India is one of the best places in the world to spot Bengal tigers in the wild. With over 50 national parks that are part of India’s Project Tiger, the country offers a variety of landscapes and environments for thrilling tiger safaris. Here’s a guide to the best national parks for those who are keen to see tigers in their natural habitat.
- Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is renowned for having one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers in India. This park offers some of the best opportunities for tiger sightings. The park’s history is equally fascinating, with the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort perched on a hill, adding to the allure of your safari experience. Bandhavgarh’s landscape of open grasslands and thick forests provides ideal conditions for tiger tracking. - Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore in Rajasthan is not only famous for its tigers but also for its stunning backdrop of ancient forts and lakes. The park’s resident tigers are known for being relatively easy to spot, often seen lounging in the open or near water bodies. The picturesque setting makes Ranthambore one of the most popular destinations for tiger safaris. - Kanha National Park
Kanha, also located in Madhya Pradesh, is one of India’s largest national parks. Its lush meadows and dense forests are not only home to Bengal tigers but also the rare barasingha (swamp deer), which was saved from near extinction in this park. Kanha’s well-managed safari system and its varied wildlife make it a top destination for tiger safaris. - Jim Corbett National Park
As India’s oldest national park and the place where Project Tiger was first launched, Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand holds a special place in India’s wildlife history. The park’s dense forests, grasslands, and rivers provide a rich habitat for tigers, making it an ideal spot for tiger tracking. Corbett is also known for its elephant herds and birdwatching opportunities. - Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
Tadoba in Maharashtra is one of the most reliable parks for spotting tigers. Its dry deciduous forests and bamboo thickets make it a great habitat for tigers. Tadoba’s relative remoteness ensures a more intimate safari experience, with fewer visitors compared to the more popular parks. - Pench National Park
Known as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh is famed for its scenic beauty and rich wildlife. Tigers, leopards, and wild dogs roam its teak forests, making it a prime spot for wildlife photography and tiger sightings. - Sundarbans National Park
For a truly unique tiger safari experience, head to the Sundarbans in West Bengal, home to the famous Royal Bengal tigers. The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest, and its tigers are known to be strong swimmers. Safaris here are conducted via boat, offering a completely different way to spot tigers as they move through the dense mangrove ecosystem.
These national parks offer some of the most memorable tiger safari experiences in India. From the lush forests of Kanha to the mangroves of Sundarbans, each park offers a unique perspective on India’s incredible wildlife.
