In a landmark regulatory update, the mobile phone ban inside Ranthambore National Park has officially come into effect from 1 February 2026. The decision has been implemented by the Government of Rajasthan’s Forest Department, Ranthambore, in accordance with a recent ruling of the Honourable Supreme Court of India.
This new regulation introduces a clear and uniform protocol for safari conduct inside one of India’s most visited tiger reserves. It forms part of the updated safari guidelines designed to strengthen conservation, improve visitor discipline, and preserve the ecological integrity of the park.
If you are planning a safari in Ranthambore in 2026 or beyond, here is everything you need to know about the mobile phone ban, how it affects your visit, and why it has been implemented.
What the Mobile Phone Ban in Ranthambore National Park Means:
As per the latest official guidelines:
- Visitors are not permitted to carry mobile phones during safaris inside Ranthambore National Park.
- Safari drivers and authorised guides may carry mobile phones strictly for emergency use only, including:
- Medical emergencies
- Vehicle breakdowns
- Forest safety communication
- Guests are allowed to carry cameras as per existing norms.
- The restriction applies during safari movement across both core and buffer zones of the park.
The restriction applies during safari movement across both core and buffer zones of the park.
The objective is to maintain discipline during wildlife safaris while ensuring emergency communication remains possible through authorised personnel.
This move ensures clarity for visitors and brings consistency to safari regulations across the entire protected area.
Why the Mobile Phone Ban Was Introduced?
The implementation of the mobile phone ban inside Ranthambore National Park reflects a broader shift in wildlife conservation management across India. Protected areas are no longer being viewed as recreational spaces alone, they are fragile ecosystems that demand responsible behaviour.
- Reducing Noise and Disturbance
Mobile phones often disrupt safari discipline and can affect wildlife behaviour, particularly species such as tigers, leopards, deer, and birds that rely heavily on their senses.
- Preventing Reckless Behaviour for Content Creation
In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in:
- Visitors standing up during sightings
- Attempting to record videos for social media
- Distracting drivers for better angles
- Creating unnecessary commotion for “viral content”
Forest authorities have emphasised that wildlife zones are not content studios. The mobile phone ban reinforces the idea that conservation must take precedence over convenience and digital engagement.
- Enhancing Safety Inside the Park
Safari zones include dense forests, uneven terrain, and unpredictable wildlife movement. Distracted behaviour due to mobile phone usage can:
- Compromise visitor safety
- Distract drivers
- Delay emergency responses
- Limiting phone usage ensures better attention and situational awareness during safari drives
Applicability: Who Does the Ban Apply To?
The mobile phone ban in Ranthambore National Park applies to all safari participants, including:
- Gypsy safari guests
- Canter safari guests
- Private safari bookings
- Group safari tours
- Domestic tourists
- International visitors
No category of visitor is exempt from this rule. Compliance is mandatory at all safari entry gates.
Non-compliance may attract action under applicable forest and wildlife regulations.
Are Cameras Allowed Inside Ranthambore?
Yes. Cameras are permitted as per existing park norms.
Visitors can still:
- Carry DSLR cameras
- Use professional lenses (as per guidelines)
- Capture wildlife photography
However, flash photography remains prohibited, and visitors must follow standard wildlife photography ethics.
The aim is not to stop documentation of wildlife but is to regulate unnecessary digital disturbance.
Core and Buffer Zones Covered Under the Ban
The restriction applies across:
- Core safari zones
- Buffer safari zones
Whether you are booked for Zone 1 to Zone 10 or any other operational safari route, the mobile phone restriction applies uniformly during safari movement inside park limits.
How This Impacts the Safari Experience
Many travellers initially question whether the mobile phone ban will reduce their experience. In reality, the regulation may significantly enhance it.
- A More Immersive Wildlife Experience
Without mobile distractions:
- Visitors are more attentive
- Conversations become meaningful
- Focus shifts to natural sounds
- Sightings become more engaging
- Better Safari Discipline
With fewer distractions:
- Drivers can concentrate fully
- Guides can explain wildlife behaviour clearly
- Sightings are calmer and more controlled
- This improves the overall safari atmosphere for everyone in the vehicle.
- Promoting Responsible Tourism
Ranthambore is one of India’s most iconic tiger reserves. Responsible tourism ensures that future generations can experience it the same way.
The mobile phone ban promotes:
- Respect for wildlife
- Mindful behaviour
- Sustainable tourism practices
- Conservation Over Convenience: A Necessary Step
By enforcing the mobile phone ban, forest authorities are sending a strong message:
The forest is a living ecosystem, not a digital entertainment venue.
Wildlife conservation today is not only about anti-poaching patrols or habitat protection. It is also about regulating human behaviour inside protected areas.
Across India, several tiger reserves have been strengthening visitor guidelines to:
- Limit overcrowding
- Control vehicle movement
- Enforce time restrictions
- Promote eco-sensitive tourism
Ranthambore’s updated safari regulation aligns with this national conservation philosophy.
What Visitors Should Do Before Their Safari
If you are planning a visit to Ranthambore National Park:
- Do not carry your mobile phone to the safari vehicle.
- If required, confirm at your hotel about secure storage options.
Carry necessary essentials such as:
- Government ID
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Cap
Being prepared ensures a smooth and compliant safari experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the mobile phone ban permanent?
A: As of 1 February 2026, the regulation is in effect. Any future modifications would be subject to official notification by the Forest Department.
Q: Can guides use phones for coordination?
A: Yes, but strictly for emergency purposes only.
Q: Does the ban apply to buffer zones?
A: Yes, it applies to both core and buffer zones during safari movement.
Q: Can I keep my phone switched off inside my bag?
A: As per current guidelines, visitors are not permitted to carry mobile phones during safari drives.
Final Thoughts: A Positive Step for Ranthambore
The mobile phone ban inside Ranthambore National Park marks a significant milestone in wildlife tourism regulation in India. While it may feel restrictive at first, the long-term benefits for conservation, safety, and safari quality are substantial.
Ranthambore remains one of India’s premier tiger destinations, known for:
- High tiger sighting probability
- Rich biodiversity
- Historic landscapes
- Iconic safari experiences
By prioritising conservation over convenience, authorities are ensuring that Ranthambore continues to thrive as a protected ecosystem rather than a digital spectacle.
