India is home to nearly 70% of the world’s tiger population. It’s a popular destination for anyone looking to go on a tiger safari tour. While tigers are considered endangered, authorities have made concerted efforts to ensure that India remains a haven for this lone hunter. In India, there are 106 national parks and 565 wildlife sanctuaries. Tigers are rare and elusive animals, which adds to the thrill of spotting one in its natural habitat.
Every year, nature lovers from all over the world travel to India’s many reserves to see this majestic cat, whose piercing gaze can intimidate even the strongest. India saved the king of the jungle from extinction thanks to a focused action plan and coordinated efforts. The country more than doubled its Tiger population from 1,411 in 2006 to 2,967 in 2018. India was able to achieve the milestone thanks to its conservation efforts and strict rules to protect the habitat and tigers. The top five tiger safari destinations in India for 2023 are as follows:
Corbett National Park, Uttrakhand
● Tiger Population (As per Tiger Census 2018): 231
● Tiger Density (per 100 sq Km): 14
● Core Area: 520 Sq Km Buffer Area: 797 Sq Km
● Types of Safari options: Jeep/gypsy safari and Canter Safari
In 1936 Hailey National Park, the first National Park of India was created. Sir Malcolm Hailey, then the Governor of the United Provinces accepted the recommendation of an area of 256 sq Km for shooting tigers on Elephant back. After Independence, it was named Ramganga National Park after the life-giving Ramganga river.
In 1957 it was renamed after James Edward Corbett or Jim Corbett, legendary hunter-naturalist turned author and photographer. There is also an option for wildlife enthusiasts to stay inside the forest at Forest rest houses Situated between the hilly districts of Pauri Garwal and Nainital are Terai and Bhabar tracts. Jim Corbett is famous for its tiger, and elephant sightings and birdwatching with more than 500 bird species both migrants and others.
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
● Tiger Population (As per Tiger Census 2018): 88
● Tiger Density (per 100 sq Km): 4.25
● Core Area: 940 Sq Km Buffer Area: 1134 Sq Km
● Types of Safari options: Jeep/gypsy safari and Canter Safari
Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is also sometimes called the N’Gorongoro of India. Unlike Tanzania, Kanha valley is not a Volcanic crater and is much greener. The bauxite-capped hills have extensive grasslands with only sparse tree growth. It is situated between Banjar and Halon valley. In 1955 Kanha valley was declared a 248.6 Sq Km. In 1962 an area of 318 sq Km was added to the Park.
In 1970, the area south of the Mekal Ridge was added to the river Banjar. The Barasingha or hard-ground swamp deer (Branderi Barasingha) is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. It was very close to extinction when a successful breeding program and conservation practices at Kanha National Park helped in revving the population of Hard-ground Barasingha from the brink of extinction.
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
● Tiger Population (As per Tiger Census 2018): 104
● Tiger Density (per 100 Sq Km): 6
● Core Area: 624 Sq Km Buffer Area: 537 Sq Km
● Types of Safari options: Jeep/gypsy safari and Canter Safari
One of the best places for tiger safari in India is Bandhavgarh National Park. Madhya Pradesh has the most tigers in the wild, with 526, more than any other state. Bandhavgarh National Park has a high tiger density and serves as a dispersal point for tigers to neighboring protected areas such as Sanjay Dubri, Achanakmar, Kanha, and even Palamu Tiger Reserve.
Bandhavgarh was Maharaja’s private property even after independence until he donated it to the state to create the National Park in 1968. Bandhavgarh dates back 2000 years, and there are several man-made caves with inscriptions and rock paintings to be found. Bandhavgarh National Park is now home to the royal Bengal tiger, 37 other species of mammals, 250 species of birds, and 80 species of butterflies. Book tiger safari tours in Bandhavgarh here.
Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
● Tiger Population (As per Tiger Census 2018): 61
● Tiger Density (per 100 Sq Km): 5
● Core Area: 482 Sq Km Buffer Area: 548 Sq Km
● Types of Safari options: Jeep/gypsy safari and Canter Safari
Pench National Park got its name from the name of a river called ‘Pench.’ Rudyard Kipling’s characters from The Jungle Book come to life in these forests in these forests. It is a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast, with the legendary Tigress Collarwali or (T-15) and recent sightings of a Melanistic Leopard or Black Leopard.
Pench National Park was established in 1983 and became a part of Project Tiger in 1992. It covers an area of 1179 square kilometers, of which 411 square kilometers are forest and 768 square kilometers are buffer. Pench forest is classified into three types: southern tropical dry deciduous Teak forest, southern tropical wet forest, and mixed forest.
Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan
● Tiger Population (As per Tiger Census 2018): 53
● Tiger Density (per 100 Sq Km): 9
● Core Area: 274 Sq Km Buffer Area: 118 Sq Km
● Types of Safari options: Jeep/gypsy safari and Canter Safari
Ranthambhore National Park covers 400 square kilometers and features rocky hill crests that descend to open valleys between the Aravali and Vindhya ranges, as well as water pools and fruit trees. It is named after a thousand-year-old fortress based on hills above the forest. Ranthambore is a unique and special place where the natural beauty of the forest meets a historical past. Ranthambore is an extraordinary and unusual place where natural beauty meets a historical past.
The crumbling remains of the past cover an area, whether they are chhatris or cupolas, palaces, or old guard posts, all of which contribute to the beautiful and ethereal nature of this vast expanse. Padam Talao, Raj Bagh Talao, and Milak Talao are three large lakes filled with crocodiles and deep gorges, grassy slopes, rugged hills, ravines, and large lakes, making this park a photographer’s delight. Padam Talao, Raj Bagh Talao, and Milak Talao, three large lakes filled with crocodiles, add to the beauty. Book tiger safari tours in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
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