Ranthambore zone 5
Zone 5 is the rocky southern part of the core, running through Kachida Valley, Anantpura and Bakaula from the Singhdwar side. It is the zone most associated with leopards and sloth bears, and it has a solid tiger record linked to Sundari's lineage through T-73 and to Laila (T-41). This page covers the route, the gate and how to get the most from a zone 5 permit.
The zone 5 route leaves the shared entry and turns towards the Singhdwar side before climbing into Kachida Valley, a bowl of broken rock and dhok forest with steep sides. Beyond it the track opens on to the Anantpura plain, then drops into Bakaula, a shaded, moist pocket with pools that hold water long into summer. Jokha, Dhakda and Baghda are the other names you will hear. It is a varied drive, with rock, grass and shade in one loop.
Zone 5 shares its entry point with zone 4 on the main Sherpur side, so from the Ranthambore Road hotels the drive is usually 10 to 20 minutes and from Sawai Madhopur town closer to 30. Pickup is about an hour before the slot begins. The zone 5 loop is one of the longer core routes, so drivers keep moving from the start; being on time at the gate matters more here than in the lakes zones.
Zone 5 tigers in recent seasons have been linked to Sundari's lineage through T-73 and her cubs, and to Laila (T-41), whose range overlaps the Kachida and Lakarda side. Other tigers pass through from zone 4 and from the buffer to the south. We treat all of that as reported rather than fixed. What sets zone 5 apart is the rest of the cast: Kachida is the best place in Ranthambore for leopards, and sloth bears are regular on the rocky slopes and at the mounds near Anantpura.
Zone 5 is a core zone and closes from 1 July to 30 September. October to March is the comfortable time and is when bears are reported most. April to June is hot in the rock, but the Bakaula pools become the focus for animals and sightings there rise. The evening slot suits Kachida because leopards move as the light goes and the low sun across the rocks is the best light of the day. Mornings are better for bears and for the Anantpura plain.
Jeeps and canters both enter zone 5, but the Kachida section is rough and the route is long, so a jeep is noticeably more comfortable and can get into positions a canter cannot. If leopards or photography are the aim, choose a jeep. A canter is acceptable for a group that wants the zone at a lower cost per seat, and the height helps on the Anantpura plain, but expect a bumpier ride through the valley.
Ask for zone 5 when you send your booking request and we will put it on the permit application. Zone allocation is by the forest department permit system, which spreads vehicles across the park, so we cannot guarantee it. Zone 5 tends to be a little easier to obtain than zone 3, which makes it a good request for a second safari. Tell us if leopards or bears are your priority and we will time the slot accordingly.
Want Kachida on your permit? Send your dates and we will request zone 5 and suggest the slot that suits leopards or bears. 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 4 |
| Terrain | Rocky valley, open plain and shaded forest pockets |
| Water bodies | Bakaula pools, seasonal Kachida and Anantpura waterholes |
| Other wildlife | Leopard, sloth bear, sambar, chital, hyena reported |
| Monsoon status | Closed 1 July to 30 September |
The main gate on the Sherpur side, shared with zone 4. Gate arrangements are set by the forest department and can change by notification, so we confirm the entry on your permit.
It has a solid record, with sightings linked to Sundari's line and Laila in recent seasons, but it is a large, rocky zone and sightings are never guaranteed. We check recent reports first.
Kachida Valley in zone 5 is the part of Ranthambore most associated with leopards. Evening slots give the best chance, and it is still a matter of luck.
T-73 and her cubs from Sundari's lineage, and Laila (T-41), are the tigers most often reported here. Others move through from zone 4 and the buffer.
No. Zone 5 is a core zone and closes from 1 July to 30 September. Buffer zones 6 to 10 have been kept 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 more
Malik Talao and Lakarda, Machali's later territory, with sloth bears and the Laila side. Core zone on the main gate.
Read more
Kundal: open grassland buffer zone on the far Kundal gate, sharing Noor's family with zone 1. Open in recent monsoons.
Read more
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.
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.