With over 80% of the world’s tiger population present in India, it’s a no-brainer that wildlife enthusiasts pick the Indian subcontinent as the surest bet to see the big cat in all its glory. Since the Project Tiger initiative in 1973, the tiger population in India has been on a steady rise.
Today, nature safaris have become a rather popular tourist attraction and sustainable wildlife tourism has helped raise funds for conservation. India has over 40 wildlife conservation centers, but if you’ve specifically come to say hello to the national animal, there are 5 parks that are a must-visit to see tigers in India.
Corbett National Park
Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett National Park is one of the largest parks in the country with one of the largest tiger populations across India. It is one of the best places to see tigers in India and was the first park to pioneer the Project Tiger Conservation program in the country.
A dramatic landscape of mountains and rivers, thick foliage and beautiful water bodies, Corbett’s tigers are plentiful. After the recent tiger census, it was found to be the park with the most tigers in India. Corbett is a wildlife lover’s paradise and a tiger connoisseur’s dream. An abundant prey-base, plenty of forest cover, and plentiful water make it perfect tiger territory.
Excellent naturalists and a variety of safari activities including jeep game drives, elephant back safaris, and walking safaris, offer a diversity of high-quality safari experiences. But one unique thing about Corbett is the ability to spend a night (or more!) in the core zone. Above all, which is a different way to experience the wilderness. The Dhikala zone of the park is full of tigers, elephants, bears and several other species. One can spend the night at a forest lodge in this area and experience the thrill of the jungle.
Activities to take part in: Jungle safari, fishing at Ramganga river, white water rafting in Kosi river, picnic at Corbett Falls.
Best time to visit: Between November and February
Tour duration: 5 nights/6 days
Kaziranga National Park
Similarly, another vast expanse of wilderness with a sizable tiger population is Kaziranga. Situated in the North-East of India, this is one of the largest national parks in the country. Likewise, Kaziranga is full of tigers, Asiatic elephants, and home to critically endangered one-horned Indian rhino. Kaziranga’s vast grasslands and meadows are prime tiger territory. Thick jungles and vast ranges of terrain make it a wonderful habitat for tigers. Kaziranga’s vast wetlands are also home to an enormous abundance of bird life. It’s one of the top birding hotspots in the country!
Kaziranga’s lodges are rustic. On the other hand, they are comfortable as well as have a unique charm. The naturalists are experienced. Most importantly, know how to find tigers and other creatures. Jeep safaris, elephant back safaris, and even boat safaris make for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Activities to take part in: Jeep safari, Visit the Orchid park, Go bird watching, tour the tea estate, rest by the Kakochang waterfall.
Best time to visit: Between November and April
Tour duration: 5 nights/6 days
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park, in the heart of Central India, is the prime tiger terrain. The size of the park is extensive, with dense copses of trees giving way to vast open meadows and beautiful ponds and lakes that give it an ethereal quality. Kanha is home to some of India’s apex predators. For example, tigers and leopards. The strong genes of Kanha tigers have made this park a perfect spot to find humongous tigers.
Munna, a large male tiger, put Kanha back into the spotlight. He is one of the largest tigers in Central India for over ten years now. (He’s identified by “CAT” spelled on his forehead). His progeny are now marking their territory and his son, Umarpani, is fast becoming the uncrowned king of the jungle. Kanha is heaven for several other species. However, birding in this park is also an added attraction. This amazing terrain draws thousands of birds from as far as Eurasia and Siberia that come here to roost in the winter.
These are some of our favorite national parks in the country, and the best wildlife sanctuaries to find the tiger. To learn more and plan your safari experience, give us a call or drop us a line today, to chart out your wilderness getaway.
Activities to take part in: Jeep safari, sightseeing at Bamni Dadar sunset point, explore Kanha museum, visit Chipli range.
Best time to visit: Between November and February
Tour duration: 5 nights/6 days
Bandhavgarh National Park
Thick bamboo groves are interspersed by groves of Sal and Mahua trees whose scent mingles with the jungle’s earthy fragrance. Bandhavgarh blends several species of vegetation including tropical moist and tropical dry deciduous forest. As a result, it has become a breeding ground for over 600 species of flowering plants. Over thirty-five species of mammals, 250 species of birds, 75 species of butterflies, and of course, the ultimate predator – the tiger.
Today, Bandhavgarh is one of the best parks to see tigers in india has one of the highest population densities of the tiger in the world. It is a key reserve for the Project Tiger wildlife conservation initiative. The Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), Bengal Fox, Leopards, Mongooses, Hyenas, and Jackals are the other predators that roam the forest. It is also rampant with several species of deer, wild boar, squirrels, bandicoots, and primates. Bandhavgarh is a raptor haven. Bird lovers, you may never leave this enchanted forest. From Sapphire Flycatchers to Golden Orioles, the Indian Hornbill to the Hoopoe, it’s a kaleidoscope of vivid avian species.
Activities to take part in: Visit Baghel museum, sightseeing at Climber’s point, explore Bari gufa cave, picnic at Cheshpur waterfall.
Best time to visit: Between April and May
Tour duration: 5 nights/6 days
Ranthambore National Park
The dry deciduous forests of Ranthambore, interspersed by some of India’s largest and oldest Banyan trees, evoke an aura of romance. Scrubby foliage and thorny brush give way to grasslands, which make up this beautiful wilderness. Nestled within the Aravalli mountain range, it has over 500 species of plants and is a thriving ecosystem.
Ranthambore is teeming with wildlife and is one of the best-known parks for tigers. The park is also full of other species of flora and fauna, particularly deer, primates, birds and crocodiles. Over two hundred species of birds have been recorded, both resident and migratory. The park’s many water bodies draw a large number of birds to their banks. Waterfowl like pelicans, storks, ibises, and cormorants are often seen, especially in the winter season.
Activities to take part in: Gypsy safari, hike up Ranthambore fort, explore Lakarda and Anantpura, visit the Ranthambore School of Art, take a hot air balloon ride.
Best time to visit: Between April and June
Tour duration: 4 nights/5 days
These 5 parks are among the best places to see tigers in India. If you are keen on seeing the majestic beast in action, get in touch with Tiger Safari India. We have dedicated holiday tour packages built for a pure tiger safari tour 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.
