Where To See Tigers In India
Encountering Tigers in the Wild: Exploring India’s Top Tiger Reserves
Most travellers visiting India have two things high on their list: the Taj Mahal and a Royal Bengal Tiger. Both are powerful symbols of the country. This blog outlines key facts about tigers and lists the best places to see them in the wild. The selection considers accessibility, tiger population, infrastructure, and other attractions nearby.
Although lions are often called the king of the forest in stories and folktales, it is the tiger that fits the role more convincingly. Tigers are larger, stronger, and faster than any other wild cat. Of the six tiger subspecies found across Asia, India is home to the most iconic one, the Royal Bengal Tiger, known scientifically as Panthera tigris tigris. Tigers live in many forest types across India and are officially recognised as the national animal.
Before firearms and colonisation, Indian forests supported a large tiger population. Later, colonial hunters and Indian royalty hunted them extensively. Even after independence, the numbers kept falling. By 1972, fewer than 100 tigers were thought to remain in the wild. In response, the Indian government launched Project Tiger in 1973, a major national conservation programme. Laws were tightened, and killing a tiger became a non-bailable offence. The movement brought in support from conservation groups and individuals across the country. Today, the population has bounced back to over 3,000 and continues to grow.
Telling one tiger from another is not as hard as it might seem. Each tiger has a unique stripe pattern, much like human fingerprints. The average tiger has around 100 stripes, each varying in shape and size. These markings allow researchers and park guides to identify individuals in the wild with relative ease.
Exploring India’s Best Tiger Reserves
India has 53 designated tiger reserves. The most recent addition is Ranipur Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh. While each reserve plays an important role in the country’s conservation mission, not all are suitable for tiger observation or photography. Some lie in remote regions with limited access and infrastructure. Based on tiger sighting probability, accessibility, safari logistics, and nearby attractions, we have shortlisted five tiger reserves worth exploring.
1. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
Located in Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambhore was once a royal hunting ground. Today, it is among the most reliable places to see tigers in India. On average, one in three safaris leads to a sighting. The park also supports leopards and marsh crocodiles and includes a 10th-century fort, adding a cultural dimension to the visit. Although summer months offer high sighting chances, temperatures can exceed 45°C. For most travellers, the cooler period from November to February is more comfortable. Ranthambhore can be combined with a visit to the Taj Mahal. Agra is around 300 km away and can be reached by road in about five hours. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is also nearby and offers further cultural experiences. We advise booking at least three safaris, ideally two morning drives and one afternoon. Many accommodations in Sawai Madhopur can assist with arrangements, or you may contact www.endemicexplorer.com to make professional travel arrangements.
Estimated Tiger Population (2023): 89
Nearest Airport: Jaipur (JAI)
Nearest Railway Station: Sawai Madhopur
Recommended Zones: 2 and 3
2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett is India’s oldest national park and one of the most visited. It was established in honour of Jim Corbett, a British-Indian conservationist who hunted man-eaters in the Kumaon hills and later became a strong voice for wildlife protection. His writings, especially Man-Eaters of Kumaon, provide insight into the early years of Indian wildlife conservation. Corbett lies about 250 km from Delhi. The most convenient access is by train to Ramnagar, which is around 10 km from the park entrance. Alternatively, one can fly to Pantnagar Airport (PGH), located 75 km away. We usually recommend travelling by road from Delhi to enjoy the changing landscapes along the way. The park consists of several safari zones. Among them, Dhikala offers the highest chances of seeing a tiger. This zone also provides the option to stay inside the forest, subject to availability and advance booking.
Estimated Tiger Population: 225
Best Time to Visit: November to May
Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar (PGH)
Recommended Zone: Dhikala
3. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga is our preferred destination for tiger safaris in Northeast India. Although the tiger density is lower than in Ranthambhore and Jim Corbett, the sighting experience can be quite distinct. The park’s grassland ecosystem creates a different dynamic, where spotting a tiger often involves long drives and patient scanning. Unlike forest-based reserves, the open terrain here adds to the excitement. The Indian Rhinoceros is the star attraction in Kaziranga and is usually seen with ease.
The best time to visit Kaziranga for tiger sightings is between November and April. Guwahati Airport is the closest airport, located about 200 kilometres from the park, a drive of around five hours. Kaziranga does not have a railway station. The nearest major stop is Furkating Junction, which is roughly two hours away by road.
We have included a video below with the birds and wildlife of Assam for you to take a look at.
Estimated Tiger Population in 2023: 118
Nearest Airport: Guwahati (GAU)
Nearest Railway Station: Furkating Junction
Recommended Zone: Central Zone
4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh, located in Madhya Pradesh, is steeped in myth and legend, making it a compelling destination for tiger enthusiasts. The park holds one of the highest tiger densities in India, which significantly improves the chance of a sighting. As you travel through its varied landscapes, you can also visit the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, a site rich in historical interest and cultural value. This unique blend of wildlife and heritage gives the park its distinctive character.
The best time to visit Bandhavgarh is from October to March, when the weather is comfortable and the forest is active. The nearest airport is in Jabalpur, about 200 kilometres away, and the nearest railway station is Umaria, just 34 kilometres from the park entrance.
Nearest Airport: Jabalpur (200 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Umaria (34 km)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Recommended Zone: Tala Zone
5. Nagarhole National Park (Kabini), Karnataka
Kabini, officially known as Nagarhole National Park, is the top choice for tiger watching in southern India. This forest is part of the Western Ghats ecosystem and is known not only for its tigers but also for its high leopard density and occasional sightings of the elusive black panther. The park is accessible by road from both Bangalore and Mysore, making it one of the more reachable reserves in the region.
Kabini is considered a premium destination with limited safari permits and higher accommodation costs, but for those travelling only in South India, it stands out as one of the few places where tiger sightings are reasonably possible. The best time to visit is between October and April. Right after the monsoon, the forest is lush and vibrant, though sightings can be trickier. As the dry season progresses, visibility improves, making late winter and early summer ideal for photography.
Nearest Airports: Bangalore or Mysore
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Recommended Zone: Zone B
If you are dreaming of seeing India’s big cats in the wild, I highly recommend exploring the curated wildlife journeys offered by Endemic Explorer. Their India safaris are thoughtfully designed and led by passionate naturalists. Visit www.endemicexplorer.com to discover tours that go far beyond the usual safari route.
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