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NDTV
21-05-2025
- NDTV
Why Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Is Such A Hit With Luxury Travellers And Hoteliers
Luxury travelers are drawn to Ranthambore for its thriving tiger population Luxury travel has seen a remarkable rise in recent years, and India is no exception. Traditionally known for budget-conscious travellers, except for a few pockets of indulgence, India is now embracing a new era of high-end experiences. The perception of luxury is evolving too. It's no longer just about secluded beaches or remote hideaways. Instead, it's making its mark in unexpected places, including the heart of the wilderness. The Charm Of Ranthambore One destination leading this transformation is Ranthambore. While primarily recognised as a thriving tiger reserve, Ranthambore has long been celebrated for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and the grandeur of its heritage-marked by legendary tigers like Machli, who died in 2016; and Arrowhead, who is still prancing around the reserve; as well as the historic Ranthambore Fort. Today, Ranthambore has become a sought-after destination among luxury travellers, drawing prestigious brands such as the Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Aman-i-Khas, Sher Bagh, Dev Vilas, and Six Senses. Let's try and find out why. The Kind Of Luxury Traveller Who Visits Ranthambore Before understanding why it is such a hit with travellers, let's try and understand with whom Ranthambore is actually famous. Long gone is the stereotype of the noisy safari crowd armed only with zoom lenses and camouflage hats. Hoteliers on the ground describe a guest who expects every bit of luxury when in Ranthambore. Rajat Gera, commercial director, Six Senses Fort Barwara, says "Our guests (both Indian and international) are discerning, well-travelled individuals who value immersive, meaningful experiences. They are drawn to the destination for its rich cultural heritage, proximity to Ranthambore National Park, and the opportunity to reconnect with nature in a setting that is both restorative and refined." Six Senses Fort Barwara is an hour's drive from Ranthambore National Park, and serves as a gateway to the reserve. The forest reserve has also long enjoyed a premium tag, say industry insiders. Gaurav Mudgal, managing partner and vice-president commercials, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore, says, "Ranthambore has always been a wilderness destination that has had a premium tag attached to it. Probably this is because it has always been a favourite with celebrities, and Bollywood stars have always patronised the destination. Hence, we have well-heeled travellers who are looking for an authentic jungle experience that is rooted in luxury, coming to Ranthambore." Gaurav says these travellers also have an appetite for all things exclusive, which is why they also choose private safaris despite their steep price tag. "These travellers also seek elevated dining experiences as well as look for eco-sensitivity when they travel. Also, Ranthambore has great connectivity to Delhi, Gurugram and Jaipur and can be reached in under five hours," Gaurav adds. Manoj Adlakha, founder and CEO, RedBeryl, a luxury management company, adds that a luxury traveller to Ranthambore seeks immersion in nature, heritage, and moments that feel personal. Manoj mentions that since Ranthambore has a regal past as a royal hunting ground and the iconic Ranthambore Fort, it speaks to those who value stories wrapped in legacy. Why Ranthambore Is Such A Hit With Indians And Foreigners Both According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority of India in 2021, there are more than 10 tigers in every 100 sq km in Ranthambore, which makes the park one of India's most rewarding big-cat destinations. Recent estimates suggest that the reserve supports over 80 tigers, cubs included, giving visitors a healthy chance of spotting one during their safari. A New Highway Manoj explains that Ranthambore sits at the intersection of ease and enchantment. Just a few hours from Jaipur and Delhi, it's one of India's most accessible tiger reserves. The new highway from Delhi to Jaipur has significantly reduced travel time, making the journey more convenient. A road trip that earlier took 7-8 hours, is now a 5-hour breeze. However, what makes Ranthambore truly remarkable is the experience. Ranthambore runs around with famous tigers like Machli and Arrowhead. "For Indians, it's a proud symbol of heritage and wildlife conservation; while for foreigners, it's the thrill of the wild, up close," Manoj says. Add to that the year-round rail connections, the short hop from the Golden Triangle of Delhi-Jaipur-Agra, and a clutch of direct flights to Jaipur, and it is no surprise that Ranthambore appears on both first-time India itineraries and Delhiites' long-weekend plans. The Luxury Scene In The Tiger Reserve Experts tell us that Ranthambore has always been the first choice of premium hospitality chains and as such, is home to a plethora of luxury stay options. "When we started our retreat, it came from a space of creating a luxurious resort for guests, so we have ensured that this is seen in all the touchpoints. There are several more luxury properties in the pipeline, as there is a very good demand for the same," says Gaurav. And the pipeline keeps flowing. Today, Ranthambore has more than 20 luxury properties, with the price range starting at 30,000 per night. The Challenges Of Running A High-End Resort Next To A Tiger Reserve NDTV spoke to various operators and they do admit that every silver-service perk must be weighed against the park's strict environmental code. "Operating a luxury resort on the edge of a tiger reserve brings more responsibility, from strict environmental regulations to managing the human-wildlife coexistence. To preserve the natural environment, we limit our guests to only 48 suites at Six Senses Fort Barwara, as we recognise that this land is home to wildlife that should not be disturbed by excessive movement," says Rajat. However, Rajat says that at Six Senses, this challenge has turned into an opportunity to lead with purpose. "We work closely with conservation authorities, minimise our ecological footprint through conscious design and operations, plantation and cleanliness drives, plastic freedom, local sourcing, and champion community engagement as part of our integrated sustainability efforts," he says. Aamaghati Wildlife Resort's Gaurav, on the other hand, says that ethical wildlife tourism is an aspect that needs to be dealt with sensitively. Being close to the national park, they make sure that their carbon footprint is kept to a minimum. They also do our best to educate guests so that they are in tune with and understand this ethos. Gaurav says that forest officials require the resorts to maintain dark-sky policies after 10 pm, to treat grey water before discharge, and to subsidise anti-poaching patrols. These compliance costs can nudge room tariffs up by Rs 5,000 a night, yet most guests accept the premium as the price of bragging rights to guilt-free indulgence, according to him. The Balance Between Ecology And Luxury Straddling the rope between that five-star service and biodiversity is where Ranthambore's hospitality heavyweights hope to set a global benchmark. "Striking the balance between ecological responsibility and a premium guest experience is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that true luxury today lies in authenticity and intention. By weaving environmental stewardship into our sustainable programming, culinary philosophy, and guest journeys, we create transformative stays that leave a positive impact, both on our guests and the land we're privileged to inhabit," says Rajat. Eco-luxury is no longer just a marketing catch phrase: today, guests increasingly reward such efforts with longer stays and glowing reviews. A Final Growl Ranthambore has always had star power - first royal hunts, then Bollywood crews, and now a line-up of global hotel flags. Yet, its true showstoppers remain the tigers, whose population boom is both the engine and the responsibility of every five-star suite built in their backyard. Also Read: In Jim Corbett National Park, A Forest Retreat That Doesn't Cost The Earth Also Read: More From NDTV Luxury
NDTV
19-05-2025
- NDTV
Why Ranthambore National Park Is So Famous And The Best Places To Stay In
If there's one national park in India famous for its tiger sightings, it is Ranthambore in Rajasthan. The national park is unique for tiger sightings at any time of the day, while other national parks in the country usually rely on the dawn or dusk time periods. It's also been the stuff of wildlife legends, what with photographers flocking to the national park for the best shots of tigers and tigresses. The World's Most Famous Tigress The stories of Machli, Ranthambore's famous Royal Bengal tigress, is of course, legendary. The tigress was identified, and owed her name to, a fish-shaped mark on her forehead. Machli was India's longest-living tigress and one of the world's most famous ones. After her mother's death in 2000, Machli became the dominant tigress in Ranthambore. Machli mothered several litters of cubs, and was soon synonymous with India's tiger conservation movement. Almost a decade since her death, locals still sing paeans of Machli's courage. One of those stories is that of her fight with a crocodile who tried to drag her into the water by the leg in the lakes of the national park. Machli extricated herself from the jaws of the crocodile, and killed the mugger despite suffering several injuries herself. That was 2009. The Legacy Of Machli Seven years later, in 2016, Machli's death at the age of 19 left wildlife enthusiasts all over the world heartbroken. Ranthambore, since then, has missed its resident huntress but also become known for Machli's cubs, some of whom inherited that fish-shaped mark on their foreheads. Today, Machli's legacy is visible all over Ranthambore. The tiger reserve is known for its density of tigers and ease of sightings. The Many Luxury Resorts In Ranthambore Once the hunting grounds of the Jaipur royals, Ranthambore since has become a favourite with luxury resorts. The biggest hospitality brands are here: from Taj and Oberoi, to Aman and Sujan. There's also Six Senses Fort Barwara, at a stone's throw from Ranthambore National Park, which is a hit with luxury travellers (more on the stays in a bit). When To Go From October to March, Ranthambore is teeming with tourists on the lookout for the Royal Bengal Tiger. The summer months of April and May also attract visitors, but the high temperatures of Rajasthan might make it difficult to venture out during the day. From July to September, the national park is closed for monsoon. As a result, the winter months see the maximum footfall at the Ranthambore resorts. Here's a look at the best luxury resorts in Ranthambore. Where To Stay In Ranthambore Six Senses Fort Barwara Where: An hour's drive from Ranthambore National Park The resort where Bollywood couple Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal had their wedding at, Six Senses Fort Barwara is an overwhelming place of stay and a destination in itself. The resort is a 14th century fort that has been converted, sensitively and sensibly, into a Six Senses retreat. The Six Senses brand is known for its commitment to well-being, and at Fort Barwara too, well-being is in focus. Trust its three Rajasthani-inspired restaurants on that. The fort was originally owned by a Rajathani royal family and faces the Chauth ka Barwara temple. Within the walled fort are two palaces and two temples. The design of the resort is a tribute to its 700-year regal history. All its 48 suites come with stunning views of either the countryside, or the Barwara village, and has every amenity you can think of. Aman-i-Khas Where: A 20-minute drive from Ranthambore National Park Situated right on the periphery of the Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i-Khas is an intimate tented-camp resort perfect for a slow stay. The resort offers the quintessential quiet luxury that the Aman brand is famous for; be it in its incomparable privacy, its guided safaris, or its world-class spa services. The camp has 11 expansive luxury tents with soaring living spaces, free-standing bathtubs and shower, and two writing desks to scribble your Ranthambore journals in at. All tents at Aman-i-Khas come with a private butler, daily group yoga sessions, a full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner for two), and laundry services. Tariff: Doubles from* Rs 1,10,829 (off-season rates, till May-end); Rs 1,99,458 (season rates, from October 2025) Taj Sawai Ranthambore Where: A 10-minute drive from Ranthambore National Park Taj Sawai's location is among its biggest highlights: the resort is located just five kilometres from the Ranthambore National Park. The place blends enduring charm of Ranthambore with modern aesthetics. Its 56 rooms and 4 suites are all done up in pristine whites and warm oaks. Accommodation here span from 48 to 131 sq m, with a private courtyard, plunge pool, and indoor and outdoor shower options. The two on-site restaurants, Machan and Tropics, serve Indian and global fare respectively. The resort's bar is called The Whiskey Lounge. It also has a spa overlooking the Talai waterbody, for that therapy after a day of chasing and gazing at wildlife in Ranthambore. Sujan Sher Bagh Where: An 18-minute drive from Ranthambore National Park 12 tented suites including 2 resplendent suites comprise Sujan Sher Bagh, one of the most luxurious stay options in Ranthambore. The tents here are inspired by the classic style of 1920s safari camps. Sujan Sher Bagh tents come with campaign furniture, en-suite bathrooms with brass bathtubs and open stone showers, and private verandahs where people can spend an evening looking at the jungle from. Sujan Sher Bagh is also known for its Anglo-Indian meals made from homegrown organic produce. The in-house naturalists at the camp tell you tales of Ranthambore under a starlit sky, while a campfire keeps you warm. Tariff: Doubles from* Rs 75,000 (full-board, off-season rates); Rs 1,19,000 (full-board, high-season rates); and Rs 1,45,000 (full-board, festive season rates) The Oberoi Vanyavilas Where: A 17-minute drive from Ranthambore National Park At The Oberoi Vanyavilas, expect nothing short of the signature Oberoi hospitality. The resort offers luxury tents inspired by the opulent caravans of erstwhile Indian royal families. The tents are spacious, with teakwood floors, a canopied king-sized bed, plush armchairs, a writing desk, and a private garden. The bathrooms come with claw-footed standalone bathtubs. The resort also has electric vehicle charging stations. Rajasthani and international cuisine are both part of the menu at the on-site restaurant at The Oberoi Vanyavilas. There's also a spa offering multiple therapies. Jungle drives here come in 4x4 vehicles driven by the resort's experienced and professional chauffeurs, forest guides and an inhouse naturalist. A 3.5-hour drive through Ranthambore in the resort's vehicle costs Rs 55,000.
