Top 3 Things To Do In Ranthambore

Saba Shaikh

Last updated: Sep 25, 2019

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Spotting a tiger in its natural habitat is one of the most captivating sights you can ever imagine. And Ranthambore is one of the best places in India to catch this view. That’s why my husband and I chose this quaint, hilly and surprisingly green town in Rajasthan to be a part of our road trip itinerary. Here’s a list of the top 3 things to do in Ranthambore:

#1 Going On The Tiger’s Trail

things-to-do-in-ranthambore-tiger-footprint — In search of the striped beast

You have to get out of bed at 5 am to make it to the 6 am Gypsy Safari at the Ranthambore National Park. This, if you want to spot celebrity tigers namely Machli (yep, a tigress named Fish) and T-24 (the only one here to have attacked humans). Our fellow Gypsy-mates, three of them had flown in all the way from England and one from Latvia just to catch the tiger in action, told me that they are on their 3^rd safari as spotting the beast doesn’t come easy. We got to Zone 5 – a very viable area to find the beast in his natural habitat – and scoured the dry, arid yet dense jungle for almost 1.5 hours. After spotting a pugmark we finally saw T-6 (that’s what this male tiger was called) in deep slumber up a hill, behind the trees.

The guide kept us busy with tales and trivia. Some 50 tigers, 40 different kinds of mammals and 240 bird types live in this massive area of 1,334 square kilometres. Visiting this place in off-season has its benefits. One, chances of spotting the tiger are high as the beast is more likely to step out and quench his thirst; and two, no waiting time for your turn in the safari. By the way, one can either opt for a 6-seater Gypsy Safari or the 20-seater Canter Safari.

#2 Hiking Up To The Ranthambore Fort

It’s a real pity that many tend to ignore the stunning Ranthambore Fort situated in the heart of the Ranthambore National Reserve. You can go in your own car but make sure you keep your Pollution Clearance Certificate handy as you cannot enter the premises without showing it. Wear comfortable shoes and do not get hassled by the sight of animals like grey langurs, deer, sambhars, peacocks and many many birds crossing your way. We were worried that we may encounter a tiger any second as the path was right in the middle of the jungle. Thankfully, none came our way. Phew!

As for the fort, it offers brilliant views of the entire park. Try sitting at one of the jharokhas and you will be smitten for life. The place is particularly celebrated for the Ganesh Temple it houses. There are other places of worship here including the Digambar Jain Temple, a dargah and a mosque. Just be extremely wary of the guides here. They charge a bomb for their service. We haggled with a few and then decided to walk in without one. No regrets.

#3 Taking The Tiger Home

Unlike the rest of Rajasthan, Ranthambore offers unique handicrafts to take home. I lost my heart to an adorable toy Tiger that my husband bought me. You too can pick it up from Dastkar Ranthambore. If you are willing to spend more, then you will love the wildlife paintings found at most stores here. Don’t fret. You do get the usual Rajasthani shopping suspects as well. Plenty of bandhani dupattas, block print bedcovers, handloom skirts, traditional jewellery and the works to carry home.

(pictures courtesy Tariq Khan)

Top 3 Things To Do In Ranthambore

#1 Going On The Tiger’s Trail

#2 Hiking Up To The Ranthambore Fort

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