Sighting a tiger in its natural habitat on a safari through Ranthambhore National Park is exhilarating and unforgettable. Still, to soak up all this beautiful place has to offer, you might be wondering what other things to do in Ranthambhore besides the park? Well, there’s plenty! Here’s our top pick of other things to do in Ranthambhore:
1. Ranthambhore Fort
Ranthambhore Fort is nestled within Ranthambhore National Park and is where Ranthambhore district derives its name from. The fort is over 1,000 years old but remains well intact. Any visitor to Ranthambhore Fort can get an unmistakable feel for what once was. The crumbling ruins add a royal and enchanting ambience to its natural surroundings. From the top of the fort, the views of the forest below are breathtaking. The backdrop of the ancient citadel provides an ideal opportunity to photograph the wildlife below. As you arrive at the bottom of the fort, a seemingly endless flight of stone steps awaits you. The fort shares snippets of its royal heritage and history while climbing through the steps at every turn. A substantial population of Langur monkeys (black-faced) inhabits the fort, and they’re very friendly! Ranthambhore Fort boasts eleven temples, which are a range of Hindu and Jain temples. The most famous temple here is the Ganesh temple, which thousands of Hindus make a pilgrimage to every year.
The excursion takes about two and a half hours. We include an experienced guide and private Jeep transfers there and back. We recommend the morning between 6 and 10 am, or the afternoon between 3 and 6 pm, October through June.
Inside the winding steps of Ranthambhore Fort.
Do it differently: Yoga at Ranthambhore Fort.
Find your Zen with a private guided yoga session amongst the magical ruins of Ranthambhore Fort at Badal Mahal’s rooftop. Enjoy a brief history of the citadel over hot tea, coffee, and refreshments before getting started. We recommend the morning between 6:30 and 10:30 am, or the afternoon between 3:30 and 6:30 pm, September through March.
Yoga at Ranthambhore Fort is a peaceful experience.
2. Birding at Surwal Lake
Spot some 100 different species while birdwatching at the picturesque waters of Surwal Lake. Ride in a private Jeep through vibrant local villages to Surwal Lake, on the fringes of Sawai Madhopur. Over 100 species of birds reside here, including summer visitors, winter migrants and resident species. Our expert naturalist will accompany you. We recommend Surwal Lake in the morning between 6:30 and 9 am year-round.
Surwal Lake is home to many species of birds, including the Painted Stork.
3. Crocodile-spotting at Chambal River
On the outskirts of Ranthambhore, visitors can spot crocodiles, alligators, and a wide variety of birdlife (both resident and migratory) at Chambal River. It’s best explored in either the morning (7:30 – 10 am) or the evening (4 – 6 pm), as this is when the wildlife is at its most active. Boating trips are available on the river, perfect at sunset. Visit mid-October through March-end.
Chambal River is home to the rare gharial, one of the longest of all living crocodilians. There are less than 200 left in the world.
4. Lunch with the Locals
More than just your standard ‘village tour’, we invite you to get in on the action: visit the local school, interact with the people who live here, and learn about their way of life. Enjoy lunch with a family in the village, pick up their traditional dance moves, and gain an unforgettable insight into the simple Rajasthani life.
Spend time with a local family.
5. Shop Ethically at Dastkar
Dastkar is a private, not-for-profit NGO first established in 1981. In their own words, Dastkar is a grass-root social enterprise dedicated to providing an alternative source of income to women living around the Ranthambhore National Park. Dastkar strongly promotes the survival of some rare traditional crafts, such as labour-intensive block printing. They provide a safe haven for numerous women to collaborate and work together. It’s a great place to visit, learn about these almost forgotten crafts, and speak with the ladies working there. And, while you’re at it– spend some money. It’s for a great cause.
A traditional carpet on the loom by a craftsperson in Ranthambhore.
6. Blackbuck-spotting
Wildlife is on your doorstep in Ranthambhore, wildlife you share with Blackbuck, also known as Indian Antelope. Hop in a private Jeep with a top-quality naturalist guide and explore the bushland to spot this timid yet graceful creature. While you’re in the area, why not interact with the locals who live here on their farms? Blackbucks are best spotted in the morning (6 – 9:30 am) or the evening (4:30 – 6:30 pm). If opting for the morning, you can also visit the local government school.
The shy and elusive Blackbuck.
7. Visit the Bazaar
A guided walk through the local bazaar will awaken all the senses! Best explored in the early morning or just after dusk, you’ll be guided through the exciting methods of making traditional street food and introduced to a wide array of local spices, textiles, and handicrafts.
A vendor in the bazaar.
With all this being said, a safari through Ranthambhore National Park is still the star of the show, and any visit to Ranthambhore is incomplete without one! Make sure you include at least a couple of safaris for a better chance of spotting the elusive big cat. Equally important is where you stay; check out our top 3 luxury tents in Ranthambhore for an unforgettable experience.
A tiger crosses the path of a Jeep on a safari in the park.
If you’d like to experience one or more of our other things to do in Ranthambhore, please get in touch. As specialists in private, tailor-made tours of Ranthambhore and the wider Rajasthan region, we’re the perfect match to assist with your arrangements. Check out our Inspiring Images from Ranthambhore National Park and our Stories from Ranthambhore National Park for further inspiration. To get a feel for how a stay in Ranthambhore is best placed in a journey through Rajasthan, our Luxury Rajasthan Tour with Oberoi Hotels is a classic.
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