HomeSafari zones
Core zones 1–5 · buffer zones 6–10
Ten zones, one roster
Every safari drives one zone, allotted by the forest department. Here is what each zone is like, and how the allotment works.
Interactive map
Pick a zone
Tap a zone on the map to read about it. Tell us your preferred zone and we ask for it wherever the official system allows a choice.
- Landmarks
- Padam Talao, Rajbagh Talao, Mandook
- What it's like
- The lake country below the fort. Machali's old territory and the best-known drive in the park.
- Weekly closure
- Wednesday
Who lives here
The lake queens
Four generations of tigresses have held the lakes in zones 3 and 4, each taking the territory from her mother.
Generation 1 of 4
Machali
T-16 · 1997–2016
Held the lakes below the fort for more than a decade and was filmed fighting a 14-foot mugger crocodile at Rajbagh Talao. Often called the most photographed tiger in the world.
Machali→Krishna→Arrowhead→Riddhi
Core and buffer
How the zones differ
Zones 1 to 5 form the core of the park around the fort and its three lakes: Padam Talao, Rajbagh and Malik Talao. This is the country of the famous lake tigresses and the best-known drives in Ranthambore.
Zones 6 to 10 are buffer zones around the core. They see fewer vehicles, have longer open stretches of track, and hold tigers, leopards and sloth bears of their own.
Weekly closures
- Zones 1 to 5 shut on Wednesdays
- Zones 6 to 10 shut on Tuesdays
- Core zones close for the monsoon, 1 July to 30 September; buffer zones may stay open
Plan two shifts on different days if you want to see both halves of the park.
Zones
Zone questions
Can I choose my zone?
Zones are allotted by the forest department. Where the official system allows a choice we book your preferred zone. Otherwise we tell you which zone you got as soon as the permit is issued.
Which zone is best for tigers?
Sightings move with the season and with individual tigers. Core zones are the most famous, but buffer zones often have excellent sightings with fewer vehicles. Ask us for the latest from our drivers.
Can a vehicle change zone during the safari?
No. A vehicle stays on the route of the zone printed on its permit.
Book a zone
Ask for your zone
Send your date, shift and preferred zone. We check permits on the official portal and reply with what is available.