Tigers and turrets

Ranthambore National Park is the second best place in the world to see tigers in the wild, and one of the most attractive nature reserves in Northern India. The park has a nostalgic atmosphere, with hideouts that once belonged to maharajas scattered throughout the park. These hideouts overlook the lakes used as watering holes by sipping gazelles and patrolled by prowling crocodiles. A gigantic fort stands in a proud position on a massive stony outcrop, offering spectacular views over the lakes. Perhaps you’ll even catch a glimpse of a tiger sunning himself behind a rock or disappearing into the forest. Keep your eyes wide open and your fingers firmly crossed on this great India tiger tour.

Duration	3 days, 2 nights Departs daily from Jaipur or Agra. NOTE: Ranthambore Park is closed from 1 July to 1 October.	Accommodation	Safari style tent or charming hotel in Sawai Madhopur. Comfort Level 3 (see accommodation).
Price	£223 per person - based on 2 people sharing	Includes	Accommodation in luxury tent with breakfast (non a/c). In May and June, room in safari hotel (with a/c). 2 game drives by 20-seater canter, excursion and transport.
Transport	Private car and canter (20-seater safari vehicle) Please note: Jeep safaris are occasionally available, subject to availability, at extra cost.	Excludes	International flights.

Day 1: Jaipur - Ranthambore National Park

Travel time - Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur: approx 5-6 hours

On Day One of your India tiger tour, you’ll depart from Jaipur and travel by car to Sawai Madhopur, near to Ranthambore National Park. You'll stay in a lovely luxury safari tent with attached bathroom (non a/c) in a rustic resort set amongst landscaped rolling gardens. Alternatively, if you're travelling during May and June, when the weather is at its hottest, you'll stay in a room at a safari hotel, with all-important air-conditioning.

Towards the end of the day, your local guide will take you to Ranthambore Fort, a massive structure full of chattering monkeys and bright green parrots. Here, you can listen for the alarm calls of the gazelles and sambar deer below. If you hear them during your India tiger tour, there’s a real chance that a tiger is on the prowl somewhere nearby. The success of the tiger project here is mainly due to the commitment of the local people, who are determined to keep their tiger population alive and growling. The jeep will stop to let the locals offer some souvenirs and you can support the tiger project by buying a memento (if you choose).

India tiger tours - viewpoint at Ranthambore Fort

India tiger tour - gateway to your safari

Day 2: Ranthambore National Park

On Day Two of your India tiger tour, you’ll set off on your first safari at sunrise, in a Canter (truck-based 20 seater vehicle). If you would like to upgrade to a jeep safari (usually 6 or so seats), just let our travel specialist know and we'll give you an idea of the additional cost and explain the issues regarding availability.

This is the time of day when tigers stalk around the lakes for a morning drink so, with a little luck, you’ll spot one during the safari. Even without tigers, the trip over the sand tracks of Ranthambore is an enchanting experience at dawn. There are atmospheric views of the lakes, lined with animals lapping up the glassy water.

At the end of the morning on your Ranthambore tour, you’ll return to your hotel for lunch. Afterwards, you’ll have time for an afternoon snooze before your evening game drive. You’ll have around a 50/50 chance per safari of spotting a wild tiger (although this varies according to the season), but you’ll certainly encounter gazelles, crocodiles, sambar deer, monkeys and all sorts of other creatures.

Day 3: Ranthambore National Park - Jaipur

Travel time - Sawai Madhopur to Jaipur: approx 5-6 hours

Your India tiger tour ends today. You’ll depart from Ranthambore during late morning and you’ll be taken back to the Pink City of Jaipur by car. You’ll arrive in the early evening.

India tiger tours - Ranthambore Fort on the lake

A peek at your accommodation

India tiger tours - safari style accommodation