Hoping to Enjoy a Budget-Friendly Ranthambore Tiger Safari? This Cost Breakdown Will Help You Cut Expenses
Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife, Ranthambore also features the iconic Ranthambore Fort. The overall trip expense largely depends on your accommodation, chosen safari type, and transportation. Based in Sawai Madhopur, this national park is considered one of India’s most thrilling places for wildlife exploration. If you are up for exciting Ranthambore tiger safari experiences, this guide will help you plan your trip on a tight budget.
Here are the key things you must keep in mind when organising 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. Your safari cost varies based on whether you are a domestic or international visitor. If you want to explore the jungle in small groups, jeep safari costs around INR 1000 to 1500 per person for Indian and Rs. 2500 to 3000 per person for foreign nationals.
Canter safari is the most budget-friendly choice for Indians, costing roughly Rs. 800–1000 per person. It is highly recommended to book safari in advance because slots get full quickly during peak seasons like spring and winter. Selecting the right time slot is also important. Booking early increases your chance of securing the time slot you want.
2. Accommodation
Ranthambore offers accommodation choices across budget, mid-range, and luxury categories. Here, we focus specifically on the budget-friendly stay options. Budget hotels in Ranthambore and Sawai Madhopur provide essentials such as Wi-Fi, AC, hot water, clean rooms, and breakfast, usually starting from Rs. 2000 per night.
3. Transportation
Ranthambore is easily accessible by both road and rail, particularly from major cities like Jaipur and Delhi. Since this is a budget guide, we focus on affordable travel via trains and buses.
Travellers arriving by train will find Sawai Madhopur station, around 11 km away, the nearest on the Delhi-Jaipur line. Train fares are usually Rs. 200–1000 depending on class, and buses from Jaipur cost about Rs. 500–1500 depending on the category. If travelling from Delhi, expect train fare between Rs. 500–1500 and bus fare from Rs. 800–2000 depending on bus type.
4. Food
There is no lack of delicious food options with authentic and pure Rajasthani touch, such as Laal Maas (a unique mutton curry), Gatte ki Sabzi (dumplings made of gram flour dipped Tiger Safari Ranthambore in a curry), and Dal Baati Churma (a combo of wheat rolls, lentil soup, and a sweet dish), and Kachoris in breakfast. Meals at budget-friendly restaurants generally range from Rs. 100–300 for both North Indian and Rajasthani dishes.
5. Entry Fees
Besides stay, safari, and travel costs, you must also account for entry fees. Indian tourists are charged around Rs. 50–100 as entry fee. 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.