Tiger Safaris in India

Ferocious, magnificent, mighty, agile, and royal. These words to justice to the powerful and fierce attitude of a Tiger. A tiger safari in India offers you a greatest chance to secure a wild encounter with the Royal Bengal Tiger. Be it the way it hunts down its prey, or when it roars mightily into the sky, witnessing a tiger in it’s full glory is certainly a spine-chilling experience! The desire to explore the wilderness of jungles has slowly started attracting more tourists towards jungle safaris over the years. And when it comes to authentic wildlife exploration, India has some of the best tiger reserves to offer as the setting of your safari. So which are the premium tiger reserves of India? What is the ideal time to visit them? What creatures can you get to capture with your camera? Read our Travel Guide to Tiger Safaris in India and find everything you need to know.

What makes India
the best tiger safari destination?

It will interest you to know that tigers were not only a part of many legends, but this mighty beast is also the national animal of India. The unaltered tropical forests of India, preserved in their pristine forms, are the natural dwellings of over 3890 tigers. Tiger safaris in India are not just about encountering the royal cats. It is about experiencing the wilderness of nature, appreciating the history and admiring nature’s treasures. With over 50 reserves, you have a lot of options to choose your favorite safari location based on its weather, surrounding scenic beauty, an abundance of flora and fauna, or heritage stays offered near the forest premises.

Tiger Population:

3,890+ Tigers

Home of around:

70% of the world’s tigers

# of Tiger Reserves in the Country:

63 Tiger Reserves

Diverse Wildlife:

India ia Among 17 mega bio-diverse countries

Forest Cover:

100s of National parks & 500+ wildlife sanctuaries

Project Tiger:

Success of a Wildlife Conservation Program

Amazing Facts
about Tiger Reserves in India:

  • 1 About 80% of the world’s recorded population of tigers inhabit the Indian subcontinent. That is close to 3890 tigers.
  • 2 As human activities like hunting and calamities like forest fires became frequent, tigers started losing their natural habitats, which further led to these species falling in the endangered category. Hence, the Indian Government initiated Project Tiger in 1973 for their protection and rehabilitation.
  • 3 Before the declaration of Project Tiger, India had only 9 tiger reserves. However, the initiatives taken under this project have now increased the number to 50 tiger reserves throughout the country.
  • 4 In addition to the existing ones, the Indian government plans to set up 4 more such reserves in the future.
  • 5 It is said that a Bengal tiger’s roar is so loud, it can even be heard from 2 km away.
  • 6 For many years the state of Madhya Pradesh housed the maximum number of tigers in India. However, a new report has declared that now it’s Sunderbans in West Bengal with the maximum count.
  • 7 The mighty Bengal tiger is found in some states of India.
  • 8 India has three Biosphere tiger reserves- Manas in Assam, Sunderbans in West Bengal, and Similipal in Orissa.
  • 9 Manas Tiger Reserve of Assam was declared a World Heritage site, making it the only reserve with this title.
  • 10 To provide a closer experience, some parks like Kaziranga, Jim Corbett, etc. also organize Elephant safaris.

11 Best National Parks
and Reserves for Tiger Safari in India:

With about 50 tiger reserves scattered over 19 states, narrowing in on the best reserve to visit becomes a tough choice. All reserves are well-maintained and offer unique wildlife adventures of their own. However, you got to pick one. So here are our top 11 picks for tiger safari in India and what all you can look forward to while visiting them.

Ranthambore National Park - Best Tiger Safari in India Destination

Ranthambore National Park

When it comes to naming the most renowned national park in India for tiger safari in India, the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is always a popular choice. Once a prominent destination for the Rajput Maharajas of Jaipur where they occasionally came to hunt for pleasure, this site is now demarcated as a preserved region for tigers and other precious animals inhabiting the region.

It is estimated that the park houses close to 663 tigers, making the chance of spotting a tiger very high. Besides tigers, once can also come across hyenas, sloth bears, Indian foxes, panthers, and jackals. The three lakes present in the premises is said to be the habitat of many reptiles like crocodiles and snakes. The ruins of the historic Ranthambore Fort is a beloved resting spot for the tigers in summers and also serves as a decent point for photography. Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli range, Ranthambore National Park welcomes thousands of visitors every year. The resplendent surroundings and royal accommodations are what charms the aristocrats, making it one of the most visited reserves of the Indian subcontinent. Thus, Ranthambore National Park is certainly one of the finest places for Tiger safaris in India.
Read more about Ranthambore National Park

bandhavgarh

Bhandhavgarh National Park

In the wilderness of Vindhyan Range lies the Bandhavgarh National Park in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh was declared as a National Park in 1968, and this park occupies an area of about 105 sq. Km. The Bandhavgarh itself has a history that dates back to 2000 years ago, the place holding a very mythological significance. It is believed Bandhavgarh was gifted by Lord Rama to his younger brother Lakshmana and it is from here the place gets its name.

Thus, Bandhavgarh is a combination of two words; ‘Bandhav plus Garh,’ where Bandhav means brother and Garh mean Fort. So the name literally means ‘brother’s fort.’ Bandhavgarh is also the land of tigers. The National Park has the highest density of 526 Bengal Royal Tiger in the world; the sight will be total majestic and thrill in itself to spot a big cat. Bandhavgarh National Park also includes tall grasslands and thick sal forests. This National Park has three major zone demarcations namely-Tala, Camera, and Magdi. Magdi is a transitional zone where tourists get the opportunity of spotting the Royal tiger and some other animals like Elephants, Langurs, Bison, and Cheetals. The ideal time to visit and explore this place in January to March.
Read more about Bandhavgarh National Park

Tadoba National Park

Tadoba Andhari National Park

Wild ambience blended with tropical climate make Tadoba National park ideal destination for wildlife safari lovers. Tadoba National park also known as “Tadoba Tiger Reserve” is oldest and largest National park of Maharashtra set up in year 1955 with the total area of 1727sq.km. The Park resides in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state and is approximately 150 km away from Nagpur city. The name has been bestowed by local tribal people “Tadpna” or “Taru” from the local god they worship and “Andheri” from the regional river that flows in the area. The National Park primarily focuses on boosting tiger population. A total of about 46 tiger populations inhabit in the National park.

With the endless richness of resources (I.e., flora and fauna) one can come across- Indian Mouse Deer, Ratel, Sambar, Wild Pig, Spotted Deer, Flying Squirrel, Four Horned Antelope. This place attracts a huge number of tourists over a year. For adventure lover gypsy and jeep safari are always an option. The best period to plan your tiger safari tour in Tadoba would be from January to March and treat yourself with thrill and adventure.
Read more about Tadoba Andhari National Park

bandhavgarh

Kahna Tiger Reserve

When it comes to a wide variety of wildlife, Madhya Pradesh tops the list, and the tiger reserve of Kanha is amongst them. Perched in the very pristine Maikal Range of Satpura, this reserve lies in Central India. Prominent as one of the finest tiger reserves in India, it offers travelers and wildlife enthusiasts multiple attractions to venture into this place.

Jim corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park

“My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a beautiful corner of nature.” These lines well suit the vibes you get as soon as you enter Jim Corbett National Park. Situated in the magical landscape of sub-Himalayan belt in Nainital District, this reserve is an eminent tourist attraction for wildlife lovers all over the world.

nagarhole national park

Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve

The sweet aroma of rosewood and sandalwood trees fill the air as you stroll through the forests of Nagarhole National Park. Named as a tiger reserve in 1999, this park was officially known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park.

Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park

Many years ago, the royal families of Mysore kingdom used to visit these broad-leaf deciduous forests when they went on hunting expeditions.

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park

Adored for the unparalleled beauty of its bewitching landscape, Kaziranga National Park is one of the most charismatic wildlife reserves in the Indian subcontinent and also an ideal place for tiger safaris in India. Surrounded by the aromatic tea plantations of Assam, this national park is the abode of the world’s largest one-horned rhinoceros.

Pench National Park

Pench National Park

Pench National Park is one of the remarkable tiger reserves of India. Most of us have already read about its ethereal beauty, as this is the jungle that Mowgli was lost in and raised as a child in the story “The Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling. Located in the foothills of Satpura range, this reserve is shared by the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. However, the major part lies in the former state.

Panna National Park

Panna National Park

Resting on the verdant greenery of Vindhyachal range, Panna National Park of Madhya Pradesh is cherished for its natural vistas hosting an abundance of wildlife. The entire reserve encompasses an area of 543 sq. Km. It spreads across the districts of Panna and Chattarpur.

Sariska Tiger Reserve

Sariska Tiger Reserve

Another popular name in the list of national parks in the tiger reserve of Sariska. Located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, this was formerly a hunting ground before being declared a wildlife reserve in 1990.

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When is the
Best Time to see Tigers in India?

Pointing out the best months for tiger safaris in India is tough. Wildlife lovers who wish to get close encounters with the mighty beasts in their natural habitats prefer to come during the drier months from February to June. The soaring temperatures and thescorching heat depletes the water of pools and lakes. The grass and trees dry due to shriveling, making the landscape look parched and desert-like. Thirst drives these tigers out of their homes to roam in search of water and rest in the proximity of the remaining pools. Hence, the chances of spotting tigers become maximum. And you also get plenty of opportunities to photograph wildlife so near at hand.

However, the hot climate makes it equally uncomfortable to travel. So for a breezy atmosphere, some travelers prefer coming after the monsoon months of August and September. The showers of the rainy season restore the green in the jungle. The grasslands become taller, making it hard to spot to find tigers, and at the same time, increasing the adventure. Also, the cool weather makes traveling a lot easier.

FAQs for Tiger Safari in India

Tigers can adapt to a variety of climatic conditions, hence are found in about 19 states of India. As per the latest census, the states of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka are home to around 526 tigers each. Next in line is Uttarakhand, with over 442 tigers in its jungles.

Spreading across five districts, with a total area of more than 3700 sq. Km is Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. This tiger reserve lies in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, marking it as the biggest tiger reserve in the subcontinent.

Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest natural reserve for tigers in India. The sanctuary is situated in the Nainital district of the hilly state of Uttarakhand. It was named after the British naturalist Jim Corbett, who did a lot of work towards its formation.

The pristine jungles of India are home to a diverse range of wildlife species. So on your trip to the national parks, you can expect to find a lot of fascinating creatures like elephants, peacocks, deer, one-horned rhinoceros, striped hyenas, leopards, Indian fox, golden jackal, red-headed vulture, mongoose, and hedgehogs to name a few.

Due to their rare pale fur, the white tigers slowly became a threatened species and were captured from the wild to be bred in captivity. They can now be found in selected zoos only.

There are 50 tiger reserves in India which are looked upon by the National Tiger Conservation Authority in India ( NTCA).

The best time to visit Jim Corbett park would be in the winters between the months of November and February. At this time of the year, Tigers along with other animals tend to be less vulnerable as well.

Why should you go for a Tiger Safari in India?
You should go for a Tiger Safari in India because:

  • It would be a jaw-dropping adventure, which would be embedded in your memories forever.
  • It would give you insights of the wildlife heritage in India.
  • It would fascinate you to explore more about the wildlife.
  • It would be an ideal trip for you vacations.
  • It would also feature some of the most rare wildlife species as well.

Tiger Safari in India is not ideal for you, if-

  • You are not fascinated by the glorious wildlife.
  • You are faint-hearted, as it might cause adverse affects to your health.
  • You can’t bear the humid temperatures of India
  • You are not equipped with ideal accessories like hats and sunglasses.

Tiger Safari Tips

  • 1 The wild cannot be controlled. Hence, safety becomes a huge responsibility when going on a safari. So listen carefully to the instructions given by your tour guide.
  • 2 To strengthen your chances of spotting a tiger, stay calm, and be quiet. Do not make any sounds that can startle the animal and make it run away.
  • 3 Always keep this in mind that these are wild creatures roaming in their natural habitats. So don’t lose heart if you don’t get to see a tiger. Instead, try taking in the whole experience of being close to nature. Watch the other animals rest peacefully, photograph the enchanting beauty of the forests, and enjoy your bumpy ride in the jungle.
  • 4 When traveling in the hotter months, carry sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.
  • 5 Mosquito bites are frequent when promenading through the jungle. So apply plenty of mosquito repellants before the safari to avoid the risk of malaria and dengue. Sleep under mosquito nets in the night to prevent.
  • 6 Carry a small medical kit with necessary supplements for common problems.
  • 7 Watch out for wild snakes. In case of a snake bite, report to the nearest medical facility immediately.
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