The best locations to see tigers in India
These days, alongside its rich culture around food and religion, India’s reputation is growing as a worthwhile safari destination. Of course, it undoubtedly has some catching up to do with the likes of Africa, but India is particularly popular for people who want to see a specific animal up close and personal, namely the tiger.
A speedy and deadly predator, the tiger is the largest cat found in the wild anywhere in the world and is instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive orange look and flexible body. Throughout time, tigers have always been much loved creatures in most of Asia, with many of them thriving there. The impact of tigers is perhaps best summed up by various nods to them and their natural beauty from a variety of brands in the modern-day, be it Tiger Beer, a brand of beer from Singapore, or Red Tiger Gaming, a company behind leading casino game software. It’s in the wild where these beautiful animals really belong, though, especially if you’ve always been tempted by a safari experience.
Now, with India’s safari offering growing in reputation and tiger populations doing reasonably well in the country, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the trip of a lifetime and see some of the world’s most unique animals in the flesh. Thanks to a large selection of protected parks and a conservation scheme by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, there are plenty of options worth considering ahead of your tiger-watching getaway. Let’s take a look at some of them below.
Kanha National Park
A truly gorgeous location, Kanha National Park is home to one of the biggest tiger populations in all of India. The national park was originally created to cater to animals like tigers, with 26 villages relocating. Since then, Kanha National Park has grown in reputation and is now home to an array of tigers, all of which feast on local prey such as gaur and sambar. The area is also particularly well known for its big population of dry-land swamp deer, too.
Ranthambore National Park
Sadly, as is the case with many safari hotspots dotted all around the world, poaching is fairly prominent in Ranthambore National Park, a reserve that is close to Delhi. The fact that it’s located near the capital of India makes it seem like a tourist destination to some, but in actual fact it’s a stunningly beautiful location that is home to some tigers.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Easily one of the most beautiful reserves on the list, Bandhavgarh National Park is a favoured option for many people who want to immerse themselves in nature and explore an extensive selection of wildlife. Thanks to its year-round water, it’s the perfect home for tigers, too, with one of the largest populations of tigers being found there anywhere in India. In terms of safari destinations in India where tigers are most likely to be spotted, Bandhavgarh National Park is right up there with the best of them.
Tadoba National Park
A hidden gem for many people in 2022, Tadoba National Park doesn’t offer the same all-round safari package that many other destinations offer, be it through delicious cuisine and swanky accommodation, but if you’re after a raw tiger-viewing experience then it’s a solid option. In recent years in particular, the area has been full of tigers too, making it a great option for some people. Alongside tigers, you might also see some dhole, sloth bears, and leopards.
Other locations in India well worth considering if you’re keen to see tigers on safari include Kaziranga National Park, Pench National Park, Nagarahole National Park, and Corbett National Park.