Rajasthan pairs its forts and deserts with real tiger country, and one official portal books the safaris.
You book on obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in, the Rajasthan government booking site, through the Rajasthan single sign on. The same portal covers Ranthambore, Sariska and the other reserves. You choose a gypsy or a canter, a date and a slot. Foreigners pay more than Indians. Ranthambore is the star, and it books out fast.
One portal, in plain words
You do not hunt for a different site for each park. The Rajasthan government runs a single booking portal, and you reach it through the state single sign on. You make one login, pick your reserve, and choose your safari. This is the only official place to book, and it keeps you safe from the many private sites.
Which parks you can book here
- Ranthambore, the famous tiger reserve near Sawai Madhopur, the busiest and the hardest to get.
- Sariska, in the Aravalli hills near Alwar, the closest reserve to Delhi and Jaipur.
- Other reserves as the state adds them to the portal.
Gypsy and canter, in plain words
- Gypsy. A small open jeep, six seats, more personal and better for photos.
- Canter. A larger open bus, more seats, cheaper per person and easier to get at short notice.
You pick gypsy or canter when you book, and it sets the price and the feel of the trip.
How to book, step by step
Open the official portal, obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in, and sign in through the Rajasthan single sign on. Pick the reserve, then gypsy or canter, the date, and the morning or afternoon slot. Add each traveller with identity details, and give the correct nationality. Pay online, then download your permit. For Ranthambore, book the moment the date opens, because it sells out.
What is the same across every park
- You cannot take your own car inside. A registered gypsy or canter with a driver and a guide is part of the booking.
- Each zone has a small daily limit, so seats go fast.
- You carry the same original identity you used to book, because staff check it at the gate.
- Winter mornings in the Aravallis are cold, so carry warm clothes.
For foreign visitors
Foreigners can book on the same portal, and pay a higher fee than Indians. You give your passport details, and you carry the passport to the gate. Give the correct nationality, because a wrong entry can stop you at the gate.
The season, so you plan the right months
Ranthambore fully closes for the monsoon, usually from July to about the end of September, and the cool, dry months are the best. Sariska stays open for much of the year, though some zones rest in the monsoon. Late in the dry season, when animals gather at water, gives you the best sightings. Confirm the exact open days on the portal.
Common mistakes to avoid
- The biggest trap is booking on a private look alike site that adds a fee. You book only on obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in. The next is leaving Ranthambore late, because it sells out the moment a date opens. Do not give the wrong nationality, or staff may stop you at the gate. Do not expect a sure tiger, because sightings take luck and patience.
Questions people ask
Is there one site for Rajasthan safaris?
Yes. You book Ranthambore, Sariska and the others on obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in.
Gypsy or canter, which should I pick?
A gypsy is smaller and better for photos. A canter is a larger open bus, cheaper and easier to get.
Do foreigners pay more?
Yes, foreigners pay a higher fee than Indians.
When is Ranthambore open?
In the cool, dry months. It closes for the monsoon. Sariska stays open for much of the year. Confirm on the portal.
Where do I book?
On the official Rajasthan portal, obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in.