Fateh Singh Rathore was a fierce guardian of Rajasthan’s forests for more than fifty years. But Ranthambhore was always his first love. It was he, more than any other man, who transformed a degraded forest occupied by more than a dozen villages into the most celebrated tiger reserve in India. He was a proud son of the desert, born in a village near Jodhpur, but even after his official connection with the National Park ended, he could not bear to leave the beautiful home he had built on the forest’s western edge, in the shadow of its spectacular escarpment.
Read MoreRanthambore is one of the best reserves to spot the Tiger. Thanks to the work started by Fateh Singh Rathore and then by Tiger Watch, the foundation he helped launch, Tigers at Ranthambore are now multiplying.
The park is divided into 5 zones and there never is the best time to bring your camera and come to Ranthambore.
You can book online on at http://fmdss.forest.rajasthan.gov.in/ You can book safari only 90 days in advance. This is also the cheapest way to do it. Once you book you will get a receipt no. starting with the letters RNP only then is it confirmed. Please bring three copies with you or send us a digital copy and we will print it for you here.
Should you wish we can also put you in touch with local agents who can help you book your safari.
There are two safaris a day and you could choose either. Your options are a Gypsy (Jeep that seats 6) or a Canter (an open bus). The Gypsy with a fewer people or small families is always the more personal and friendlier way to discover the Park.
The Park is closed during the rains between July and September. Yet, the monsoons are great if you just want to enjoy the views and listen to the sound of the falling rain over a weekend.
A complimentary breakfast is served daily in the small restaurant named “Jogi Mahal” after the lovely lakeside structure Fateh created within the park that was once Ranthambore’s only place to stay. Or as the season permits you can rise to a lazy morning breakfast in our winter gardens.
Home-cooked lunch and dinner can be ordered and served on request or guests can dine at a number of restaurants within easy walking distance.
Ranthambore has a rich tradition of local artisanship from the making of handicrafts to artefacts and beautiful hand-painted tiger prints in black and white. This almost pointalist art is all the rage at Ranthambore, many of whose artists have been promoted by the family you are living with.
Located right next to the home stay is “Dhok” a small handicraft shop started by Divya who is the wife of Dharmendra Khandal. A part of the proceeds from this shop help support Tiger Watch. She also tries to engage women belonging to local hunter gatherer tribes like the Mogiya’s in an effort to provide alternate livelihood and give up poaching.
You can always ask your hosts for their recommendations and then discover the town as also drive into Sawai Madhopur for a journey of your own.
In the afternoons, with the Sun above, indulge yourself in the private, infinity pool, perched in full view of the forest.
With dawn, the fires light up and you can dine and chat under the stars.
Of course you come here for the forest and the best sight is the Big Cat! But while you are here and have an urge for history visit the Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Or, the lakes that abound the region.
Also do not forget to ask your hosts for the Chambal River tour and the chance to see dolphins swimming alongside your boat!