Best places to spot tigers in India

India is a vast and rich country in many areas including wildlife. The country has its own ‘Big Five’ – the Asiatic leopard, Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, Indian elephant and the One-horned Rhino. When we think about tigers, India is the first country that comes to mind as it houses almost half of the world’s tiger population, it is home to more than 3000 tigers spread across more than 40 national parks.

The best time to spot tigers in india- would be the scorching months of April, May and June as wildlife tends to appear in the open areas around watering holes during these months. However, if the heat gets unbearable for you, the cooler months of March to mid-April will be suitable. Now, let's get on to the best places to spot tigers in India and destinations to add to your Safari holiday in India.

Bandhavgarh National Park 

This former hunting ground of the royal families of Maharajas of Rewa and one of the best places to visit in India, was declared a national park in 1968 and became a tiger reserve in 1993.The national park is spread over a core area of 105 sq Km and a buffer area of 400 sq Km, housing the highest density of tigers not only in India but in the world. Bandhavgarh is also credited as the origin place of white tigers but now does not have one and  houses Royal Bengal Tigers.

This national park is spread over Vindya Hills in Madhya Pradesh, with a broken terrain, rocky hill ranges running roughly east and west, intersped with grassy swamps and forested valleys. It is home to around 60 tigers making the chances of spotting one easier. Other than tigers, fauna including 37 species of mammals, more than 250 species of birds and 80 species of butterflies with a number of reptiles find their habitat in the park.

Bengal Tiger being the main attraction as this is the best place in India for spotting tigers, invites wildlife enthusiasts and tourists from all around the world. Bird watchers also find their heart’s content with the abundance of more than 250 species of birds.

Ranthambore National Park

Any pictures of tigers you see in India are probably taken in Ranthambore National Park. This national park is the most famous of national parks in India, among photographers and wildlife enthusiasts due to its abundance of active tiger population and vast numbers of species of birds and reptiles.

Located in Sawai Madhopur district, 130 Km from Jaipur, is the perfect destination for tourists visiting the three cities(Jaipur, Delhi and Agra) of the Golden Triangle. Home to almost 90 tigers that are active during the day unlike other nocturnal tigers making it easier to spot one during the day.

It was recognised world-wide after a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in the 1960s when Prince Philip shot a tiger in the vicinity. The park introduced protection for tigers in 1973 and soon became one of the best tiger reserves in India. This former hunting ground of maharajas of Jaipur has many heritage ruins where you can frequently spot tigers and leopards. Other than tigers, it is home to a wide variety of mammals and reptiles, 272 kinds of birds, and around 300 species of plants. This National park will not leave you empty handed after a safari visit and would make the perfect fit for a Rajasthan tour with Ranthambore.

Kanha National Park 

One of Asia’s best kept national parks spread across 30,000 sq Km was established by relocating 26 villages, leaving a vast area of meadows in the grand forests of Sal, making area to easily spot wildlife. The park is home to around 500 tigers and plentiful gaur and sambar deer for the tigers to hunt. 

Other wildlife spotted frequently during safaris include chital, three-striped palm squirrel, common langur, jackal, wild pig, black buck, striped hyena, leopard, mouse deer, porcupine, chinkara and ant-eating pangolin.

The vast area and its wide range of flora and fauna makes it undoubtedly one of the best National parks in South Asia. Do not forget to book your safari early in the morning to avoid the rush of tourists and get the best sightings of tigers and other wildlife. Do add this national park to your list of destinations for your next India tour. 

These were the best places to spot the great Bengal Tiger in the Indian subcontinent to add to your next India trip. Some of the other national parks that cannot be left out when talking about tigers are Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand, Satpura National Park and many more. We hope you spot a tiger for sure at one of these beautiful national parks.