Ranthambore zone 4
Zone 4 covers Malik Talao, the smallest of the three lakes, and runs out through Lakarda, Adidant, Tamakhan and Berda. It was Machali's territory in her later years and it remains one of the stronger zones for sightings, with the Laila (T-41) side reported active in recent seasons. This page sets out the route, the gate and what to expect.
Zone 4 begins near the lakes and heads past Malik Talao, a small lake below the fort walls that is famous for its crocodiles and kingfishers. From there the track runs through Lakarda, an open plain dotted with termite mounds where sloth bears feed, and on to Adidant, Tamakhan and the Berda side, where the ground rises into rockier hills. It is a zone of contrasts: water and open grass early, then dry forest and cover, with good chances at both ends of the drive.
Zone 4 uses the main gate on the Sherpur side and shares its entry point with zone 5, so from most Ranthambore Road hotels the drive is 10 to 20 minutes. Sawai Madhopur town and hotels out towards Kundera add ten minutes or so. Pickup is about an hour before the slot. Because zones 2 to 5 all funnel through the same area at opening time, we build in a margin rather than arrive at the last minute.
Machali (T-16) spent her final years around Malik Talao and Lakarda, and the zone has stayed productive since. In recent seasons the Laila (T-41) side has been reported active, with other tigers from the lakes and from Kachida moving through. Which animal you might see depends on the week, so we go by recent reports. Zone 4 is also the best place in the park for sloth bears, which dig at the Lakarda mounds in the cool hours, and Malik Talao gives close crocodile and kingfisher viewing.
Zone 4 is a core zone and closes from 1 July to 30 September. October to March is comfortable and is when sloth bears are reported most on the Lakarda plain. April to June is hot, but Malik Talao and the remaining pools pull animals in and sightings around water rise. Morning is the slot we suggest: the bears are out early, the crocodiles bask in the first sun and the light is on the fort walls behind the lake. Summer evenings are good for tigers at water.
Both vehicle types run in zone 4. The lake and Lakarda sections are easy going and a canter copes well, with the extra height useful over the grass. The Berda side is rougher and a jeep handles it with less fuss. For photographers, a jeep is the better choice because Malik Talao rewards stopping and waiting at the right angle. For a family or a group, a canter is a sensible way to see this zone at a lower cost per seat.
Tell us zone 4 is your preference and we will put it on the permit request. The forest department permit system allocates zones to balance vehicles across the park, so we can request but never guarantee. Zone 4 is a good second choice alongside zone 3 because it shares the same gate and has its own water. If you book two safaris we will usually request one lakes zone and one active alternative, and we will say plainly what the recent reports show.
Request zone 4 with your dates and we will apply for it and tell you what Malik Talao and Lakarda have been producing. 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, shared with zone 5 |
| Terrain | Lake, open termite-mound plain, rocky Berda hills |
| Water bodies | Malik Talao, pools along Lakarda and Tamakhan |
| Other wildlife | Sloth bear, marsh crocodile, kingfisher, sambar, chital |
| Monsoon status | Closed 1 July to 30 September |
The main gate on the Sherpur side, shared with zone 5 and close to the entry for zones 2 and 3. Gate arrangements are set by the forest department and can change by notification.
It has a strong record, from Machali's later years to the Laila side in recent seasons. Sightings are regular but not guaranteed, and we check recent reports before recommending it.
Laila (T-41) is the tigress most associated with this side in recent seasons, with other tigers moving through from the lakes and Kachida. Treat any list as a snapshot.
The Lakarda plain in zone 4 is the most reliable place in the park for sloth bears, especially on cool mornings from October to March. They are still a matter of luck.
No. Zone 4 is a core zone and closes from 1 July to 30 September. The 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.
Read more
Waterhole-rich core zone on the Jogi Mahal side with a long sighting record. Shortest gate drive from most hotels.
Read more
The lakes zone: Padam Talao, Raj Bagh and Jogi Mahal. Most requested zone in the park, now Riddhi's reported ground.
Read moreRocky Kachida Valley, Anantpura and Bakaula. Leopard and sloth bear country with a solid tiger record. Core zone.
Read more
Kundal: open grassland buffer zone on the far Kundal gate, sharing Noor's family with zone 1. Open in recent monsoons.
Read moreChidikho: 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.
Read more
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.