Source: Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Padam_Talao.jpg
Zones 1 to 5 form the core of Ranthambore National Park, the area around Ranthambore Fort, the lakes and the old hunting grounds where the park's tigers are most often seen. Padam Talao, Rajbagh and Malik Talao, with their ruins and water birds, lie in this part of the park, and leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, sambar and chital are common.
Core zones close every year from 1 July to 30 September and reopened on 1 October 2026 for the 2026 to 2027 season. Safaris run in morning and afternoon shifts in gypsies and canters, and the zone is allotted at booking. Book on the Rajasthan Forest Department portal, fmdss.forest.rajasthan.gov.in. Core zones sell out first in winter, so book well ahead.
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