Today, the population of tigers has risen in India. According to the ‘Status of Tigers in India’, it is now estimated to be 2226 in the year 2014 and it was estimated to be around 1411 in the year 2006. The other fact which makes India proud is nothing but India houses over 70% of the tiger population in the whole world.
The tigers were very afraid of their extinction in India. All credit goes to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in India. If you want to know the brilliant achievement of NTCA, you can check out the list of the 10 best tiger reserves in India where the likelihood of spotting the cat family is extremely high.
Exploring India’s Tiger Sanctuaries: Top 10 Must-Visit Locations
1. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
In India, the most popular Tiger reserve is the 1443 square kilometer sanctuary of Ranthambore. Besides tigers, one can also find leopards, Indian foxes, wild cats, crocodiles, sloth bears, hyenas, and jackals. The images of a tiger that you have seen in Indian tourism ads are most likely to have been shot in Ranthambore.
The special attraction which you can view inside the sanctuary is three lakes namely Raj Talao, Padam Talao, and Milak Talao where the wildlife gathers all together.
You can also find tigresses and cubs in the thickly forested Bakaula area. February and March are the best months to visit Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. However, the months of April and May are best to spot a tiger.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June, with peak sightings in April and May.
- Safari Options: Jeep and Canter safaris are available; booking in advance is recommended.
- Accessibility: The nearest airport is in Jaipur, about 160 km away.
- Accommodations: Range from budget stays to luxury resorts.
- Other Attractions: Ranthambore Fort, Padam Talao.
How to reach Ranthambore: The nearest railway station is Sawai Madhopur, about 11 km from the park. Jaipur is the closest airport, approximately 160 km away.
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2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park in Nainital is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. The view of the tigers in this place depends upon both luck and your guide. This is one of the less densely populated tiger reserves however one of the most famous national parks in India.
This park has various types of terrain from marshes to sal forests and other different mammals such as macaque, Sambhar, langur, birds, and Chittal. The Jim Corbett National Park has a dusty atmosphere and it is known for its bid wild elephant population at the same time which can be spotted near the Ramganga river.
This park has huge watchtowers (Dhikal area) and grasslands where you can observe the wildlife around you by standing for hours. April to June is the best time to visit.
- Best Time to Visit: November to June, though the Dhikala zone opens from November 15 to June 15.
- Safari Types: Jeep and Elephant safaris; permits are required and should be booked in advance.
- Accessibility: Ramnagar is the nearest railway station.
- Accommodations: Forest rest houses and private resorts.
- Other Wildlife: Elephants, leopards, and hundreds of species of birds.
How to reach Jim Corbett: The closest railway station is Ramnagar, which is just about 12 km from the park. The nearest airport is Dehradun, around 156 km away.
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3. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh National Park was known as the land of the white tiger until the last white tiger was caught here by Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa in 1951. This sanctuary is one of the best and most popular tiger reserves in India which has the highest density of tigers in the area.
It is situated in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh whose name means ‘Brother’s Fort’. Tata Zone 1 is the best area to spot the tiger and the tickets for seeing tigers here should be booked in advance.
The other species which you can discover here comprise the leopard, Indian fox, the Chittal and Sambhar deer, blue bull, wild dog, rhesus monkeys, Indian bison, and about 242 species of birds. You can take a trip to the Bandhavgarh fort by car which is 600 m away from sea level. The best time to spot tigers here would be from April to June.
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to June, with the hot season being prime for tiger sightings.
- Safari Options: Jeep safaris are the norm here; elephant safaris are also an option.
- Accessibility: The closest airport is Jabalpur, 190 km away.
- Lodging: There is a variety of accommodations, from luxury lodges to budget hotels.
- Historical Sites: Ancient Bandhavgarh Fort.
How to reach Bandhavgarh: The nearest railway stations are Umaria (35 km) and Katni (100 km). The closest airport is Jabalpur, about 200 km away.
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4. Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park which is huge and picturesque mostly looks like Mowgli’s stomping ground. This sanctuary houses an endangered species namely the Barasingha deer.
The other animals which you can regularly spot here are three-striped palm squirrel, chital, jackal, common langur, striped hyena, wild pig, mouse deer, leopard, chinkara, blackbuck, sambar, porcupine, and anti-eating pangolin. You can have a safari here to view the animals in their natural splendor and posture.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June, with the summer months being best for sightings.
- Safari Details: Morning and afternoon jeep safaris are available.
- Accessibility: Jabalpur (160 km) is the nearest airport; Gondia (145 km) nearest railway station.
- Accommodations: Forest department lodges, luxury resorts, and tented camps.
- Conservation Efforts: Pioneer of Project Tiger and strict conservation practices.
How to reach Kanha: Jabalpur (160 km) and Raipur (250 km) are the nearest airports, while the nearest railway station is Gondia, about 145 km away.
5. Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh Border
Pench Tiger Reserve has inspired Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. There exist 32 mammal species along with the tiger and they live in these deciduous forests among lakes and meadows.
It isn’t easy to find the tiger population here and it also comprises the tigress Collarwali whose mother was part of BBC’s Spy in the Jungle series and who raised five cubs. The summer months of April to June are the best time to visit Pench Tiger Reserve.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June, with higher sighting chances in the summer months.
- Safari Details: Morning and evening jeep safaris; and elephant safaris are occasionally offered.
- Accessibility: The nearest airport is Nagpur, 92 km away.
- Accommodations: Ranging from basic to luxury, suiting various budgets.
- Literary Fame: Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’.
How to reach Pench: The nearest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, 92 km away. The closest railway station is also in Nagpur.
6. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Even the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of the new tiger reserves in India, it has a booming population of tigers along with sloths and leopards.
You will also get to watch birds with about 200 species including the changeable hawk eagle, the crested serpent eagle, and the grey-headed fish eagle.
From here, you can have a good look into the jungles of central India. The appropriate time to visit this tiger reserve is the summer months.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May for the best tiger sightings.
- Safari Options: Jeep safaris; online booking is available.
- Accessibility: The nearest airport is Nagpur, about 140 km away.
- Stay Options: Eco-friendly resorts to luxury hotels.
- Flora and Fauna: Teak forests and a diverse wildlife population.
How to reach Tadoba-Andhari: The closest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, about 140 km away. Chandrapur railway station is about 45 km from the reserve.
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7. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is the biggest mangrove forest in the world which renders an entire nature circle to tourists right from Royal Bengal tigers to beautiful estuaries and roaring rivers. the mangrove is filled with 400 tigers and the spirit of the landscape together gives you the rawest and truest wildlife experiences.
Apart from the tigers, one can also discover fishing cats, leopards, chital, and many more. The special attraction here is the spotting of various enlarged species such as Saltwater Crocodiles, Ganges river dolphins, and Olive Ridley Turtle.
- Best Time to Visit: December to February for pleasant weather; wildlife viewing is year-round.
- Travel Mode: Boat safaris are the only way to explore the mangroves.
- Accessibility: The closest airport is Kolkata, about 140 km away.
- Accommodations: Eco-villages, houseboats, and forest lodges.
- Unique Feature: World’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to reach Sundarbans: The nearest airport is in Kolkata, about 140 km away. The closest railway station is Canning, around 29 km away. Then, take a boat ride to the park.
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8. Periyar National Park, Kerala
Periyar National Park is one of the most popular tiger reserves located in God’s own country which is Kerala. It is known for its scenic location and rich biodiversity which attracts tourists from all over the world.
The other main attractions of this park are elephants. There have been reports that there is an increment in the number of tigers in this tiger reserve in India. Boat cruises are the best option for seeing the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary. October to June is the best time to visit.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June; however, the park is open year-round.
- Exploration: Boat cruises on Periyar Lake for wildlife viewing; trekking and jeep safaris.
- Accessibility: The nearest airport is Madurai in Tamil Nadu, 136 km away.
- Accommodations: Ranges from budget hotels to luxury resorts.
- Biodiversity: Also known for elephants and a variety of flora and fauna.
How to reach Periyar: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 140 km away. The closest railway station is Kottayam, roughly 107 km away.
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9. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
Bandipur is one of the best tiger reserves in Karnataka. Its thick forests provide an ideal shelter for the tigers living there. There are great chances of observing a tiger here because of its relatively large population.
Besides tigers, one can also encounter gaur, leopard, striped hyena, elephant, barking deer, mongoose, sloth bear, Asiatic wild dog, mouse deer, sambar, and the slender loris. Lots of elephants are spotted here and winters are the best time to visit here.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May, with summer months being particularly good for sightings.
- Safari Details: Jeep safaris are available; online booking is recommended to secure a spot.
- Accessibility: Mysuru (80 km) is the nearest major city; well connected by road.
- Lodging: Government-run guest houses and private resorts.
- Eco-tourism: Emphasis on conservation and eco-friendly tourism practices.
How to reach Bandipur: The nearest airport is in Mysore, about 80 km away. The closest railway station is also Mysore, which is around 80 km away.
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10. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Satpura National Park is one of the newer wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is a place that has a good population of tigers though it remains unexplored by tourists.
It occupies various other wildlife species like leopards, hyenas, porcupines, and flying squirrels. It is the only national park where one can visit the place on foot along with a guide.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April, with cooler weather conducive to safaris.
- Safari Types: Jeep, elephant, boat, and walking safaris are available.
- Accessibility: Bhopal, 190 km away, is the nearest airport.
- Accommodations: From budget stays to luxury eco-resorts.
- Terrain: Unique terrain of ravines, dense forests, and rugged landscape.
How to reach Satpura: Bhopal airport is the nearest, located about 200 km away. Sohagpur is the closest railway station, around 20 km from the park.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Which place is best for tiger sightings in India?
Answer: The best place for tiger sightings in India is generally considered to be Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. Its relatively smaller size and the tigers’ habitual movement patterns around the park’s water bodies make it a favorite among wildlife photographers and enthusiasts for frequent tiger sightings.
2. Which city is famous for tigers?
Answer: While not a city, the town closest to and commonly associated with tigers due to its proximity to several tiger reserves is Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. It serves as the gateway to Ranthambore National Park, one of the most famous habitats for Bengal tigers in India.
3. Which park is famous for tigers in India?
Answer: Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park stands out as a premier destination for observing Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. It boasts an impressive tiger density, one of the loftiest in India, earning it acclaim as a tiger-sighting haven. The park’s diverse terrain, with its expansive grasslands and dense Sal forests, crafts an optimal environment for the majestic predators and a plethora of other wildlife species.
4. Which National Park has the most tigers in India?
Answer: Situated in the scenic Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is distinguished as the habitat with the most significant number of tigers in India. The park’s varied topography, abundant wildlife, and sustained conservation efforts have made it an ideal refuge for these majestic predators, securing its reputation as a vital center for tiger preservation in the country.
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