoculars
  • Water bottle
  • Small bag
  • Original passport / ID

Not allowed

  • Getting out of the vehicle
  • Feeding or calling animals
  • Plastic and littering
  • Smoking and loud music

More Ranthambore guides

Ranthambore safari packages

All packages

Permits, hotel near the park, private car and an expert naturalist — all arranged. No booking fees.

Ranthambore Safari — frequently asked questions

How much is a Ranthambore safari ticket in 2026?

From 1 April 2026, the official fee per person, per safari is ₹3,025 for foreign guests and ₹1,612 for Indian guests in a gypsy, and ₹2,400 / ₹987 in a canter.

How do I book a Ranthambore safari online?

Use the Rajasthan Forest Department's official FMDSS portal (fmdss.forest.rajasthan.gov.in): choose the date, session, vehicle and zone, enter every guest's ID or passport details and pay online. Or let a licensed operator like us book it as part of your package.

What is the official website for Ranthambore safari booking?

The official booking system is the Rajasthan Forest Department's FMDSS portal at fmdss.forest.rajasthan.gov.in. Many other sites with "Ranthambore" in the name are private agencies.

What are the Ranthambore safari timings?

There is a morning and an afternoon safari of about 3.5 hours. In winter (November–January) they run about 7:00–10:30 AM and 2:00–5:30 PM; in summer (April–June) about 6:00–9:30 AM and 3:00–7:00 PM.

Is Ranthambore open now?

Open: all zones running. Season 1 October 2026 – 30 June 2027. Core zones 1–5 close for the monsoon from 1 July.

Is Ranthambore closed on any day of the week?

Zones 1–5 close on Wednesdays and zones 6–10 on Tuesdays (as reported; confirm before you book). The Forest Department can also close zones for special reasons, so check before you book.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as possible. Morning gypsy safaris in the core zones often sell out weeks ahead in peak season (October to April), especially around Christmas, New Year and Indian holidays.

What documents are needed for a Ranthambore safari?

Foreign guests need their passport details when booking and must carry the same original passport. Indian guests need a government photo ID such as Aadhaar, passport or driving licence.

Gypsy or canter — which is better?

A gypsy (6 guests) is quieter and better for photography, so we recommend it. A canter (about 20 guests) is cheaper and easier to get at short notice.

Can I choose my safari zone?

You can request a zone, but the Forest Department allots zones and vehicles. Booking early improves your chances of getting a core zone.

How many safaris should I do?

We recommend 3–4 safaris over two or three days. No one can guarantee a sighting, but more drives in different zones make the biggest difference.

Can children go on a Ranthambore safari?

Yes, children are allowed; every passenger needs a permit. The tracks are bumpy, so tell us about very young children or anyone with back problems.

Can I cancel a Ranthambore safari booking?

Safari permits follow the Forest Department's own cancellation rules, which can mean a deduction or no refund close to the date. Hotels and transport in our packages have free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

What else can I see on a safari besides tigers?

Leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, sambar and spotted deer, nilgai, mugger crocodiles and over 300 bird species, plus the ruins of Ranthambore Fort.

Sources for this page

Ticket prices and timings shown for November 2026, based on the latest notifications from the official authorities below. Authorities can change rates and hours at short notice (for example on public holidays or during VIP visits) — please re-check close to your visit. US$ amounts are approximate (₹94 ≈ US$1).

Tiger safari tours

More Ranthambore packages

Safari stays and tours from Delhi, Jaipur and Agra — jeep safaris, naturalists and hotels arranged.

View all

Delhi · Agra · Jaipur

Golden Triangle tours

India's classic first trip — 2 to 7 days, hotels, car and guides arranged for you.

View all
Call WhatsApp Free quote