Book the gypsy or canter safari online on the Rajasthan portal.
To go on safari in Ranthambore you book a permit in advance, because each zone takes only a limited number of vehicles per slot, and tiger sightings make it very busy. Book on the official Rajasthan government portal through the Rajasthan Single Sign On, reached from forest.rajasthan.gov.in and the official booking portal obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in. You can ride a shared six seat gypsy or a larger twenty seat canter. Foreigners pay a higher fee than Indians, so declare the nationality correctly.
Who needs to book
- Every visitor entering a safari zone, Indian or foreign, per person.
- Foreigners pay a higher entry fee than Indians, so the nationality must be correct.
- You cannot take your own vehicle inside. A registered gypsy or canter and a guide are part of the booking.
Gypsy and canter, and the zones
- Gypsy: an open six seat jeep. It is the most sought after, because it is smaller and more flexible.
- Canter: an open twenty seat vehicle. It is easier to get and costs less per seat.
- Zones: Ranthambore is divided into numbered zones, roughly one to ten. The lower numbered core zones are the most famous for tigers, while the higher numbered zones can still be very rewarding. You choose a zone and a slot when you book. [The exact open zones and any changes are shown on the official portal. Confirm there. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
How to book, step by step
- Go to the official Rajasthan portal through forest.rajasthan.gov.in or obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in, and sign in with the Rajasthan Single Sign On.
- Choose the safari type (gypsy or canter), the zone, the date, and the slot (morning or afternoon).
- Add each visitor with identity details, and declare the correct nationality.
- Pay online, then download the permit.
- Carry the permit and your original identity to the gate, because the identity is matched there.
What it costs
The cost is made of a few parts: the entry fee per person, the vehicle charge for the gypsy or canter, and a guide fee. Foreigners pay a higher entry fee than Indians. The exact government fee lines are shown on the official portal at the time of booking. [Exact fees for Indians and foreigners are set by the Rajasthan Forest Department and are to confirm on the official portal. Following the honest rule of this resource, we do not print a fee we cannot see on the official source. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Documents you need
- One government photo identity per visitor at booking. Indians can use Aadhaar. Foreigners use a passport.
- The same original identity carried to the gate, matching the booking exactly.
- A working mobile number for the booking.
Season and booking window
- Ranthambore is open most of the year. The core zones usually close for part of the monsoon, around July to September, while some buffer zones stay open.
- Advance booking opens well ahead and the best zones fill fast, especially for the gypsy. A limited quick booking, sometimes called Tatkal, can open closer to the date at a higher price.
- Plan early for a gypsy in a core zone. [Exact dates and the advance window change season to season. Confirm on the official portal. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking on a look alike site. Use the official Rajasthan portal through forest.rajasthan.gov.in or obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in. Many private sites with phone numbers look official.
- Booking in the wrong name, then failing the identity check at the gate.
- Declaring the wrong nationality, then being stopped or charged again.
- Expecting a gypsy at the last minute, when only canter seats are left.
- Planning a core zone visit in the peak monsoon, when it is closed.
Questions people ask
Do I need to book a Ranthambore safari in advance?
Yes. Book the zone permit in advance on the official Rajasthan portal.
What is the difference between gypsy and canter?
The gypsy is a small six seat open jeep, the most sought after. The canter is a larger twenty seat vehicle, easier to get and cheaper per seat.
Do foreigners pay more?
Yes, foreigners pay a higher entry fee than Indians.
Which zone is best?
The lower numbered core zones are the most famous for tigers, but the higher zones can be very good too. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Where do I book?
On the official Rajasthan government portal, through forest.rajasthan.gov.in or obms-tourist.rajasthan.gov.in.