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Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve, Chambal Ravines & Forest

Rajasthan's fifth tiger reserve, along the Chambal in Dholpur and Karauli: ravines, dry forest and lakes, with tourism still at an early stage.

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Plan Your Safari

Talk to a wildlife specialist.

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by My Jungle Junction.

By submitting, you agree to our Cancellation & Refund Policy and Privacy Policy.

My Jungle Junction's Guide to Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve

The Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Safari Experience

Dholpur-Karauli was approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority on 4 August 2023 and received in-principle approval from the Environment Ministry later that month, becoming India's 54th and Rajasthan's fifth tiger reserve. The NTCA lists a total of about 1,058 sq km, of which roughly 600 sq km is core and 458 sq km buffer.

It lies in Dholpur and Karauli districts, close to the Chambal river, and builds on existing protected forest in the area. It also acts as a link between Ranthambore and the forests of Madhya Pradesh.

A formal tourism programme has not been confirmed, so we treat this as an emerging destination. Combined with Ranthambore, one or two nights fit well. We check forest-department arrangements before booking.

1,058

sq. km reserve

1 + 1

Core + Buffer zones

2023

Declared National Park

Dholpur-Karauli Safari Packages

My Jungle Junction's Bestselling Dholpur-Karauli Safari Packages

Because Dholpur-Karauli is still opening to tourism, we do not sell it as a stand-alone tiger trip. We combine it with Ranthambore, Agra or Jaipur and verify with the forest department whether any safari or guided access is available on your dates. If nothing is open, we adjust the itinerary toward the Chambal, birding and heritage so the trip still delivers.

How Many Safaris Should You Do in Dholpur-Karauli?

Treat any safari here as a bonus

Safari arrangements here are not yet established, so we cannot promise a set number of drives. If access is available, we suggest two outings to sample the forest and ravines, and relying on Ranthambore for your main tiger days. This honest approach avoids disappointment and still lets you see a newly protected landscape. We confirm availability with the forest department before you commit to anything.

Two safaris are the realistic plan if access is available: one morning, one afternoon, enough to see the terrain and learn what the forest department is developing.

Three safaris would only make sense once a regular tourism zone is running. Until then, we would rather add a day at Ranthambore.

Four to six safaris should be built around Ranthambore, with Dholpur-Karauli as a separate half-day or add-on.

The reserve suits travellers who already know the Rajasthan circuit and want to see its newest forest, rather than first-time visitors looking for reliable sightings.

We keep the plan flexible and honest about what is open.

Best Safari Zones

Safari Zones in Dholpur-Karauli

Dholpur-Karauli was notified recently, and the forest department has not yet published a tourism zoning scheme that we can confirm. What is known is the overall structure: a core of about 600 sq km and a buffer of about 458 sq km across Dholpur and Karauli districts, along the Chambal river. We therefore list the main parts of the reserve rather than numbered gates, and we confirm any open entry points directly before you travel. This approach keeps the information accurate for you.

Core (Critical Tiger Habitat)

About 600 sq km of the reserve, closed to general tourism unless officially notified.

Buffer Zone

About 458 sq km of surrounding forest and village land.

Karauli Forests

The Karauli district part of the reserve, in sandstone hill country.

Dholpur Forests

The Dholpur district part, near the Chambal river and its ravines.

How to Reach & When to Visit

How to Reach & Best Time to Visit Dholpur-Karauli

✈️

By Air

Agra's airport is the closest practical option for Dholpur, and Jaipur is the larger hub for Karauli. Check flight schedules, as services vary, and allow a few hours' drive.

🚆

By Train

Dholpur is on the Delhi-Agra-Gwalior rail line; Karauli is reached via stations on the Delhi-Mumbai route. Onward travel is by taxi. Confirm which station is closest to your entry point.

🚗

By Road

Dholpur sits on the Agra-Gwalior highway, and Karauli connects to Jaipur and Ranthambore by road. A private car is the best way to reach the forest edge.

Best Time to Visit Dholpur-Karauli

Dholpur-Karauli changes character through the year; here is what each season offers.

🍂
Winter
Oct - Feb

The best season, with cool air and good conditions for birdwatching on the Chambal and for any available forest access.

☀️
Summer
Mar - Jun

Very hot. Wildlife concentrates around water, but conditions are demanding; keep drives to early morning.

🌧️
Monsoon
Jul - Sep

Monsoon turns the ravines green and the roads can be difficult. Access is unlikely; check before you travel.

MJJ Insight : Tip: Dholpur-Karauli tourism is still taking shape. Tell us your dates early so we can confirm what is open and pair it with Ranthambore.

The Wildlife of Dholpur-Karauli

Beyond the Tiger: Dholpur-Karauli's Wildlife

The reserve's forests and ravines support leopard, sloth bear, striped hyena, jackal and nilgai, with sambar and chital among the main prey. Reports suggest a small number of tigers, including a female and young, now move through the Dholpur forests, arriving from Ranthambore. The Chambal river holds gharial and mugger and attracts a good range of birds, while the dry forest supports peafowl and raptors. Numbers are still being studied, so we avoid quoting exact counts. Reptiles and butterflies also feature in the warmer months.

Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve, Chambal Ravines & Forest - wildlife sighting
Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve, Chambal Ravines & Forest - wildlife sighting
Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve, Chambal Ravines & Forest - wildlife sighting
Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve, Chambal Ravines & Forest - wildlife sighting

Famous Tigers of Dholpur-Karauli

Tigers moving in from Ranthambore

No individual tigers here have the fame of Ranthambore's, but reports mention a small group, including adults and cubs, ranging through Dholpur's forests after dispersing from Ranthambore. Names and codes are recent and subject to change, so we confirm with the forest department rather than rely on older lists. Ask your guide for the latest news on the day of any visit you make.

T-116 T-117 T-2303 Chambal river

Ranthambore's success has produced more tigers than it can hold, and Dholpur-Karauli is one of the places they have gone. Local reports have named animals such as T-116, T-117 and T-2303 moving through the Dholpur area, with cubs also recorded.

These details come from news reports and may change, so treat them as indicative. What is clear is that tigers have arrived without being brought in.

That is why the area was made a tiger reserve in 2023. We ask the forest department for current information before every trip and share it with you openly.

Treat any individual tiger name as provisional.

Your Stay in Dholpur-Karauli

Your Stay in Dholpur-Karauli

Where to Stay near Dholpur-Karauli

There is no established cluster of safari lodges yet. Visitors usually base themselves in Dholpur, Karauli or nearby Agra and Ranthambore. Dholpur has a handful of heritage-style resorts, including properties near Ramsagar Lake, and Karauli has simple hotels around its palace. Choose by how close you want to be to the forest, what facilities matter and whether you prefer heritage character or modern comfort. We advise combining it with a stay near Ranthambore. Staying near Ranthambore gives you more choice of lodges and guides.

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Safari Etiquette

Dos and Don'ts on a Dholpur-Karauli safari

✓ Dos

  • ✓ Keep your voice low inside the forest.
  • ✓ Listen to your guide and naturalist.
  • ✓ Respect safari routes and forest regulations.
  • ✓ Carry water, sun protection and suitable clothing.
  • ✓ Keep your camera ready without disturbing wildlife.

✕ Don'ts

  • ✕ Ask the driver to break rules.
  • ✕ Request a driver to block an animal's movement.
  • ✕ Feed wildlife.
  • ✕ Throw anything from the vehicle.

Why Should You Visit Dholpur-Karauli

The newest piece of Rajasthan's tiger landscape

Dholpur-Karauli matters because it extends the area open to tigers along the Chambal, linking Ranthambore with forests further east. For visitors, it is a chance to see conservation at an early stage, before roads, lodges and crowds define the experience. The ravines, lakes and red sandstone forts give the area a distinct character, and the river brings birds and reptiles that other parks lack. If you enjoy new destinations and are happy to base the trip on Ranthambore with a side visit, it is a worthwhile addition. If you want guaranteed sightings, it is not yet the place. It is a landscape worth seeing early.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Dholpur-Karauli

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