Ranthambore zone 6

Ranthambore Zone 6: Kundal

Zone 6 is Kundal, a buffer zone of open grassland and scrub entered through the Kundal gate on the opposite side of the park from the Sherpur gates. It borders zone 1 and shares tigers with it, with Noor's family and Sultan (T-72) reported here in recent seasons. It is also one of the zones that has stayed open in the monsoon. Here is what a Kundal permit involves.

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Type: Buffer zone (zones 6 to 10 are buffer)
Entry gate: Kundal gate, far side of the park from Sherpur
Landscape: Open grassland and scrub under big hills
Known tigers: Noor's family and Sultan (T-72) reported

Landscape and Route

Kundal looks nothing like the lakes. The track crosses wide grassland and low scrub with a wall of hills behind, and the horizon is open enough that you can spot a tiger walking a long way off. Guides work spots such as Kala Pani, Saran Ka Pattha, Patwa Ki Baori, Khabli and Soleshwar, and the few waterholes matter greatly in the dry months. Because the ground is open, sightings here often last longer than in the core, with the animal in view across the grass rather than lost in cover.

Entry Gate and Drive Time From Hotels

Zone 6 enters through the Kundal gate, which is on the far side of the park from the Sherpur gates used by zones 1 to 5. From most Ranthambore Road hotels the drive is around 35 to 50 minutes by road around the outside of the park, so pickup for zone 6 is earlier than for a core zone, typically an hour and a quarter or more before the slot. Hotels on the Khilchipur and Kundera side are closer. We set the pickup time when the permit comes through.

Tigers and Other Wildlife

Zone 6 shares its tigers with zone 1 and the buffer beyond. Noor (T-39) and her offspring are the family most often reported here, and Sultan (T-72), her son from 2012, has been linked to this side, though male ranges shift and we hedge that. Other tigers move through the grassland on their way between the core and the outer reserve. Kundal is also the best zone for chinkara, the Indian gazelle, and for the endangered red-headed vulture, and its open ground makes birds of prey easy to watch.

Best Season and Slot

Unlike the core zones, which close from 1 July to 30 September, zone 6 has been kept open in the monsoon in recent seasons, when the grassland is green and the light is dramatic. October to March is comfortable and the grass is high after the rains. April to June is hot in the open, but the waterholes concentrate movement. Morning is our usual suggestion because there is little shade once the sun is up; evenings give lovely light across the grass for photography.

Jeep or Canter Suitability

Both jeeps and canters run into Kundal and the flat tracks suit either. The open landscape means a canter's height is a real advantage here, with a clear view over the grass for everyone on board, and the ride is smooth. A jeep still wins for photographers who need to reposition quickly when a tiger walks across the open, and for guests who want a quieter vehicle. On a monsoon safari the jeep is usually the vehicle on offer, but confirm with us.

How to Request Zone 6

Tell us you want zone 6 and we will put it on the permit application. Zone allocation is by the forest department permit system and cannot be guaranteed, but the buffer zones are generally easier to obtain than the lakes, especially on busy dates. If you are visiting in July to September, zone 6 is one of the zones you can actually book. We will factor the longer gate drive into your pickup time and tell you what the recent reports say from the Kundal side.

Two young tigers running on a dusty track

Open safari jeep passing through a stone gateway arch

Book a Ranthambore safari

Want the open grassland of Kundal? Share your dates and we will request zone 6 and sort out the earlier pickup for the far gate. Sending a request costs nothing.

Ranthambore Jeep Safari Booking

6-seater gypsy, shared seat or private. From approx. ₹2,200 per Indian visitor.

Ranthambore Canter Safari Booking

20-seater shared canter, the lowest cost per seat. From approx. ₹1,500 per Indian visitor.

Ranthambore Safari Booking

Send your date, slot, and visitor IDs. We check permit availability and confirm the price.

Zone 6 at a Glance

Item	Detail
Type	Buffer zone
Gate side	Kundal gate, opposite side of the park from Sherpur
Terrain	Open grassland and scrub with a hill backdrop
Water bodies	Kala Pani and a few waterholes and baoris
Other wildlife	Chinkara, red-headed vulture, nilgai, raptors
Monsoon status	Kept open in recent monsoons; confirm for your dates

Frequently Asked Questions

Which gate is used for Ranthambore zone 6?

The Kundal gate, on the far side of the park from the Sherpur gates used by the core zones. It is a longer drive from most hotels, so pickup is set earlier.

Is zone 6 good for tiger sighting?

It has produced strong sightings in recent seasons because it shares Noor's family with zone 1 and the open ground makes tigers easy to see when they are out. Nothing is guaranteed and we go by recent reports.

How far is the Kundal gate from the Ranthambore Road hotels?

Usually 35 to 50 minutes by road around the outside of the park. Hotels on the Khilchipur or Kundera side are closer. We adjust the pickup time accordingly.

Is zone 6 open in the monsoon?

It has been kept open in July to September in recent seasons, unlike the core zones 1 to 5, which close. The forest department confirms the arrangement each year, so check with us for your dates.

Which tigers are in zone 6?

Noor (T-39) and her offspring are most often reported, and Sultan (T-72) has been linked to this side. Treat any list as a snapshot and ask us for the current picture.

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Other Ranthambore safari zones

All safari zones

Safari jeep in a misty valley below the Aravalli hills

Ranthambore Zone 1: Singh Dwar and Sultanpur

Hilly Singh Dwar zone on the Sultanpur side, linked to Noor and her cubs. Core zone, easy gate, good in the dry months.

Red-walled Jogi Mahal beside Padam Talao

Ranthambore Zone 2: Jogi Mahal, Phuta Kot and Lahpur

Waterhole-rich core zone on the Jogi Mahal side with a long sighting record. Shortest gate drive from most hotels.

Tree on a small island in Padam Talao at dawn

Ranthambore Zone 3: Padam Talao and the Lakes

The lakes zone: Padam Talao, Raj Bagh and Jogi Mahal. Most requested zone in the park, now Riddhi's reported ground.

Ranthambore Zone 4: Malik Talao and Lakarda

Malik Talao and Lakarda, Machali's later territory, with sloth bears and the Laila side. Core zone on the main gate.

Ranthambore Zone 5: Kachida Valley and Bakaula

Rocky Kachida Valley, Anantpura and Bakaula. Leopard and sloth bear country with a solid tiger record. Core zone.

Ranthambore Zone 7: Chidikho

Chidikho: small, quiet buffer zone built around a few waterholes. Few vehicles, a few resident tigers reported.

Ranthambore Zone 8: Balas

Balas: hilly, quiet buffer zone next to Chidikho. Few vehicles, scattered water, tigers reported rather than regular.

Ranthambore Zone 9: Kuwalji

Kuwalji: the river zone on the Chambal side, 45 minutes from town. Male tigers reported, caracal and superb birds.

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