A tiger safari in India is an adventure of a unique kind that takes you through some of the best kept and protected spaces for tigers and other wildlife in the country. You can enjoy the dense forests surrounded by sounds of the trees, insects and birds or sometimes even a calming silence as you only hear the sound of your jeep. The tiger reserves and national parks in the country vary in terrain and landscape giving you the opportunity to have a diverse experience as you go searching for tigers in the wild.
- Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Ranthambore National park in Rajasthan is probably one of the more popular destinations for tiger safari tours in India. People from all over the world come to this Park in hopes of catching a glimpse of the elusive beast. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan and is quite beautiful given a nice green landscape, ruins of ancient temples and beautiful lakes. Because of the high tiger density this park is a good spot to look for tigers during your safari.
- Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
As India’s oldest national park, Jim Corbett National Park holds a special place in the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, this park boasts a rich biodiversity and is famous for its successful tiger conservation efforts. The park offers both jeep safaris and elephant safaris, providing visitors with various ways to experience the thrill of an Indian tiger safari tour. The Ramganga River, which flows through the park, adds to the scenic beauty and enhances the chances of spotting tigers near the water.
- Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Want to experience ancient Indian ruins, a fort, beautiful scenery and dense forest? Then the Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh has got you covered. It is located in the Vindhya Hills and is known for rocky hills, open meadows and dense forests. You can find the Bandhavgarh Fort here along with some ancient ruins. There are separate zones in the park with the Tala Zone being the most popular one as there have been a good number of tiger sightings here in the past.
- Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Ever wondered where the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.” came from. Well, people often cite the Kanha National Park as the source. This park is renowned for its extensive grasslands, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. Being a well-managed national park it provides visitors with higher opportunities to find tigers. Due to the constant and persistent efforts for conservation by the government and other organizations this Park has seen an increase in the tiger population. Jeep safaris and guided tours are available.
- Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Sunderban is not only famous for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger but it is also one of the largest mangrove forests in the world which is why it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has dense mangrove swamps and there is a network of waterways which is quite intricate and adds to the mysterious ambiance of the place. You can explore this forest via boat safaris and if you are lucky you can catch tigers swimming or resting on the riverbanks. There are a tonne of other wildlife here as well like crocodiles, deers etc.
- Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
If you want to check out some other forestscapes in the heart of India then a tiger safari in the Pench National Park might be a good choice. It is a park that spreads out across the state of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra hence you can choose to start your safari from either. The park is named after the Pench River that flows through the center and serves as a source of sustenance for the inhabitants of the place. Teak forests, grasslands, rocky outcrops and picturesque landscapes, this park has it all. Since the tiger population in this park is slowly increasing you have a higher chance of spotting one.
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Another nice place to enjoy a tiger safari in the state of Maharashtra is Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. The resources, surroundings, lakes, bamboo thickets and dense forests make it an ideal place for tigers and Indian wildlife in general. This tiger reserve is known for high chances of tiger sightings and might be a good one to keep on your list to maximize your chances of spotting a tiger. This is also one of the largest and oldest tiger reserves in Maharashtra.
- Periyar National Park, Kerala
If you want to enjoy the beauty of Southern India while also having a tiger safari in your itinerary then this next one might be a good one to check out. The Periyar National Park in Kerala is filled with lush greenery, picturesque lakes and hills. This Park is popular for its elephant population so expect to spot a herd of these gentle giants as you embark on a tour to find the big cats. You can enjoy a boat safari on the Periyar lake as well as take guided jungle treks which gives you a complete idea of this forest.
- Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Since most of the tiger population is near Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra there are a good number of national parks and reserves here including the next one, Satpura National Park. It has rugged terrain contrasted with pristine rivers and dense forests. The water sources often attract wildlife and you can spot wildlife in the vicinity. Due to the variety of landscape and terrain you can enjoy walking safaris, deep safaris and boat safaris giving you a wide variety of experiences to choose from.
- Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra
You might not find this wildlife sanctuary mentioned in many lists but it provides a nice adventure for people seeking out Indian tiger safari tours. The Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is in Maharashtra and is quite beautiful to be honest if you like dense forests, serene lakes and rolling hills. The environment is perfect for tigers and though the density is lower than some of the other parks on the list a knowledgeable guide can often increase the chance to spot tigers and other local wildlife.
Conclusion
Witnessing the beauty and majesty of Indian tigers is an unforgettable experience and Indian tiger safaris can do that for you. Of course, good guides, good seasons and some luck is needed for you to have the prime experience but fret not as mentioned before these safaris will surely tickle the adventure bone in your body as the biodiversity that Indian forests and landscapes have to offer is huge you will be able to experience amazing local flora and fauna living in some of the most natural forested places. But we do hope you catch a glimpse of the majestic beast that you are looking for. Maybe try visiting more than one place to increase your chances. Happy adventure!