Mobile Phone Ban in Ranthambore National Park

03 Feb, 2026

No Phones, No Distractions: Ranthambore Safari Goes Digital-Free Under Supreme Court Orders

The Rajasthan Forest Department has issued a full prohibition against the use of cell phones while on Ranthambore Safari Tours, following strict guidance from the Supreme Court of India. Consequently, all safari routes in Zone 1 through Zone 10 will be off limits for tourists bringing their mobile devices. According to officials, this decision is intended to help reduce noise, prevent dangerous actions such as taking selfies or getting too close to wildlife and maintain the natural cadence of the forest. The order applies equally to tourists and guides, naturalists and drivers of safari vehicles; violations will be subject to enforcement through existing laws and penalties.

Why Mobile Phones Were Banned in Ranthambore?

According to forest officials, mobile phone usage on tiger safaris is a major contributor to unsafe and disruptive behaviour and incidents.
Tourists who use their phones to chase down pictures or videos of tigers often lean out of their vehicles, approach the tigers too closely and often notify other gypsies when a tiger is seen, which creates vehicle congestion and causes stress to the wildlife and increases the safety risks associated with being around tigers.
These behaviours detract from the purpose of conservation-oriented tourism.

Supreme Court Guidelines and Strict Enforcement

As per guidelines set forth by the Supreme Court, mobile phones cannot be used in Core Tourism Zones in Tiger Reserves in any form. This is not an Advisory; it is Mandatory!
Enforcement responsibility has been assigned to Grade A and Grade B safari guides, and anyone found violating the rule will face penal consequences.
This is a much stricter approach than previous attempts where there were restrictions on both safari guides and drivers, but they were repealed after public protests.

Support from Conservationists and Environmentalists

The Ranthambore cellphone ban has been praised by environmentalists as a long overdue move towards responsible wildlife tourism in India. Green activists note that fewer people means animals can move and act naturally, which is especially important for sensitive tiger areas like Ranthambore. Officials at Sariska Tiger Reserve have confirmed that a similar mobile phone ban in tiger reserves will soon be enforced there as well. Wildlife enthusiasts are continuing to advocate for stricter enforcement of the laws prohibiting people from crowding around wild animals, particularly in Jhalana Safari Reserve.

Nature over Notification

With a full ban on mobile phones made a part of the rules for Ranthambore safari trips, the authorities are saying that wildlife conservation takes priority over taking photos or posting content about the trip. A mobile phone ban promotes sustainable tourism in Ranthambore and helps create a safer safari experience for all. Additionally, by eliminating the noise associated with electronic devices, it restores the sense of tranquility to one of India’s most highly visited locations for tiger sightings. For safari visitors, this is also an opportunity to reconnect with themselves and nature instead of having to worry about staying up-to-date with social media notifications.

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