The Full Day Safari
There's no single all-day permit at Ranthambhore — the forest opens for two fixed shifts a day. What we call the Full Day Safari books you into both, morning and afternoon, on the same date, so you cover twice the ground and both of the hours tigers are most active.
One continuous permit doesn't exist — this is two, back to back
Ranthambhore's forest department issues permits shift by shift: a morning window and an afternoon window, each roughly 3 to 3.5 hours long, with the core zones shut in between. A dedicated all-day, zone-free permit isn't something the department is currently issuing, whatever some listings suggest.
What operators sell as a "Full Day Safari" is really two separate bookings for the same date — one Gypsy or Canter permit for the morning shift, another for the afternoon. Since they're booked separately, you can even land two different zones in a single day, which is the real advantage: more forest covered, and a shot at both the cool-morning and golden-hour activity windows.
- Two permits, same date, booked and paid separately
- Morning and afternoon zones can differ
- Works with Gypsy, Canter, or one of each
- A few hours free in the middle of the day
A typical full-day plan
Exact clock times shift with the season — this is the winter-season shape of the day. The gap between shifts is yours to spend however you like.
Arrive with your printed e-permit and original ID, roughly 30 minutes before the morning shift begins.
First permit, first zone. Cooler hours tend to bring more movement near waterholes and open meadows.
Core zones are closed to visitors through the heat of the day. Most travellers use this window for lunch, a rest back at the hotel, or a visit to Ranthambhore Fort and the Trinetra Ganesh Temple inside it.
A fresh permit, possibly a different zone from the morning, checked in at the gate again.
Second permit, second drive. Light softens toward evening and animals become active again as the heat drops.
What to do between the two shifts
The park itself is closed for a few hours around midday, but there's enough nearby to make the gap part of the day rather than dead time.
Ranthambhore Fort
A 10th-century hill fort inside the reserve's own boundary, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. The climb gives a wide view over the lakes and forest you've just driven through.
Trinetra Ganesh Temple
Sitting inside the fort walls, this is one of the few temples where letters addressed simply "to Ganesh ji" still arrive — worth the short walk if you're already up there.
Rest at your stay
Most resorts around Sawai Madhopur are a short drive from the gates — enough time for lunch and a proper break before heading back out.
Full-day pricing
Since it's two permits, the fare is close to double a single shift — the per-seat rate itself doesn't change for booking both.
| Two Gypsy shifts (per person) | |
|---|---|
| Indian national | ₹4,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Foreign national | ₹10,000 approx. |
| Two Canter shifts (per person) | |
|---|---|
| Indian national | ₹3,200 – ₹4,000 |
| Foreign national | ₹8,400 approx. |
Things worth planning around
Two permits, one ID
The same ID covers both shifts, but each permit is checked separately at the gate — keep it on you all day.
Carry water and snacks
Nothing is sold inside the core zones. Pack enough for the gap between shifts and the drives themselves.
Plan for the heat
March to June middays get hot fast — the fort visit or a shaded rest works better than staying out in the open.
Dress in muted tones
Olive, khaki, brown or grey for both drives — bright colours stand out against the dry forest.
Booking both shifts for one day
It's the same portal and the same rules as a single safari — you're just doing it twice for one date.
Book the morning shift
Pick your date, choose Gypsy or Canter, and confirm the morning permit first.
Book the afternoon shift
Same date, second booking. Take a different zone here if you want wider coverage over the day.
Plan the middle hours
Slot in the fort visit, lunch, or rest for the gap — most gaps run from late morning to early afternoon.
Carry both e-permits
Print or save both permits plus ID, and report at each gate roughly 30 minutes before the shift starts.
Want to see the most of the reserve in one day?
Tell us your date and vehicle preference — we'll line up morning and afternoon permits in two different zones where slots allow.
Start Your Booking