Hoping to Enjoy a Budget-Friendly Ranthambore Tiger Safari? Here’s How You Can Manage Costs and Still Enjoy the Trip
Ranthambore is well-regarded for stunning landscapes, wildlife safaris, and the iconic Ranthambore Fort. Your total cost changes based on where you stay, the safari option you select, and how you travel. 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
If you want to witness tigers and other wildlife up close, booking a jungle safari in Ranthambore is the ideal choice. The safari charges differ for Indian tourists and foreign nationals. 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.
For an Indian on a tight budget, canter safari is the best option, which costs around Rs. 800 to 1000 per person. Since safari seats sell out quickly—especially during spring and winter—it’s wise to book ahead. Selecting the right time slot is also important. To get the slot you prefer, make your reservation as early as possible.
2. Accommodation
Ranthambore offers accommodation choices across budget, mid-range, and luxury categories. Leaving aside mid-range and luxury stays, this section highlights only budget accommodation. 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 travelling by train, Sawai Madhopur—located 11 km away—is the nearest station on the Delhi–Jaipur route. Train fares range roughly from Rs. 200–1000 depending on the class, while buses from Jaipur cost around Rs. 500–1500 based on the bus type. If travelling from Delhi, expect train fare between Rs. 500–1500 and bus fare from Tiger Tours Ranthambore Rs. 800–2000 depending on bus type.
4. Food
Ranthambore offers many delicious meals with authentic Rajasthani flavours, including Laal Maas, Gatte ki Sabzi, Dal Baati Churma, and breakfast Kachoris. Most budget eateries serve meals priced between Rs. 100 and Rs. 300, covering both North Indian and local Rajasthani foods.
5. Entry Fees
Along with accommodation, safari, and transportation, entry fees are other expenses that should be considered. Indian tourists are charged around Rs. 50–100 as entry fee. For foreign national, it would cost Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 per person (fee varies by park’s zone and season). Photography charges range from Rs. 100–500 depending on the camera used. To enhance your safari experience, hiring a guide—priced at about Rs. 300–500—is highly beneficial.