Planning a Ranthambore Tiger Safari While Keeping Costs Low? Here’s a Practical Cost Guide to Help You Save
Ranthambore is well-regarded for stunning landscapes, wildlife safaris, and the iconic Ranthambore Fort. The overall trip expense largely depends on your accommodation, chosen safari type, and transportation. Situated in Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore National Park remains one of Rajasthan’s most exciting wildlife destinations. For travellers seeking an adventurous Ranthambore tiger safari, this guide explains how to plan everything affordably.
Below are the important points to consider while planning tiger tours Ranthambore –
1. Cost of Safari
A jungle safari in Ranthambore offers the best opportunity to spot tigers, leopards, deer, and countless wildlife species. The safari charges differ for Indian tourists and foreign nationals. For smaller groups, jeep safari is available at approximately Rs. 1000–1500 for Indians and Rs. 2500–3000 for foreign tourists.
For an Indian on a tight budget, canter safari is the best option, which costs around Rs. 800 to 1000 per person. Advance booking is strongly advised as safari slots fill up fast during peak seasons such as winter and spring. Another key factor is choosing your preferred safari time slot. To get the slot you prefer, make your reservation as early as possible.
2. Accommodation
There are wide range of accommodation options available, i.e., from budget to luxury. Skipping mid-range or luxury, we will discuss only budget category. Many budget hotels in the area offer basic comforts like Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, geysers, clean rooms, and breakfast at starting rates of about Rs. 2000 per night.
3. Transportation
Reaching Ranthambore is convenient thanks to strong rail and road connectivity, mainly from Jaipur and Delhi. Since this is a budget guide, we focus on affordable travel via trains and buses.
If you are getting here by train, Sawai Madhopur is the closest railway station (11 km) located on the route between Delhi and Jaipur. Train fares are usually Rs. 200–1000 depending on class, and buses from Jaipur cost about Rs. 500–1500 depending on the category. From Delhi, train fares may range from Rs. 500–1500, while bus travel can cost Rs. 800–2000 depending on the bus chosen.
4. Food
You’ll find plenty of flavourful Rajasthani dishes like Laal Maas, Gatte ki Sabzi, Dal Baati Churma, and breakfast Kachoris across eateries. Most budget eateries serve meals priced between Rs. 100 and Rs. 300, covering both North Indian and local Rajasthani foods.
5. Entry Fees
Besides stay, safari, and travel costs, you must also account for entry fees. If you are an Indian tourist, entry fee varies from Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per Tiger Safari Ranthambore person. Foreign nationals typically pay between Rs. 200–300 per person, depending on park zone and season. Photography would cost Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 (as per the type of camera). For a better wildlife spotting experience, hiring a guide is recommended and costs around Rs. 300–500 per safari.