India’s diverse landscape is home to a rich tapestry of wildlife, and among its most celebrated residents are the majestic Bengal tigers. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, embarking on a tiger safari in India is an unforgettable experience. Here, we present the best tiger safari tours in India that promise thrilling encounters with these magnificent big cats and other incredible wildlife.
In our blog, we unveil the top 5 best tiger safari tours in India, each promising an unforgettable journey into the world of these incredible big cats. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or simply seeking a remarkable adventure, these tours offer a glimpse into India’s rich biodiversity.
But that’s not all. We recognize the importance of selecting the right wildlife tour operator to ensure a seamless and ethical safari experience. In this guide, we’ve also included key points to consider before choosing a wildlife tour operator in India. From exploring the finest national parks to making informed decisions, our blog is your gateway to a thrilling and responsible wildlife expedition.
Top 5 Best Tiger Safari Tours in India
1. Bandhavgarh, Kanha & Pench Tour of India
Kanha Bandhavgarh & Pench Tiger Safari Tour of India
- Duration: 12 Nights/13 Days
- Destinations covered in this safari tour: Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Pench National Park
- Species to spot: Tiger, elephants, leopard, sloth bear, wild dogs, Indian gaur, hardground barasingha, Indian gazelle, spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, blue bull, langur monkeys, monitor lizard, peacock, Malabar pied hornbill, Indian roller, paradise flycatcher, orioles, lesser adjutant stork, racket tailed drongo, different species of vultures etc.
- Description: This tour is a favorite among wildlife travelers and photographers, offering a chance to explore some of India’s best wildlife destinations. Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench National Parks were immortalized by Rudyard Kipling in “The Jungle Book.” This tour takes you to the very heart of Mowgli’s world, where you can witness typical central Indian wildlife with beautiful landscape.
- Customizable Tiger Safari Tour
- Available for both Private & Group travel
- Suitable and most popular among all ages
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2. Kanha, Bandhavgarh & Corbett Tiger Safari Tour of India
Kanha, Bandhavgarh & Corbett Tiger Safari Tour in India
- Duration: 12 Nights/13 Days
- Destinations covered in this safari tour: Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Corbett National Park
- Species to spot: Tiger, elephants, leopard, sloth bear, Asiatic black bear, yellow throated martin, common langur, Himalayan langur, Indian gaur, spotted deer, hard ground barasingha, sambar deer, barking deer, gharial, mugger crocodile, monitor lizard, king cobra, great hornbill, collared falconet, Indian paradise flycatcher, red jungle fowl, different species of vultures, golden mahsheer fish and many more.
- Description: Another top tiger safari tour in India, this itinerary takes you to Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Corbett National Parks. In Corbett, you’ll have the unique opportunity to stay at the Dhikala forest rest house, immersed in the jungle’s sights and sounds. This tour offers diverse perspectives on Indian wildlife, from the foothills of the Great Himalayas to the Central Indian Highlands. Encounter some of the biggest attractions of Indian wildlife, and a wide array of bird species on this adventure.
- Customizable Tiger Safari Tour
- Available for both Private & Group travel
- Suitable and popular among all ages
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3. Tigers, Lions & Leopards Safari Tour of India
Tiger, Lion & Leopard Safari Tour of India
- Duration: 14 Nights/15 Days
- Destinations covered in this safari tour: Ranthambore National Park, Bera, Gir National Park
- Species to spot: Tiger, Asiatic lion, common leopard, sloth bear, Indian gazelle, langur monkeys, spotted deer, sambar deer, Indian gazelle, monitor lizard, mugger crocodile, various species of vulture, partridges, quail, painted stork, bar headed geese, spurfowl, woolly necked stork, river tern,
- Description: Prepare for an exhilarating journey into the territories of India’s big cats. India is the only country in the world where you can spot tigers, leopards, and Asiatic lions in the wild. This tour takes you through Rajasthan and Gujarat, offering a range of habitats for these magnificent beasts. Ranthambore hosts tigers, Bera provides a rocky outback for leopards, and Gir showcases grasslands for the world’s only thriving Asiatic lion population. This tour promises heart-pounding encounters with the kings of the jungle and other denizens.
- Customizable Tiger Safari Tour
- Available for both Private & Group travel
- Suitable and popular among all ages
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4. Big Cats of India Tour of India
Big Cats of India Tiger Safari Tour
- Duration: 24 Nights/25 Days
- Destinations covered in this safari tour: Leh, Ulley, Ranthambore National Park, Bera, Gir National Park
- Species to spot: Snow leopard, tiger, Asiatic lion, common leopard, marmots, pikas, bharal, Ladakh urial, Tibetan argali, red fox, spotted deer, Indian gazelle, sambar deer, mugger crocodiles, birds of high altitude and arid zones of India.
- Description: For the ultimate big cat enthusiast, this tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. India is the only country where you can witness four big cat species in the wild: tigers, Asiatic lions, snow leopards, and Indian leopards. This epic expedition takes you across northern India, from Gir National Park to the snow-clad Himalayas. You’ll have the chance to see the majestic lion, the illustrious tiger, the graceful leopard, and the elusive snow leopard, all in their natural habitats. This tour guarantees adrenaline-pumping excitement for weeks on end.
- Customizable Tiger Safari Tour
- Available for both Private & Group travel
- Suitable and popular among all ages
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5. Luxury Tiger Safari in India with Golden Triangle Tour
Bengal tiger safari at kanha national park in India
- Duration: 14 Nights/15 Days
- Destinations covered in this safari tour: Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
- Species to spot: Tiger, elephants, leopard, sloth bear, wild dogs, Indian gaur, hardground barasingha, Indian gazelle, spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, blue bull, langur monkeys, monitor lizard, peacock, Malabar pied hornbill, Indian roller, paradise flycatcher, orioles, lesser adjutant stork, racket tailed drongo, different species of vultures etc.
- Description: Delve into the timeless beauty of the forests that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’ on this extraordinary 15-day adventure. This tour not only takes you to some of the best national parks of India but it also shows you the timeless beaty of architectural marvel of India ‘The Taj Mahal’. You also witness the royal history of India in Delhi and Jaipur, the first planned city of India. Traverse landscapes adorned with grand Sal trees, bamboo forests, and the captivating wildlife that calls them home. This luxury tiger safari takes you through iconic national parks known for their rich legacy and high tiger density. Here, you’ll have a remarkable chance to witness the elusive striped cat in all its royal splendor, alongside sightings of Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs, and the hardground Barasingha.
- Customizable Tiger Safari Tour
- Available for both Private & Group travel
- Suitable and popular among all ages
- View this tour
Things to consider before choosing a wildlife tour operator in India
- National Parks or Wildlife Destinations to Visit: Before booking a tiger safari in India, guests should carefully select the national parks or wildlife destinations they wish to explore. Research the unique ecosystems, tiger populations, and other wildlife present in each park. Consider factors like accessibility, crowd levels, and specific species of interest to ensure a tailored and fulfilling wildlife experience.
- Naturalists & Guides – Professionalism, Experience, Language: The expertise of naturalists and guides greatly influences the safari experience. Guests should inquire about the guides’ professionalism, wildlife knowledge, and years of experience. Additionally, communication is key, so ensure the guides are fluent in a language you understand, as this enhances your understanding and appreciation of the wildlife encountered.
- Tour Operator – Experience, Reviews, Sustainable Practices: When choosing a wildlife tour operator in India, delve into their experience in organizing wildlife tours in India. Reading past reviews and testimonials from fellow travelers provides valuable insights into the operator’s reliability and quality of service. Opt for operators who actively support and promote sustainable tourism practices, helping conserve India’s fragile ecosystems.
- Best Time to Visit India for Tiger Safaris: Timing is crucial for tiger sightings. Research the best seasons for tiger safaris in India, typically the dry months from October to April when foliage is sparse, and wildlife congregates around water sources. However, consider your tolerance for heat and humidity in certain regions during this period.
- Duration of Wildlife Tour in India: To truly immerse themselves in India’s wildlife, guests should select a wildlife tour with a duration of at least 10 nights. This allows the exploration of a minimum of three national parks, increasing the likelihood of diverse wildlife encounters and a comprehensive understanding of India’s remarkable biodiversity. Longer tours offer a more enriching experience.
Born and brought up in New Delhi, it was Sharad’s childhood passion to play cricket for India. While on a holiday in 1990, he saw his first tiger. Little did he know that this one sighting would immerse him into a realm where forests and tigers were all that mattered.
Sharad’s experiences as a wildlife photographer have inspired him to observe the tiger’s behavior for over 30 years and motivated him on his own journey as an entrepreneur. He started Nature Safari India Pvt Ltd, with a focus on “Conservation through Tourism.” to align himself to the mission of saving the regal species and repopulating them in India’s forests. In 2006, he set up one of India’s premier jungle lodges in Kanha National Park.
Sharad believes that there are many lessons to be learned from a tiger that can be applied successfully to leadership—both in business and in life. Here’s a new book by Sharad Vats on management and leadership skills to learn from a Tiger.
