How to Book Safari Permits in India – Step-by-Step Guide

Published On: July 24, 2025

If you want to go on a safari in any national park or wildlife sanctuary in India, it is not enough to just arrive with a car and camera – you must book your permit in advance. Many visitors are unsure about the process – where to book, which documents are needed, how far in advance to plan, or what to do if the trip is spontaneous.

There are mainly two ways to book a safari permit:

Online booking – the easiest and most reliable method
Counter or gate booking – limited and on-the-spot option

Some parks also offer “Tatkal” permits – last-minute, limited availability passes that often cost more and sell out quickly.

Table of Contents

1. Online Booking – Prepare for Your Safari from Home

Most state forest departments now have online booking portals for their respective national parks and tiger reserves. This allows you to book from anywhere.

Step-by-Step Process:

Choose a park: Decide which park or sanctuary you want to visit. Each park has its own online portal, often linked to the state’s forest department website.
Example: Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is booked via the Rajasthan Forest Department website; Jim Corbett National Park via Uttarakhand’s portal.
Go to the booking section: Look for “Online Safari Booking” or “Safari Permit”. Select your preferred date, time, and vehicle type.
Fill in your details: Provide name, age, gender, date, time slot (morning or evening), and vehicle choice (jeep or canter).
Morning safaris usually start around 6:00 am, evening safaris around 3:00 pm.
Provide ID details: Passport is mandatory for foreign nationals. Indians can use Aadhaar card, voter ID, driving license, or passport.
Pay the fee: Make payment via debit card, credit card, or net banking. Fees usually include entry, vehicle, and guide charges.
Get confirmation: After successful payment, you’ll receive a booking confirmation. Note: Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Carry your ID: Bring the same original ID used during booking on the day of the safari.

2. Counter or Gate Booking – On-the-Spot Permits

Some parks allow permits to be purchased at the entry gate or reception office. This is useful for last-minute plans, but seats are limited and sell out quickly in peak season (October–March).

Tatkal Booking:

Available in select parks for last-minute visitors. Costs are slightly higher but can secure you a spot if you’re lucky.

Things to Keep in Mind While Booking

Plan in advance: Book 30–60 days ahead for popular parks like Ranthambore, Kaziranga, and Bandhavgarh.
Vehicle & guide selection: Usually arranged by the forest department. Jeeps seat 6 (more personal but costlier), canters seat 16–20 (cheaper, group experience).
Follow park rules: No noise, feeding animals, or getting off the vehicle. Violations can result in fines.
Tour operator help: First-timers can book through reputable tour operators who arrange hotels, transport, and safaris together.