Ranthambore zone 2
Zone 2 runs from the Jogi Mahal side into Phuta Kot, Nal Ghati and Lahpur, a stretch of forest with more waterholes than any other zone. That water is why it has one of the highest sighting frequencies in the park over the years. Here is how the route works, which gate it uses and what to expect from a drive.
From the gate the zone 2 track passes near Jogi Mahal and then heads into the Phuta Kot and Nal Ghati valleys before reaching Lahpur Tiraha, the junction that guides use as a reference point. The forest is thicker than on the lakes side, with dhok on the slopes and tall trees in the valley floors. Waterholes are spread along the whole route, so drivers work from one to the next rather than sitting at a single spot. It is a zone of patience and listening for alarm calls.
Zone 2 uses the main gate on the Sherpur side, the same entry that serves zones 3 to 5, so it is the shortest drive from most hotels on Ranthambore Road. Expect 10 to 20 minutes from the hotel stretch and a little longer from Sawai Madhopur town. Pickup is about an hour before the slot begins. Because several zones share this entry, the gate can be busy at opening time, which is one reason we insist on being early.
Zone 2 has a long list of tigers reported over the years, among them Romeo (T-6), T-57 and, in some seasons, tigresses that move across from zones 1 and 3. Which animal is active changes from season to season, so we go by recent reports rather than reputation. Leopards are seen here more often than in most core zones, particularly around the rocky sections. Sambar, chital, wild boar, crocodiles in the larger pools and a good range of forest birds are regular.
As a core zone, zone 2 closes from 1 July to 30 September. October to March is pleasant and green; April to June is hot but the waterholes are at their most important then and sightings tend to cluster around them. Morning slots are our usual suggestion because the valleys hold cool air and animals move for longer. Evenings can be very good in summer when tigers come down to water late in the day.
Jeeps and canters both operate in zone 2. The valley tracks are fine for a canter, and its height gives a decent view over the undergrowth. A jeep is the better tool when a sighting depends on waiting quietly at a waterhole, which is how many zone 2 sightings happen, and it can turn around faster when calls come from behind. Photographers and small groups should choose a jeep; larger family groups will be comfortable in a canter.
Put zone 2 as your preference when you book and we will enter it on the permit request. The forest department permit system does the final allocation and spreads vehicles across all ten zones, so no one can promise a specific zone. Booking well in advance improves the odds, and booking two or three safaris lets us request zone 2 alongside other active zones. We will tell you what the recent reports say before you decide.
Ask for zone 2 on your booking request and we will apply for it and share what the waterholes have been producing lately. Sending a request costs nothing.
6-seater gypsy, shared seat or private. From approx. ₹2,200 per Indian visitor.
20-seater shared canter, the lowest cost per seat. From approx. ₹1,500 per Indian visitor.
Send your date, slot, and visitor IDs. We check permit availability and confirm the price.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Core zone |
| Gate side | Main Sherpur side entry near Jogi Mahal |
| Terrain | Valleys and dense dry forest |
| Water bodies | Several waterholes along Phuta Kot, Nal Ghati and Lahpur |
| Other wildlife | Leopard, sambar, chital, wild boar, crocodile |
| Monsoon status | Closed 1 July to 30 September |
The main gate on the Sherpur side near Jogi Mahal, shared with zones 3, 4 and 5. Gate arrangements are set by the forest department and can change, so we confirm the entry point on your permit.
Historically it is one of the most productive zones because of its waterholes. Sightings are frequent but not guaranteed, and which tiger is active changes season to season.
Romeo (T-6) and T-57 are among the tigers reported here over the years, with tigresses crossing from neighbouring zones. Treat any list as a snapshot and ask us for recent reports.
Yes, more often than in most core zones, usually around the rocky sections. They are still a matter of luck.
No. Zone 2 is a core zone and closes from 1 July to 30 September. Buffer zones 6 to 10 have stayed open in the monsoon in recent seasons.
Hilly Singh Dwar zone on the Sultanpur side, linked to Noor and her cubs. Core zone, easy gate, good in the dry months.
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The lakes zone: Padam Talao, Raj Bagh and Jogi Mahal. Most requested zone in the park, now Riddhi's reported ground.
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Malik Talao and Lakarda, Machali's later territory, with sloth bears and the Laila side. Core zone on the main gate.
Read moreRocky Kachida Valley, Anantpura and Bakaula. Leopard and sloth bear country with a solid tiger record. Core zone.
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Kundal: open grassland buffer zone on the far Kundal gate, sharing Noor's family with zone 1. Open in recent monsoons.
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Chidikho: small, quiet buffer zone built around a few waterholes. Few vehicles, a few resident tigers reported.
Read moreBalas: hilly, quiet buffer zone next to Chidikho. Few vehicles, scattered water, tigers reported rather than regular.
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Kuwalji: the river zone on the Chambal side, 45 minutes from town. Male tigers reported, caracal and superb birds.
Read moreExplore more planning pages to compare safari timings, booking options, trip cost, travel routes, and family-friendly advice before you book.