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A legendary reputation for tigers precedes India. The gorgeous country with its lush forests, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries invest in a safari experience like no other. Tiger safari in India offers a wildlife experience that by far is some of the best in the world. A billion-year-old forest, a thousand-year-old hill fort and the allure of tigers in the wild, to start with jungle safari in India, Ranthambore National Park is a thrilling option. Formerly the hunting grounds of royalty, the national park is a popular wildlife reserve that is sanctaury to wildlife. The popular tiger reserve in Rajasthan lies a short distance from Jaipur and is easily well-connected. Also it is a wonderful extension to a Golden Triangle Tour. Besides the exciting safaris, Ranthambore is well-known for stay at the luxury wildlife resorts. Ranthambore was a number of them.

Why Choose Ranthambore for Tiger Safari in India?

For a start, Ranthambore is one of the largest national parks in Northern India and is widely considered to be one of the best places to see tigers. It’s accessible from Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai making it an easier spot to get to than some other wildlife destinations in the country, and the tourist infrastructure is therefore pretty well established with plenty of hotels etc to choose from.

It’s not just tigers either, you’ll get to see beautiful jungle landscapes as well as having the opportunity to spot all kinds of other wildlife – from bears and leopards to monkeys and wild boars to name just a few of the species that live in the park.

Ranthambore National Park is best known for its high tiger population. The visitors to the park can easily see the tigers roaming freely or playing with their cubs and click wonderful pictures with their camera. Apart from the tigers, the national park has its share of panthers too. Kachida Valley is believed to be the place to sight these rather elusive cats. One can also find Marsh Crocodiles, Hyenas, Jungle Cats and Sloth Bears, Chital, Nilgai, and Chinkara.

The Ranthambore National Park also houses a large avian population comprising of Black Storks, Quails, Bonelli's Eagles, Spur Fowls, Crested Serpent Eagles and Painted Storks. During the winter months, the park attracts a lot of migratory birds, including a variety of ducks. The park is a heaven for the wildlife photography lovers as they can get a wonderful opportunity to capture the enchanting beauty of the nature and amazing wildlife.

Wildlife Safari in Ranthambore

Tourists have an option to enjoy a jeep or canter safari to explore the park. Tiger safari is conducted in a 6 seater jeep and 20 seater open top canters. A very important point to be considered here is that the Jeep Safari in Ranthambore must be pre booked well in advance, since the park authorities limit the number of jeeps entering the Park. Another prominent thing to remember here is that the safari timings may change according to the season. For instance, during winter season, the entry and exit timings tend to vary primarily because of the short daylight hours.

Best Time to Visit

The Park remains open from 1st October to 30th of June every year. The best time to visit Ranthambore would be from November to March as far as the weather is concerned.

How to Reach

By Air: Jaipur is the closest airport to the Ranthambore National Park, which is around 180 kms away from Jaipur city.

By Train: Sawai Madhopur is the nearest railway station connected to all the major regions of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, etc.

By Road: The park is just 11 kms away from Sawai Madhopur and one can hire private cabs or take state transport buses to reach Ranthambore conveniently.

Our suggested itineraries:

• Tigers and the Golden Triangle
• Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore and the Golden Triangle
• Wild Wonders of The North India and The Taj Mahal
• Birds, Tigers and The Taj Mahal
• 4 Days Ranthambore Extension
• Tigers, Leopards and Luxury Rajasthan

India’s most popular beach destination, Goa earns its spot on the popular destinations of the world at the Trip Advisor's Travellers' Choice Award 2020. India’s tropical paradise gets the 11th rank on the elite list. Goa is synonymous with its wonderful beaches, therefore undoubtedly it is India’s favourite beach getaway. Set along the cerulean spread of the Arabian Sea, Goa is the land of sun, sand and sea. The tropical haven is the most-preferred holiday destination in the country. Be it a family vacation, romantic honeymoon, fun-time with friends or any kind of vacation, Goa tours suit all!

Under the rule of the Portuguese till 1961, Goa still retains its colonial past. The Indo-Portuguese character of the culture of Goa is very visible amongst its architecture as well as its people. Churches in Goa are elegant specimens of architecture that has been named among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. On a walk through Old Goa, come across the beautiful churches. Also, a part of the glorious past are the forts of Goa. These defensive structures now serve at beautiful lookouts that still retain the charms of the olden days.

The major tourist attractions of Goa are its sparkling blue of the waters and the sky in contrast of the golden sands, green paddy fields, swaying coconut trees and not to forget the lively spirit of the people. Goans make you feel at home, every moment spent here is nothing like you have experienced before. In the smallest state of India, there are quite a number of big surprises. Cruises that you cherish forever, casinos to try your luck, nightlife that keeps you up till the early hours of the day, food that combines the delicious flavours of the sea and the very different culinary style are some highlights of your holiday in Goa.

Beyond the stretch of the golden coastline that comprise of more than 50 beaches, Goa has much to offer. Watersports add to the pleasure of your dream beach holiday. The lush Western Ghats are close by, where there is much to explore. There are scenic waterfalls, especially the Dudhsagar Falls that is unmissable. The wildlife sanctuaries are blessed with rare flora and fauna, it is also a rare bird watcher’s heaven. If the unexplored backwaters, beautiful villages and best of all history that is fascinating. So, be it relaxation, sightseeing, adventure or whatever your heart desires, Goa has it all.

The allure of Goa is that it remains quite different from the rest of India. While it is small enough to be explored in a way that other Indian states are not, it still has so much to provide you a wonderful vacation. Undoubtedly, Goa's tourism byline of "Goa - 365 days on Holiday" is absolutely true.
 

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, there is little to celebrate this year. Indian tourism and the entire sector across the world continues to be in devastation owing to the Covid-19 Global Pandemic. But, as the days of the “new normal” of tourism begins, it is time to be optimistic that India will survive and very soon recover.

India is one of its kind with a range of the marvels that find its mention among the most fascinating travel destinations on the map of the world. Starting with the geography, India is home to snow-capped Himalayan peaks, sun-kissed beaches, out-of-the-world islands, wild jungles, sand desert, lush valleys blooming with flowers to the incredible network of backwaters, history & culture that dates back to 5000 years, the country has the ability to thrill, inspire and exasperate travellers all at once. So, be ready for unexpected surprises while you book India tour packages. There is also a lot more of untapped potential. There is heritage walks, cultural excursions, unique traditions of India, such as Ganga Aarti, Yoga, Ayurveda, festivals, etc. When thinking of travel plans in the new normal, here are the most popular experieces of India.

Heritage & Culture Tourism

India heriatge and culture needs no introduction. The Taj Mahal,  the white-marbled mausoleum and one of the Seven Wonders of the World is the most-visited monument in Indiaa.  UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With 36 sites and many proposed sites, India is the land of the many fascinating wonders of architecture. This includes the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Temples of Khajuraho, Group of Monuments of Mahabalipuram, Hampi, Pattadakal; Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Forts at Delhi and Agra; Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Complex, Ran-ki-Vav,  and many more. From National Parks of Sunderbans, Kaziranga, Manas, etc. to the city of Ahmedabad, tours in India keep you busy with many wonders of history, natural beauty, cultural importance and more.

Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tours in India is unmissable. In the abundance of jungles, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, etc. it is very easy and thrilling to come across wildlife in their natural habitats. The best options include Kaziranga National Park (Assam), Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand), Sasan-Gir Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat), Ranthambore and Bharatpur ( Rajasthan), Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Sunderbans, Periyar in Kerala, among others.

Spiritual & Wellness Tourism

India is ancient and the homeland of many treasures. Ayurveda, the holistic natural science of health and wellness dates back to 5000 years, to the Vedic Era and this science is till date a very relevant key to health and wellness. With the use of herbs, oils, and therapies, Ayurveda cures ailments, revitalize your senses, manage stress or simply experience a rare kind of bliss that envelops your body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda resorts in India are favoured for holidays in India to be treated with therapeutic bliss of Ayurveda.

Food Tourism

Much like India, India food is diverse and the tastes nothing short of an unforgettable experience.  Foodie-havens lie in the nooks and corners of Old Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, etc. Treating your taste buds are options such as Mughlai cuisine, South Indian cuisine, Bengali sweets, flavors of the streets, the 64-dishes Onam Sadya, 56-dishes Maharaja thali, a wedding feast or Ayurveda-based meals, and so much more.

Adventure Tourism 

Wildlife tourism is a very important part of the Indian tourism. And, this World Tourism Day 2020, the incredible range of travel experiences needs to be explored with wildlife tour packages in India. And I would guess rightly so, given the fact that, after Africa, India perhaps has the most species of endangered wildlife that one could see in the wild. The star attraction of India's National parks is, of course, the Royal Bengal tiger, and this majestic animal is certainly the main draw for the wildlife tourism in India.

India now has almost 40 notified tiger reserves spread across the country, from Kaziranga and Manas in the east to Tadoba in the west, from Corbett in the north to Periyar and Bandipur in the south. Even the offbeat Sundarbans to the popular wildlife sanctuaries of Bandhavgarh National Park, Ranthambore, Pench  The big plus point of having so many Tiger reserves is that one can combine and include the nearest one into an India itinerary easily and even those not coming for a wildlife only focused trip, can easily fit in a few days at one India's many National parks.

Having been in the industry for almost 30 years now, I've been lucky to have had a chance to visit quite a few of the Tiger reserves, as well as interact with several wildlife enthusiasts from across the world. The general consensus is that the Tiger is definitely the most regal and majestic of all mammals, and irrespective of how many times one has seen a Tiger, the thrill of spotting a Tiger in the wild, remains and does not diminish with repeated sightings. After a recent trip to Africa, where we saw lions in the wild, I was actually wondering as to whether the Lion actually deserves its title of "King of the Jungle", in my view, and plenty of people actually agreed with me on this, that, the Tiger actually has a larger presence, and greater karishma.

The Indian wildlife experience is actually very different from the African safari experience, and it is extremely important for travelers to understand this fact. Africa has an abundance of wildlife, so a tourist traveling to lets say, Kruger, is sort of guaranteed sightings of all the big 5, perhaps within the first few hours of entering the reserve, whereas, even in Bandhavgarh, the National Park with a good Tiger population, it is possible to have done half a dozen safaris and still not having sighted the Tiger !! 

Not just the tigers, Indian wildlife tourism also covers sighting of Asiatic Lions, One-horned Rhincoeros, colorful birds including migratpry species, gharials and many other rare species.

In the last couple of months, there had been a lot of uncertainty regarding the opening of the National Parks in the Covid-19 Global Pandemic, which was subject to the decision f the Indian Supreme Court. Fortunately, the Courts did allow the Parks to open, and it is now backing to business as usual. As a consequence of this, there have been some changes in the rules and regulations. The number of vehicles allowed into the Parks has been further curtailed, thereby making advance reservations all the more important, and also, the Central Indian reserves of Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench are now completely closed every Wednesday.

One of the other positives in recent times has been the opening of several wildlife resorts  and boutique lodges in the vicinity of the National Parks. Unlike Africa, even the Luxury lodges are not situated within the forests, but are outside, but, there are now a few Jungle lodges and camps in India, that are at par with the finest in the world. In addition to the Taj Safari lodges in Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh, others that stand out are, the Samode Safari Lodge in Bandhavgarh, Singinawa, Flame of the Forest and Shergarh in Kanha, Forsyth’s Lodge in Satpura, and there is, of course, the Sherbagh tented camp in Ranthambhore. 

Wildlife safaris in India are not just about spotting the elusive Royal Bengal Tigers or spotting the majestic Lion or coming across elephants and other beats of the jungle, it is about basking in the mesmerizing wild. To make the most of a jungle safari, there is an extensive range of wildlife resorts in India that make the adventure worth cherishing. Taj Safaris offers the golden opportunity to experience the unparalleled beauty of the jungles. With the charming hospitality of the Taj, each of the resorts creates a magical experience unlike any other for guests in the enchanting forest and national parks in India.

Check out the top five Taj safari lodges in India:

Mahua Kothi, A Taj Safari Lodge - Bandhavgarh National Park

Owned by the Taj Group, the Mahua Kothi, A Taj Safari Lodge - Bandhavgarh National Park offers the ultimate in luxury. In fact, it offers the best of lodge accommodation in Bandhavgarh. The twelve charming suites or Kutiyas (jungle village huts) are newly built in the 40-acre grounds of the renowned tented camp formerly known as Churhat Kothi. The original Kothi (homestead) comprising the guest areas remains and has been extensively renovated, but the guest accommodation is all brand new.

The Taj Group has offers the best accommodation, top-class services, gourmet cuisine and the best naturalists for wildlife holidays in India and especially at Bandhavgarh.

Banjaar Tola, A Taj Safari-Kanha National Park

One of the most premier wildlife resorts in India, Banjaar Tola is situated along the banks of the Banjaar River close to the Kanha National Park. The Taj safari resort is settled on 90 acres of private Sal forest intermixed with grasslands and a seasonal lake. Accommodation comprise of the two intimate camps of nine tents each. While retaining the charm of its natural environs, the jungle lodge does not lack any of the modern amenities.

In the property is swimming pool with outdoor as well as indoor lounge options and interactive dining areas. The rich cultural heritage of the region is also proudly displayed. The cuisine at the camp also celebrates tribal flavours in the mouth-watering food. Stay at the Kanha luxury resort assures memorable experiences of wildlife viewing.

Baghvan, A Taj Safari - Pench National Park

Owned by the Taj Group, the Baghvan offers the ultimate in luxury, as far as lodge accommodation in Pench is concerned. The name Baghvan draws its inspiration from one of India's iconic symbols, the Bengal tiger. Even the name (bagh - tiger and van - forest) is inspired by the same. Pronounced baagh-vun, this charming lodge is located on the edge of Pench National Park. The Baghvan has 12 stand-alone suites, each charming individual suite has a contemporary bungalow feel with a cheeky 50's ambience.

All suites have a spacious air-conditioned bedroom with private shaded sit-outs. Bedrooms all have a Jharokha (wooden latticed bay window) that filters the soft early morning light and covered inter-leading link takes guests to generously proportioned bathrooms with double vanity, separate w.c, indoor and outdoor showers. Leisure facilities at the Baghvan include a large swimming pool, and large common guest areas, where talks and film shows on wildlife are held almost daily.

Pashan Garh, A Taj Safari - Panna National Park

Pashan Garh or ‘stone fortress’ is one of the luxury jungle lodges in India. Owned by the Taj Group, the lodge in the Panna National Park offers a comfortable stay and the thrill of the wild. Set in 200 acres of private wilderness, Pashan Garh has 12 stone cottages huddled atop a small hill, with a widespread view of dense foliage. The luxury jungle lodge draws inspiration from the stone houses of the Panna region and Khajuraho.

The jungle lodge has large and airy guest areas. Soak in the natural beauty all around while strolling through the open courtyards and a stone deck overlooking the expanse of the forest. A lookout tower in the premises offers the setup for bird watching by day and stargazing after sundown. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the rectangular pool under shady trees. Delicious Indian fare treating your taste buds are served. The venue is all the more amazing arranged at the most beautiful nooks and corners of the lodge beside the in-house dining. Discover the lavish comforts of the stone cottages at the Taj luxury jungle lodge.

Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa

A part of history and a unique experience, the Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa is among the best places to stay in the backwater town of Kumarakom. With only 28 exclusive villas or cottages, the Taj resort is set amidst almost 15 acres of natural greenery.

Dating back to 1881 when the Baker’s family, the founders of modern Kumarakom set up their residence here, the original bungalow still stands gracefully on the shore of the beautiful lagoon. The sprawling grounds are dotted with century-old trees, water bodies and the Kumarakom bird sanctuary-home to millions of birds and multitude of species.

The colonial charms are retained in the resort, in its layout, artefacts, and décor. The cuisine is a generous mix of Taj signature dishes, comfort food and location inspired farm and backwaters cuisine. Adhering to the traditions of Kerala- the origin of Ayurveda and the class of the Taj, the Jiva Spa pampers with secrets of wellness. Houseboat cruises, bird-watching excursions and more add to the memorable experience of stay the luxury Kumarakom Resort.