Conversely, fewer tigers remain in Indian forests which have attracted many tourists eager to see those wild cats in their natural habitats. The latest census reveals that there 3,682 tigers at present in India, constituting 75% of the total tiger population of the world. As the wildlife jungle adventures are in vogue, the term ‘Tiger Safari’ has picked up pace to attract numerous tourists to visit in different national parks around the globe which is rich in the tiger population in India itself.
The deep interest in tiger sighting by tourists has also put an attention on the country’s abundant biodiversity which has made India not only the best place for tiger spotting, but also to watch numerous unique flora and fauna. Therefore, sightings of tigers in India are not just a tiger safari. Some of the facets of wildlife it includes involve; bird watching, butterfly sighting, knowledge of wildlife conservation, and awareness of our environment.
Here are 10 Best Tiger Safari Destinations in India:
If you are dreaming of the tiger safari holiday in India, there exist certain wildlife reserves where such safaris may be more successful. Here’s our top 10 list of tiger safari destinations in India to guide you:
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Ranthambore National Park
- Kanha National Park
- Corbett National Park
- Tadoba National Park
- Satpura National Park
- Pench National Park
- Nagarhole National Park
- Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Bandipur National Park
Top Recommended Wildlife Tour Packages
1.) Bandhavgarh National Park
The Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh in the wilderness of Vindhya Range. In 1968 Bandhavgarh was proclaimed a National Park and its area is approximately 105 square km. There is also a great mythological story about that place which is approximately two thousand years old. Bandhavgarh was said to have been gifted by Lord Rama to Lakshmana from whose name the place originates. Therefore, Bandhavgarh is a contraction of the two words; ‘ Bandhav plus Gar’, in which Bandhav means brother and Garh signifies Fort.
The name actually translates as “brother’s fort.” Bandhavgarh is also a place where tigers were found. The national park has the highest density of Bengal Royal Tiger in the world – 526 big cats per square mile. To see such an animal would be simply majestic and breathtaking.
The park also includes tall grasslands and thick sal forests within Bandhavgarh National Park. The three zones within this National Park are Tala, Camera and Magdi. The area of Magdi is a transition zone where one can see the Royal tiger and other animals like Elephants, Langurs, Bisons, and Cheetals. Visit this place during January to March.
2.) Ranthambore National Park
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Things to Do in Ranthambore National Park[/caption]
India’s foremost renowned national park for tiger safari is called the
Ranthambore National Park situated at
Rajasthan. This place was at one point a popular hunting ground for the Rajput Rajas of the city of Jaipur, however it has now been earmarked as a reserve area for tigers and other game animals in the area.
With an estimate over 663 tigers, it is highly likely to come across at least one. One may also see hyenas, sloth bears, Indian foxes, panthers, and jackals apart from tigers. The three lakes that are found inside the premises are home of many reptiles such as crocodiles and snakes.
The remains of the old Ranthambore Fort is a preferred summer snooze point for tigers and a decent photograph location in general. Visitors flock to the Ranthambore National Park set in the background of the Aravalli range by the scores. Aristocrats are charmed by the splendid surroundings and elegant accommodation that it is one of the most visited reserves of the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, Ranthambore National Park is without doubt one of the best places for Tiger safaris in India.
3.) Kanha National Park
Wildlife abounds in Madhya Pradesh, and the tiger reserve of Kanha is just one of them. The Reserve is found in the exuberant Maikal Range of Satpura in the heart of Central India. It is among the top tiger reserves in the country and presents an assortment of attractions for visitors and lovers of wildlife.
It was declared a reserve and protected area in 1879, and later became a National Park in 1955. It covers an area of 940 sq. Km. Among the writings influenced by the fresh breeze from the woods were Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book ''; the park also had a spectacular sunset and sunrise Gazing point “Bamni Dadar”.
The park contains quite an appreciable number of populations of the Indian leopard, sloth bear, barasingha, and Wild dog other than tiger population. One needs to come to this park in the season of February to June so that it will give the most.
4.) Jim Corbett National Park
It’s also among the most revered national parks in the country and also one of the most ancient ones. This park is located on mighty hills of Himalayas with diverse land and habitats for various wildlife. In addition to the tigers, top animals that can be spotted in this park include sloth bear, goral, fishing cat, leopard, chital, barking deer among others.
If you want to spot tigers, go to the east of the park – Bijrani. Alternatively, opt for getting a panoramic view of the park to spot tigers from top of watchtowers in Dhikala and other regions. In the Dhikala zone, tourists usually stay overnight in the forest rest houses in order to watch tigers. In terms of density, the Bijrani zone has the largest number of tigers. Tigers are sighted more often in the Jhirna zone.
It’s popular, however, for its bird-watching. One needs to come to this park in the season of March to June so that it will give the most.
5.) Tadoba National Park
The park itself is the largest in
Maharashtra and it is also the oldest. Spotting a tiger in open air gypsy, this park is well known for. The two entrance gates leading to the park are the Moharli Gate and the Kolara Gate for starting safaris. Except for tigers, the park boasts of jungle cats, crocodiles, barking deer, sambar, wild pigs, leopard, nilgai, sloth bear, civet, Indian python, wolf spiders and others
Mohurli gate is the best tiger spotting region. In addition, this region has good accommodation facilities, as well. During summer, the place will be very hot. To be able to see a tiger, the hot summer days are the best times for visiting the region.
6.) Satpura National Park
Tigers are born hunters, and they have an instinct to lurk and survive in silence. For instance, asking an animal to come after a line of canters and jeeps rushes into the jungle, is not rational. Therefore, only twelve vehicles are allowed in Satpura a day. Sonbhadra River provides the best habitat to spot tigers.
In the summers, sometimes tigers are seen swimming in the river to evade heat. One of the rare tiger reserves where walking tours are allowed. Besides tigers, other species of animals found in this park include porcupines, wild boars, chinkara, chital, gaur, leopard, hyena, black buck and others. The best time to visit is from April to May.
7.) Pench National Park
This park covers 758 square km of forest area and is found close to the centre of the country. Its territory hosts only 43 tigers. Tiger sightings commonly occur at the lake zones. Here we have a perfect park for the wildlife beauty fanatics. Along with the royal Bengal tiger are barking deer, hyenas, Indian leopard fox, sloth bear, wild boars, wild dogs and others.
This park comprises seven zones for safari. The most famous area for finding tigers is the Turla region. During summertime, there is a tiger-packed region around the stream in Turla. This zone also has a night safer. The easiest way is exploring the area in a canter or a jeep safari, for example, searching for tigers. March to June is the best time to visit this national park.
8.) Nagarhole National Park
This park belongs to Mysore and Kodagu and is named after the Nagarahole river of Karnataka. The national park lies within a section of the famous Nilgiri biosphere reserve, which is known as the tiger and elephant’s safe haven. Other than the grand species of the land, the park has famous leopards, wild boars, sloth bear and over 250 species of birds. The only entry points to the safari include the Veeranahosahalli, Nanachi and Antharasan gate. Two ways to spot a tiger. Canter or jeep safari you can take. Jeep safety goes even deeper into the forest and covers top tiger habitat sites as well. It is open for boat trip during the high season.
9.) Periyar National Park
The Periyar reserves are situated in the cardamon and pandalam hills of south western ghats in
Kerala, india. Established in 1978, it occupies an area of 925 sq km. The Reserve shelters a sizable population of Bengal Tigers and includes other species such as Indian Elephants, Cuis, Sambhar Deer, Barking The river starts from the Sivagiri Hills and winds its way through the reserve, quenching the thirst of the animals and people living nearby.
The reserve’s landscape is characterised by rugged topography, thick vegetation, and grasslands that provide habitat for a diverse array of plants and animals. It has numerous permanent streams, small waterfalls and tributaries which are a part of the overall beauty of the area.
10.) Bandipur National Park
The Bandipur too is a good place for tiger safari in India; it is one of the popular tiger’s reserves in Southern parts of India. The national park consists of 874 sq. km spread over an area. This has been characterized by rich biodiversity notably high numbers of the tiger. This park is believed to be home to around 150 tigers as per a 2022 census, living in undisturbed territories. Therefore, tourists have fairly high prospects of seeing a tiger in Bandipur National Park.
While on a safari, elephants are another main thing that you will be able to view aside from tigers. Waterholes abound with elephants, wild boars, and gaurs. A devastating fire in 2014 affected a major part of the national park. Since then, only one zone is accessible to tourists with the other areas undergoing natural recovery.
The national park lies just 80 km from Mysore, teeming with animals including leopards, elephants, gaurs, sloth bears, Asiatic wild dogs, striped hyenas, barking deer, sambars, spotted deer This wildlife reserve also hosts about 230 bird species among them include herons, storks, egrets, eagles, sandpipers, falcons, peafowls, kites, lapwings, and woodpeckers. For someone residing in cities like Bangalore and Mysore, Bandipur is their ideal weekend retreat.
Conclusion
Tiger denotes strength and bravery. They derive their power from their attitude that allows the rule of all surrounding areas. The Bengal tiger is popular among a large number of them because it can be observed in India. Tigers are used as symbols for many proud and religious movements in India.
Venture into the nature through the natural landscapes, unique wildlife, animals, and also the rare and migratory birds, away from the maddening metropolitan lifestyle. Observe the way tiger slumbers, feeds and lives amid the sweltering, muggy forests of India.