Ranthambore horror moment: Tourists left stranded in the jungle after canter breaks down—key safety lessons

Recently an incident happened in the country’s well-known national park that prompted us to revisit the importance of safari safety and emergency preparedness for tourists. As many as 20 tourists were left stranded inside Ranthambore National Park on the evening of Saturday, August 16, 2025, after their safari vehicle (canter) broke down mid-route, officials said. The incident came to light after purported videos showing the tourists, including children, stranded in darkness surfaced online.Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Pramod Dhakad told PTI that the accompanying guide left the group to fetch another vehicle, resulting in the tourists being stuck for nearly one and a half hours. “Those restricted include canter drivers Kanhaiya, Shehzad Choudhary, and Liaqat Ali, along with guide Mukesh Kumar Bairwa,” he said. Assistant Conservator of Forests Ashwini Pratap has been assigned to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter.According to NDTV, the canter carrying tourists broke down in Zone 6 of the park. The tourists alleged that the guide misbehaved with them before leaving, and failed to return promptly with a replacement vehicle. And when it started to get dark, the group relied on their mobile phones lights to navigate the area, which is home to not just tigers, but also a diverse population of mammals, reptiles, and birds. The park’s official website notes it hosts leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, palm civets, jackals, desert foxes, Banded Kraits, cobras, common kraits, and pythons, among other species.Read more: India's 2 favourite mini Switzerlands: North's Khajjiar vs. South's munnarPurported videos of the incident have been circulating on social media, which showed children crying as they waited to be rescued. Following the reports, the park administration barred the three canter drivers and the guide from entering the park until the probe is completed.Reports added that the tourists were eventually rescued unharmed around 7:30 PM, ending a tense ordeal that lasted approximately 90 minutes.Read more: 10 places to visit in October

Takeaway for visitors

While such incidents are rare, tourists can stay safe by following a few key precautions during wildlife safaris:Stay calm and stay put: If a vehicle breaks down, remain seated and avoid wandering into the forest, especially after dark.Keep communication devices ready: Carry a fully charged mobile phone and, if possible, a power bank to maintain contact with park authorities.Use lights wisely: Flashlights or mobile phone lights can help signal for help, but avoid shining them directly at wildlife.Follow the guide’s instructions cautiously: While guides are trained, tourists should clarify plans in case of emergencies and know basic safety protocols.Report promptly: Once safe, notify park authorities about the incident so corrective action can be taken.