Things to Do in Ranthambore

Go on a tiger's trail, Hike up to Ranthambore Fort, Jungle Safari in Ranthambore National Park, Visit to Kachida Valley, Visit Ranthambore Schools of Art, Walk around Padam Talab and many other adventurous activities to do.

Located in South-Eastern Rajasthan and home to many endangered tigers, you will be provided with an array of adventurous Things To Do in Ranthambore. Also known as the Tiger Reserve of Western India, the tiger population here has attracted flocks of tourists from all over the world.

From sighting the tigers and other exotic wildlife species to catching a glimpse of rare exotic migratory birds, one can enjoy a lot in this small town in Rajasthan. Some of the best things one can do here is going on a jeep safari and canter safari, which guarantee a great wildlife sighting experience.

There is no dearth of Activities to do in Ranthambore, which used to be the former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Amongst other things that you can do here, taking a hike up to the 10th century UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ranthambore Fort is the best. Additionally, you can also go bird watching along the lakes here, while taking unique photographs as a keepsake. Visit the temples and ancient structures of Ranthambore, which make this town a great, yet offbeat tourist destination in the golden sandy desert of Rajasthan.

Here is the list of best things to do in Ranthambore:

1. Jeep Safari at Ranthambore National Park:

A jeep safari is one of the most popular Things To Do in Ranthambore National Park. Filled with dense jungles, surrounded by hills and natural beauty. Organized by the park authorities, jeep safaris in Ranthambore National Park are a major attraction here. These safaris take place twice a day, in the mornings as well as in the afternoon.

There are 20 six-seater jeeps in the park. These jeeps are open from all sides and are great if you wish to take wildlife photographs and watch birds. Moreover, a jeep safari is one of the best ways you can explore this forest and its various eco-tourism zones. From tigers and leopards, to monkeys and other animals, you can see a lot during a jeep safari.

Location: Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001.

Timings: 06:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 02:30 p.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Price: INR 1,500 per person (for Indian nationals), INR 2,900 (for foreigners)

2. Hiking Up To The Ranthambore Fort:

Want to indulge in an adventurous outing to flex your muscles on a vacation in Ranthambore? Go hiking the trail to the historic Ranthambore Fort located inside the Ranthambore National Park. The fort remains indistinguishable from a long distance but as you draw near to it, you can see the imposing architecture that overlooks the entire park. 

Hiking to this majestic fort can be an exhilarating experience where you can surround yourself in the serene company of nature. The activity offers the opportunity to spot the soaring eagles, vultures and other birds at the eye level as well as enjoy the vista of animals by the lake.

If you’re a photography lover and want to gift yourself an experience to cherish for a lifetime, just hike the beautiful trail to the Ranthambore Fort and capture some refreshing scenes that you behold. The fort offers many invigorating architectural and historical vistas which will entice all the ardent photographers to shoot the kodak moments offered by nature in Ranthambore.

Location: Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001

Timings: 6 am-6 pm

3. Canter Safari in Ranthambore National Park:

A canter safari is another one of the most enjoyable Activities to do in Ranthambore National Park. Canter are 20-seater open buses which operate in the safari zones in Ranthambore.

Great for large groups of tourists, these buses are a great mode of exploring the rich wildlife of this park. These buses are open from all sides, and take you through the 10 eco-tourism zones of the national park, where you sight wild animals like leopards or the Royal Bengal Tigers.

Location: Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001.

Timings: 06:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 02:30 p.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Price: INR 1,200 per person (for Indian nationals), INR 2,300 per person (for foreigners)

4. Stroll at Lakarda and Anantpura:

For wildlife enthusiast, one of the thrilling activities to do in Ranthambore is to engage in a visit to Lakarda and Anantpura in this beautiful city. Located in the northern and north western regions of the Ranthambore National Park, it is one of the few places in this wildlife reserve, where the pugmarks of the Indian striped Hyenas can be seen.

The Indian Striped Hyenas are rarely spotted in the wild, their pugmarks are strewn across the area. The nocturnal hyenas make it nearly impossible to observe. The area is a rare spot to sight the reclusive species along with a large number of porcupines and monkeys.

One can find a large number of sloth bears here inhabiting here due to the favourable climate. Treat yourself with one of an unforgettable experience with a trip to Lakarda and Anantpura on your vacation in Ranthambore.

Location: Northern region of Ranthambore National Park

5. Admire Art at Ranthambore Schools of Art:

If you have got a taste for painting, then one of the most exciting places in Ranthambore is the Ranthambore School of Art. Mostly renowned for its tiger paintings, this place is known for its efforts in generating awareness for conserving the endangered species in Ranthambore. The life changing experience of visiting Ranthambore School of Art is highly recommended to add on your travel itinerary to go back with a fulfilling experience of visiting this fascinating national park. 

Constructed mainly with the aim of promoting tiger and wildlife conservation, Ranthambore School of Arts mainly has art recruits from nearby towns and villages. For art lovers, it is a great place to buy some paintings and contribute your little bit in the imperative effort of wildlife conservation. Faculty of this school often visits dense forests and nearby areas to spread awareness about project tiger. So go visit the Ranthambore School of Art and engage in an enriching experience with the talented painters in Ranthambore dedicated to protecting our tigers. 

Location: MDR111, Subhash Nagar, Saptar, Sawai Madhopur

Timings: 9 am - 7 pm

6. Birdwatching at Ranthambore:

Not only Ranthambore is famed for its diverse topography, but also a renowned spot for the fans of bird watching. It hosts an excellent avian population owing to factors like rich and varied habitats and plenty of sources for avian nourishment. The most famous spots in Ranthambore to catch a glimpse of the most spectacular winged creatures are Malik Talao, the Ranthambore Fort, Rajbagh Talao, Padam Talao and the Jhalra area.

Just walk around the park and watch the beautiful migratory and resident birds of Ranthambore. Some of the famous birds which you can find here are the Nightjars, Indian courser, Woodpeckers, Painted Spurfowl, Indian Gray Hornbills, Indian skimmer, quails, larks, pipits, Ibis, prints and Finches etc.

Early mornings are the best time to catch the birds on the famous spots for bird watching in Ranthambore. The most recommended seasons for this activity in Ranthambore is monsoons and winters. If you are a nature aficionado, do not miss out on this activity, coz if you do, you will regret it forever.

7. Visit to Kachida Valley:

Located on the outskirts of Ranthambore National Park, Kachida Valley is known to be mostly inhabited by panthers and bears that roam around the picturesque landscape. The region is surrounded by low jagged hills with verdant greenery all around that makes this activity one of the most interesting things to do in Ranthambore.

The valley is a treasure house of varied flora and fauna and offers an opportunity to tourists to witness the wide variety of wildlife that includes deers, wild boars and tigers. This valley, which consists of a lot of rocky outcrops and reduced hills, is a popular foraging spot for many animals. The leopards in this valley usually stay away from the central location as the tigers dominate this place. 

Hiring a jeep to explore the region offers the best perspective of this intriguing region of the Ranthambore National Park. The region is blessed with a breath-taking landscape and all wildlife lovers should definitely visit the place on a trip to Ranthambore in Rajasthan.

Location: Kachida Valley, Sawai Madhopur

8. Hot Air Ballooning in Ranthambore:

Ever dreamt of being suspended in the blue skies with a spectacular verdant green landscape beneath you? If yes, then a hot air ballooning activity is the thing that will take you by surprise. Ranthambore is a surreal destination that can rejuvenate your senses with its exquisiteness and when you go hot air ballooning, you get to live the most incredible and impressive adventure. The best season for the thrilling sky ride starts from mid September after the monsoons and continues until the month of March. 

Hot Air Ballooning in Ranthambore is approximately an hour activity where you get to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the most spectacular places of the park. Soaring above the imposing jungle and spotting tigers and leopards, exotic birds are the perks of engaging in hot air ballooning in Ranthambore. However, don’t forget to carry your binoculars and cameras to capture the postcard perfect scenery that delight your visual senses on a hot air ballooning trip in Ranthambore. 

Price: INR 12000/ USD 185

9. Walk Around Padam Talab:

The largest lake in Ranthambore National Park, Padam Talab is surrounded by thick greenery and hillocks, making it a tranquil destination for peace lovers and nature enthusiasts. The lake also offers a sight of migratory birds visiting the place to fetch their meals.

The lilies dotting the lake against the backdrop of hillocks makes is a sight to behold, and visiting the lake in the evening is one of the best things to do in Ranthambore if you want to experience tranquillity. Witness animals in large numbers at the lakeside during early mornings and in the evenings, and if you are lucky, you may also spot a chinkara on the lakeside.

Location: Ranthambore National Park.

Timings: The national park opens to visitors twice every day in the morning and evening, depending upon the season.

10. Explore Jogi Mahal:

Located on the banks of the Padam Talab, the red-painted Jogi Mahal offers delightful sight of the lake. Built by the royals of Jaipur, the structure has served as a hunting abode to the generations of the royal family for years. You can also book your accommodation at Jogi Mahal as it is now converted into a guesthouse, offering enchanting views of the lake. 

Location: On the banks of Padam Talab, inside Ranthambore National Park.

Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM

11. Pray at Trinetra Ganesha Temple:

One of the most spiritual activities to do in Ranthambore is visiting the Trinetra Ganesha Temple located in the mighty Ranthambore Fort. The temple houses the entire family of Lord Ganesha, wives Ridhi and Sidhi and his sons Subh and Labh, and is identified as the oldest and largest Ganesha Temple in Rajasthan.

Immerse yourself in the divine tunes at the temple as it organises five aartis every day at 6 AM, 9 AM, noon, 6:30 PM and 8 PM. On your visit to the temple, explore the fort and its ruins if you are a history enthusiast.

Location: In Ranthambore Fort, 12 km from Sawai Madhopur.

Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM

12. Visit Malik Lake:

Malik Lake, locally known as Malik Talao, is one of the three lakes nestled in the mighty Ranthambore National Park. Bird watching is one of the most exciting things to do in Ranthambore, and there is no better place than Malik Lake to make your wish come true as it invites hundreds of migratory birds and is a house to several Marsh crocodiles, making the lake an exotic destination. 

Location: Ranthambore National Park.

Timings: The national park opens to visitors twice every day in the morning and evening, depending upon the season

13. Explore The Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum:

If you are curious to learn about the rich natural history of the country, visiting the Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum is one of the best things to do in Ranthambore. The museum, one of the only four in India, is designed to create awareness about the diverse life on the planet. Learn about plants, wildlife, natural resources and the geology of western India at the museum.

The museum also houses a library which offers an in-depth knowledge of biodiversity of Rajasthan and other parts of the country.

Location: Ramsinghpura Village, 3.5 km from Ranthambore National Park

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday closed

14. Enjoy at Wild Dragon Adventure Park:

One of the most enjoyable Things To Do in Ranthambore is to spend a day at Wild Dragon Adventure Park. Just like the name suggests, a visit to this amusement park will be filled with joy and adventure. Surrounded by hills and having a crystal-clear lake, the park is great for photography, trekking as well as quite a few water sports.

Some of the most popular adventurous rides at Wild Dragon Adventure Park include Water Zorbing, Bumper Boats, Sumo Fights, Haunted House, Trampoline, Mechanical Bull, ATV rides and much more. This man-made jungle is a great place to visit if you, your friends and family want to spend a day full of activities.

Location: Barauni to Sapotra kurgaon via Siwar Bagina, Sawai Madhopur, Shyampura Bhureri Phari, Saptar, Bhuderda, Rajasthan 322001.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

15. Buy Handicrafts At Village Women's Craft:

Amongst some of the most popular Activities to do in Ranthambore, visiting the Village Women Craft and buying traditional handicrafts here comes at the top. Village Women Craft, located in the RIICO Industrial Area of Sawai Madhopur, is a place where you can buy local handicrafts as well as arts created by the women in Ranthambore.

You can also watch some local women working here and creating some artistic masterpieces. The crafts are made using natural dyes and materials that are environmentally sustainable and natural.

From patchwork, woodwork and handloom, to wildlife paintings, silk and woollen carpets and more, there is a lot you can buy here. Some of the main specialties here include the handknitted silk, woollen rugs, modern oriental decorative rugs and cotton kilims.

Location: Gas Plant Road F15, RIICO Industrial Area, Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan 322001.

Timings: 08:00 AM to 07:00 PM

16. Explore The Akaula Region:

Paying a visit to the scenic and densely forested Akaula Region is one of the top Things To Do in Ranthambore. Home to numerous natural pools, streams and waterholes, this region is known for keeping the forests cool and pleasant, thereby serving as the perfect habitat for different wildlife and bird species to thrive here.

Since the weather here remains cool even in summers, the Akaula Region is great for animals that live in a cool environment. On a good day, you can even catch a glimpse of tigers roaming the forests, or rare bird species singing on trees. Monkeys, squirrels and mongoose can also be found while roaming around here.

Location: Within Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001.

Timings: 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM

17. Witness Sunrise At Surwal Lake:

When visiting the town, one of the best and most beautiful Activities to do in Ranthambore is to witness a surreal sunrise at Surwal Lake. This lake is a natural water body, and witnessing the sunrise here is a treat for sore eyes.

Located within the Ranthambore National Park, the lake is surrounded by dense forests, the Aravali and Vindhya mountain ranges and exudes a tranquil ambience. However, the best thing you can do here is to catch a sunrise early in the mornings when the lake reflects the everchanging warm colours of the sky filled with the rays of the sun.

Location: Within Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001.

Timings: 05:00 AM to 08:00 PM