How to Search for Tigers at Ranthambore?

The park is a notified tiger reserve for it conserving the big cats in its natural home. Ranthambore is a large jungle and home to many wild animals, reptiles, birds and insects. It is a pristine forest as it is since the days it evolved into a cluster of trees, herbs and shrubs, grassland supporting innumerable life forms as a biodiversity hub.

The apex predator is the tiger and literarily it rules the jungle. It is found along with other animals like the leopard, sloth bear and number of deer and antelope species. The common animals are the wild boar, langur monkey and the spotted deer. Rare finds are the caracal, wolf, hyena and the night animals that come out to hunt or feed in the darkness.

But the most sought after animal is the big cat and people throng in thousands to see this majestic animal in the wild. But it is not easy to see this huge predator as it is shy and elusive. At Ranthambore trekking is not allowed by rules and regulation and hence only way to search for the tiger in the vast jungle is to go on open jeep.

Since you do not know how to look for this elusive cat and where to look for a guide is entrusted with the task. The guide may be good of bad it is your luck.

Another choice you have is a naturalist who can also assist in the endeavor. Many high end wildlife resorts provide naturalists services. This is usually for free else you can hire one. This way your chances of locating the predator would be high and you will also learn a lot about the wilderness in order to make your safari holistic.

The park is divided into ten zones of which few are very productive, In order gain broader experience you should book safari in larger number of zones in the core or main area. Avoid the buffer zone of outer area safari. You have an option for a shared ride in the twenty seat canter but choose the open jeep.

In this vast deciduous forest tigers have plenty of places to hide. They hide amid the rocky outcrops in the bush and the tall grass. They can also be seen in the ruins that are scattered all across.

In order to locate them you need to pay attention to the alarm calls, pug marks on soft jungle roads and depend upon the eyes. Any way all this work will be done by the forest guide and the naturalist in company of the driver. But if you too keep your senses on alert it will be of great help.

Look for them near the water holes but some times the big cats just drop in. This depends upon your luck. But hard work is the only option in such vast jungle so be on the alert. Try to book as a many tiger safaris as you can at Ranthambore. The sight of the majestic cat and the holistic experience would be rewarding on this wild holiday.

You need to book safari permits in advance along with the accommodation. The best way to reach Ranthambore is via Jaipur from New Delhi Airport. You can also book a package tour in which all the work will be done by the tour operator.

Uday writes often on Indian wildlife especially about the tigers. He works as a naturalist and is fond of travel. Uday also provides search engine optimization service and website contents in English.