Bengal Tiger Safari in Ranthambore, India: A Journey of Thrills and Luxury
Updated: May 26
The idea for this incredible adventure was sparked by an old-fashioned source: a book. National Geographic’s Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips was plucked off of a coffee table, and quickly led us to the mesmerizing tiger stripes and tales of Bengal tiger safaris in India. As we fawned over the magnificent creatures, we couldn’t believe it had never occurred to us that you can go on a tiger safari! We were lucky enough to already have planned an upcoming trip to India, and now, it had to include a Ranthambore safari.
Choosing the Perfect Safari Destination: Ranthambore
After extensive research to identify both the best and the most accessible tiger reserves in India (and you have no idea just how many tiger safaris there are in India), our sights settled on Ranthambore. This national park, located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, is renowned for its thriving tiger population and breathtaking landscapes.
How much does Ranthambore safari cost?
Ranthambore safari costs vary based on the type of vehicle and accommodation. At Oberoi Vanyavilas, a private jeep safari costs 55,000 INR (approximately 660 USD), while a seat in a shared 6-person jeep safari booked directly through the park costs 3,700 INR per person (approximately 45 USD). The 20-seat canter option is even more affordable at 200 INR per person(approximately 33 USD).
Which month is best for Ranthambore safari?
The best time to visit Ranthambore for tiger sightings is from October to March, during the dry season when the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife.
Ranthambore's Unique Safari Zones and Options
Ranthambore National Park is a sprawling sanctuary divided into 10 distinct zones, each offering a unique and diverse wildlife viewing experience. These zones have been carefully designed to provide visitors with varied landscapes, habitats, and opportunities to spot the majestic Bengal tiger and other wildlife species. When you are on a safari in this park it will be inside of your assigned zone only, and the number of vehicles in each is controlled.
Jeep or Canter Safaris?
Visitors can choose between two types of safaris: jeep safaris and canter safaris. Jeep safaris are more intimate, accommodating up to 6 passengers, while canters are large open-air buses that can accommodate groups of 20. We only rode on jeep safaris but based on the crowding we saw on nearby canters when wildlife was spotted, we would recommend you go with the jeeps.
Safari Timings: The park offers two safari timings - morning and afternoon. The actual start times vary slightly based on the season.
Prime Tiger Spotting Zones: Zones 1-5 are generally considered the prime areas for tiger sightings. These zones are characterized by dense forests, grasslands, and numerous water bodies, making them ideal habitats for tigers and their prey. Despite the prime tiger spotting zones, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and on some days zones 6-10 are the only ones that spot tigers.
Unique Features of Each Zone:
Zone 1: Known for its dense forest cover and high tiger density.
Zone 2: Dotted with numerous watering holes, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings, especially during the dry season.
Zones 3 and 4: These zones are famous for their picturesque landscapes, making them perfect for capturing breathtaking photographs. The rolling hills, serene lakes, and diverse flora create a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography.
With all of these different zones, is a Ranthambore safari worth it?
Absolutely, the diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes including an old Fort, and the thrill of the safari make Ranthambore a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The Ups and Downs of Safari Planning
While Oberoi Vanyavilas offers to arrange private safari drives for its guests at a fixed rate, we decided to arrange our own safaris through a private agent for a much more cost-effective option. However, this decision came with its own set of challenges.
Cost Comparison: The Oberoi charges a fixed rate of 55,000 INR (approximately $660 USD) for a private jeep safari. In contrast, booking directly through the park, each seat in a 6-person jeep costs 3,700 INR (approximately $45 USD). If you are using a private company to book your safaris and hotels pick ups like we did, this price will increase a little more. For two people like us, the cost difference was still significant, making booking on our own much more budget-friendly.
Booking Challenges: Since we did not want to line up ourselves for the first-come, first-serve tickets at the park entrance early in the morning, we hired a company to arrange our tickets for us. This approach, however, came with uncertainties, as the company was unable to guarantee which zones we would be in. Often, right up until the night before, we did not know if we would be going on a safari or not. We were also booking this trip at the last minute, so hopefully some advance planning will help your safari spot be more secure.
Logistical Issues: Being paired with 4 other strangers meant we often had to make the drive to each of their hotels for pick-up and drop-off before and after each safari. This additional pick-up and drop-off service was only included because we booked through a private company and not through the park itself, as the park's tickets do not include pickup. If you are going for an early morning safari, getting yourself a taxi ride to the gate could be difficult and stressful. Once onboard your jeep, prepare to sit close next to strangers and just hope that you have calm and respectful jeep mates.
Contrasting Experience with Oberoi: We did one safari through the Oberoi on our last day, and it was a completely different experience. Everything was taken care of; we were relaxed as the car was waiting for us at the hotel and we could leave whenever we were ready for the drive straight to the park. There was even warm coffee for the journey, and most importantly, we managed to see tigers! If you have a larger group to make these private jeeps more cost-effective or if you simply have the budget to spare, booking your safari through the Oberoi will give you a much more relaxing vacation.
The Luxury of Oberoi Vanyavilas: A Tent Like No Other
Oberoi Vanyavilas is part of The Oberoi Group, an internationally recognized hospitality brand known for its luxurious accommodations and exceptional service that operates over 30 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide. We stayed at several Oberoi properties in India, however staying at Oberoi Vanyavilas was an experience unlike any other. This unique tented camp combines the thrill of the wild with the comfort of luxury accommodation. As we arrived at the resort, we were immediately struck by the grandeur of the property.
The Tents: A Blend of Luxury and Tradition
The tents at Oberoi Vanyavilas are not your ordinary camping tents. Inspired by the royal caravan tents of long ago eras, these tents offer an extravagant camping experience. As we stepped into our room, we were greeted by a spacious interior adorned with opulent furnishings. The centerpiece of the tent was a giant four-poster bed draped with luxurious linens, facing a large screen TV and with a minibar and fridge tucked away in the desk behind it. The washroom was equally as large as the bedroom and featured his and her closets on either side with a stand-alone soaker tub right in the middle. No detail was overlooked as even the canvas roof had tiny tigers embroidered all over. Imagine the ultimate glamping adventure, but with air conditioning and a pillow menu!
Dining and Facilities: While the rates at Oberoi Vanyavilas do not include safari drives, they do include all dining, and the culinary offerings were nothing short of exceptional. We savoured a delightful mix of Western and Indian cuisines, including delicious biryani and perfectly fried fish, as well as delightfully crisp dosa for breakfast.
The main resort area is equally impressive, featuring a serene spa if you care to indulge in some relaxation after bouncing around in a jeep all day. The heated swimming pool provided the perfect sunbathing spot, while the fitness facility, housed in its own tent, allowed us to maintain our fitness routine amidst the wilderness.
The property is quite large with pathways to walk around, and even features a lookout tower in the corner. One evening, all the guests rushed to the watchtower upon hearing the staff had spotted a leopard perched majestically atop a hill. With binoculars provided by the resort, we were able to observe the leopard in its natural habitat way off in the distance, a truly unforgettable experience.
The Oberoi Experience: From Luxury to Personalized Care
Our stay at Oberoi Vanyavilas was not without its challenges, as one of us unfortunately came down with food poisoning on our first morning waking up at this resort. The day prior we had eaten dinner at the resort but had lunch elsewhere on the journey over, and so we were unsure where the source of the issue lay. Despite this uncertainty, the guest relations manager went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and well-being.
We were provided with simple, stomach-friendly meals and electrolyte waters delivered to the room, along with medications to alleviate the symptoms. To help our bodies recover after the ordeal, we were treated to a couple's massage at the spa, and on our final day, a private poolside breakfast was arranged for us, complete with beautiful parasols and flower petals scattered around. We found that when staying at the Oberoi, we were cared for as though we were family.
Conclusion
Staying at Oberoi Vanyavilas was a luxurious and unforgettable experience that elevated our Ranthambore safari adventure to new heights. The blend of opulent accommodation, exceptional dining, and personalized care made our stay truly special despite the initial setback with food poisoning, which did unfortunately cut one safari drive short.
So, if this blog article has inspired you in the same way that the coffee table book inspired us to plan a tiger safari in India, make sure to include Ranthambore in your itinerary and consider treating yourself to the luxury and comfort of Oberoi Vanyavilas. After all, the thrill of the safari is amplified when coupled with the indulgence of luxury accommodation and impeccable hospitality.
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