INDIAN WILDLIFE SAFARIS
Most Trusted Indian Wildlife Safari Specialists
Embark on an unforgettable tiger safari in India and step into a world where nature reigns supreme and adventure awaits at every turn. Spotting the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger in the wild during your India tiger safari is an experience parallel to none. The regal strides, the gracious demeanour, the royal stripes blending in the wilderness; make it an exclusive wildlife experience to cherish for a lifetime.
India is home to the largest population of wild Tigers globally and boasts 53 Tiger reserves. This makes India the ultimate destination to see tigers in their natural habitat. With over 3100 wild tigers, accounting for more than 2/3rd of the total world tiger population, India is truly the best place for a tiger safari.
What you will experience with us?
- Rich Biodiversity of India
- Memorable tiger safaris with our naturalists
- Stay in sustainable jungle lodges
- Interactions with the local community
Best National Parks for Tiger Safaris & Wildlife in India
Top Parks for Diverse Wildlife Safaris in India, renowned for Tiger Sightings:
- Ranthambore National Park
- Kaziranga National Park
- Kanha National Park
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Pench National Park
- Tadoba National Park
- Panna National Park
- Jim Corbett National Park
India’s vast network of protected areas offers a spectacular opportunity to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. While Tiger sightings are often a key highlight, each park provides a unique window into different ecosystems and animal populations. With parks spread across the country, you can choose an experience tailored to your specific wildlife interests and target species, including finding the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger in India.
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is renowned for its tigers, set against the backdrop of the historic Ranthambore Fort and ancient ruins. The park’s terrain of rocky ridges, lakes, and forests makes it a picturesque location for tiger safari and wildlife viewing. Besides tigers, you can spot Leopards, Jackals, Striped Hyenas, Sambar Deer, Chital, and a variety of birds, including many raptors. Its proximity to the Golden Triangle cities makes it a popular addition to cultural tours.
October to June
Tailor made as per need, suggested duration is minimum 3-4 nights for good tiger sighting opportunities.
Tiger Safari, Ranthambore Fort, Lakes, Leopards, Sambar Deer, proximity to Golden Triangle.
Fly to Jaipur and drive for 3-4 hours. Or take a train to Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town.
Kaziranga National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park in Assam is famous for housing the world’s largest population of One-Horned Rhinoceroses. This park is a crucial conservation area with a landscape dominated by vast stretches of tall elephant grass, marshlands, and tropical moist broadleaf forests. Besides the Rhino, Kaziranga is also home to tigers, elephants, Wild Water Buffalo, and many migratory birds, offering a unique wildlife experience distinct from Central India parks. Elephant and jeep safaris are popular ways to explore its unique ecosystem.
November to April
Tailor made as per need, suggested duration is minimum 3-4 nights.
One-Horned Rhinoceros (highest population), Tigers, Asian Elephants, Wild Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer, diverse birdlife, tall grasslands.
Fly to Guwahati or Jorhat and drive for 4-5 hours or 2-3 hours respectively.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park, nestled in the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its high density of Royal Bengal Tigers, making it a top destination for India tiger safari enthusiasts. However, its rich Sal forests, ancient caves, and historical Bandhavgarh Fort also support a variety of other wildlife. Originally a game reserve for the Maharajas of Rewa, the park’s landscape, dotted with meadows and streams, provides excellent opportunities to spot Gaur, Sambar Deer, numerous primate species, and a wide array of bird species alongside its famous tigers.
October to June
Tailor made as per need suggested duration is minimum 6-7 nights for comprehensive experience and higher chances of tiger sighting.
Tiger Safari, Ranthambore Fort, Lakes, Leopards, Sambar Deer, proximity to Golden Triangle.
Fly to Jaipur and drive for 3-4 hours. Or take a train to Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town.
Tadoba National Park
Tadoba National Park in Maharashtra has quickly risen in popularity due to its high wildlife, particularly tiger, sighting probability in recent years. Its dry deciduous forest type with prominent Teak and Bamboo allows for good visibility, especially around its many man-made water bodies which attract wildlife during hotter months. While tigers are a major draw, Tadoba’s diverse habitat also supports Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs, and various deer species. The chance to spot a rare Black Leopard occasionally adds to its allure, making it a thrilling destination for diverse sightings during your Indian wildlife safari.
October to June (Closed monsoon July-Sept)
Tailor made as per need; suggested duration is minimum 6-7 nights for comprehensive experience and higher chances of tiger sighting.
Tiger Safari, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs, and excellent visibility for spotting animals near water sources.
Fly to Nagpur and drive for 3 hours to reach Tadoba National Park. Nagpur is well connected from all major cities in India.
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is a truly magical landscape of rolling grasslands and Sal forests, famously depicted in Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. Beyond its significant tiger population, Kanha is celebrated for its successful conservation of the Hard Ground Swamp Deer (Barasingha), a species brought back from the brink of extinction. Its expansive meadows sustain large populations of Chital, Sambar, and Gaur, which in turn support a healthy density of predators including Tigers, Leopards, and Wild Dogs. A paradise for photographers and birdwatchers alike, with over 350 bird species recorded, offering a fantastic Indian wildlife safari experience.
October to June
Tailor made as per need; suggested duration is minimum 6-7 nights for comprehensive experience and higher chances of tiger sighting.
Tiger Safari, Hard Ground Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Gaur, diverse birdlife, picturesque Sal forests and extensive meadows.
Fly to Jabalpur and drive 3 hours. Jabalpur is also well connected to all the major cities in the country and hence can be conveniently reached through road.
Pench National Park
Pench National Park, straddling the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is another park intertwined with ‘The Jungle Book’ tales due to its lush teak forests and riverine habitats. This park offers a fantastic opportunity to see a variety of wildlife beyond its healthy tiger population, including Leopards, Wild Dogs (Dholes), Sloth Bears, Gaurs, and several deer species like Spotted Deer, Sambar, and Barking Deer. Pench is also a hotspot for birdwatching with over 210 avian species, making it a park with rich and varied wildlife sightings during your tiger safari in India.
October to June
Tailor made as per need, suggested duration is minimum 6-7 nights for comprehensive experience and higher chances of tiger sighting.
Tiger Safari, Leopards, Wild Dogs (Dholes), Sloth Bears, Gaur, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Fly to Nagpur and take a road drive of 3 hours. Nagpur also makes for a convenient road trip destination as it is well connected from all major cities in India.
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is a truly magical landscape of rolling grasslands and Sal forests, famously depicted in Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. Beyond its significant tiger population, Kanha is celebrated for its successful conservation of the Hard Ground Swamp Deer (Barasingha), a species brought back from the brink of extinction. Its expansive meadows sustain large populations of Chital, Sambar, and Gaur, which in turn support a healthy density of predators including Tigers, Leopards, and Wild Dogs. A paradise for photographers and birdwatchers alike, with over 350 bird species recorded, offering a fantastic Indian wildlife safari experience.
October to June
Tailor made as per need; suggested duration is minimum 6-7 nights for comprehensive experience and higher chances of tiger sighting.
Tiger Safari, Hard Ground Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Gaur, diverse birdlife, picturesque Sal forests and extensive meadows.
Fly to Jabalpur and drive 3 hours. Jabalpur is also well connected to all the major cities in the country and hence can be conveniently reached through road.
Panna National Park
Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh, located near the famous Khajuraho temples, is a park with a remarkable conservation success story, particularly for its tiger population which was revitalized through a relocation project. Situated at the confluence of the Gangetic plains and the Deccan peninsula, the park’s lifeline is the Ken River, offering beautiful gorge landscapes and excellent opportunities for boat safaris to spot crocodiles and other riparian wildlife. Panna’s varied terrain, including open forests, grasslands, and savannah woodlands, makes it ideal for spotting tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and a significant population of vultures and smaller cat species.
October to June
Tailor made as per need, suggested duration is minimum 6-7 nights for comprehensive experience and higher chances of tiger sighting.
Tiger Safari, Leopards, Crocodiles (Boat Safari), Vultures, diverse birdlife, and a successful conservation story.
Fly to Khajuraho and drive for 45 minutes to reach the park. Khajuraho airport is connected from Delhi with frequent daily flights.
Jim Corbett National Park
India’s oldest national park, Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, lies in the sub-Himalayan belt and is famed for being the first park to come under Project Tiger. Its diverse landscape of grasslands, hills, riverine belts, marshy depressions, and a large lake supports not just tigers but also a significant population of elephants, leopards, wild dogs, and over 600 species of birds. The Ramganga River flowing through the park adds to its scenic beauty and provides opportunities for spotting crocodiles and Gharials during your Indian wildlife safari.
October to June (Specific zones may have different closing periods)
Tailor made as per need, suggested duration is minimum 4-5 nights.
Tiger Safari, Asian Elephants, Leopards, diverse birdlife, River Ramganga, India’s oldest National Park.
Fly to Pantnagar and drive for 1-1.5 hours. Or take a train to Ramnagar, located near the park.
National Park | Location | Area | Landscapes | Focus Species | Time to visit | Nearest airport |
Ranthambore National Park | Rajasthan | 1,334 km² | Arid landscape with rocky ridges, lakes, forests, ruins, fort backdrop. | Tigers, Leopards, Jackals, Striped Hyenas, Sambar Deer, Chital, diverse birdlife (incl. Raptors). | Oct to June | Jaipur (3-4 hrs) |
Kaziranga National Park | Assam | 430 km² (Core) | Tall elephant grass, marshlands, tropical moist broadleaf forests. | One-Horned Rhinoceros (highest population), Tigers, Asian Elephants, Wild Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer, diverse bird species (incl. migratory) | Nov to April | Guwahati (4-5 hrs), Jorhat (2-3 hrs) |
Kanha National Park | Madhya Pradesh | 940 km² | Dense Sal and Bamboo forests with rolling grasslands, offering varied landscapes | Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs, Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Fox, Jackals, Gaur and over 300 bird species | Oct to Jun | Jabalpur (4 hrs) |
Bandhavgarh National Park | Madhya Pradesh | 1,536 km² | Rich Sal forest with ancient caves and ruins adding a historical dimension | Tigers, Gaur, Sambhar Deer, Primates, Foxes and over 270 bird species. | Oct to Jun | Jabalpur (4 hrs) |
Pench National Park | Madhya Pradesh | 758 km² | Dry Deciduous Teak forest, mix of dense, open meadows, and riverine habitats | Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs (Dholes), Jackals, Gaur, Sloth Bear, diverse Deer species and over 250 bird species. | Oct to Jun | Nagpur (3 hrs) |
Tadoba National Park | Maharashtra | 625 km² | Tropical dry deciduous forest with Teak/Bamboo, notable for lakes & water bodies. | Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Foxes, Jungle Cat, Wild Dogs and a variety of birds. (Occasional Black Leopard sighting) | Oct to June | Nagpur (2.5 hrs) |
Panna National Park | Madhya Pradesh | 542.67 km² | Varied terrain along the Ken River – open forest, grasslands, savannah, gorges. | Tigers, Leopards, Sloth bears, Hyenas, Crocodiles (Boat Safari), Jungle Cat, and a variety of bird species (incl. Vultures) | Oct to June | Khajuraho (1 hr) |
Jim Corbett National Park | Uttarakhand | 1,318 km² | Foothills habitat with grasslands, hills, riverine belts, marshlands, lake. | Tigers, Asian Elephants, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Crocodiles, Gharials, over 600 bird species. | Oct to June | Pantnagar (1-1.5 hrs) |
Top 5 Tips for Your Indian Tiger Safari
Indian National Parks and Wildlife Reserves have limited vehicle capacity, meaning entry is restricted for safari jeeps. Online tickets for popular parks, especially those known for high tiger sightings, often open 90-120 days in advance and can sell out quickly, particularly for peak seasons. Booking early secures your spot on preferred dates and often allows access to prime safari zones within the park, significantly enhancing your chances of memorable wildlife encounters and a successful tiger safari experience.
Book your Safari at least 120 days in advance
While all safaris in India require a local forest guide, their English fluency and wildlife knowledge can vary. An experienced English-speaking naturalist from your tour operator, like those with tigerwalah/Indian Wildlife Safaris, can be invaluable for your tiger safari. They act as interpreters of the jungle, helping you understand animal behaviour, track wildlife, identify species beyond the main predators, and enrich your overall experience with insights into the complex ecosystem, greatly improving your chances during a tiger safari in India.
Opt for a Safari with an experienced naturalist
Most large parks, especially tiger reserves, are divided into multiple zones for safari. Visiting different zones within the same park can expose you to varying habitats and potentially different animal populations or behaviours. Tiger sightings also tend to move around based on seasonal factors and the presence of resident tigers. Mixing zones maximizes your exposure to the park's biodiversity and increases your chances on your Indian tiger safari. Some parks like Satpura (though not listed here) also offer diverse safari modes.
Experience a mix of different Park Zones and Modes
Indian safaris, even in seemingly warm months, can involve chilly mornings and evenings, especially in an open jeep driving through the forest. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day and season (Oct-Jun). Layering is key. Warm jackets, gloves, and hats are essential for early morning drives in cooler months (Nov-Mar), while light, breathable clothing is needed for warmer afternoons. Comfortable neutral-coloured clothes (avoid bright colours which can disturb wildlife) are advisable for all tiger safaris.
Pack appropriate clothing for varied weather
Seeing specific animals, especially elusive predators like tigers or leopards, is always a matter of chance in the wild. The more time you spend on safari drives (ideally 8-10 drives over 5-6 nights), the higher your probability of successful and meaningful sightings across various species, most importantly, increasing your odds of seeing a tiger in India. Spreading your stay across two different parks can also expose you to different landscapes and species, enriching your overall Indian wildlife and tiger safari experience. It's a significant trip; giving yourself a few extra days is a worthwhile investment.
Allow Minimum 5-6 Nights for comprehensive sightings
Top Indian Tiger & Wildlife Safari Tour Options
The Terai Tigers
11 Nights / 12 Days wildlife tour covering the Terai region
Destinations: Delhi, Jim Corbett & Dudhwa National Park
Experience: 4 Nights stay in Jim Corbett & Dudhwa, 14 private game drives focused on the Terai tiger habitat
Central Indian Wildlife
14 Nights / 15 Days Wildlife Safari Tour
Destinations: Satpura, Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh
Experience: 21 private game drives exploring four premier tiger parks in Central India
The Jungle Book Trail
11 Nights / 12 Days Wildlife Safari Tour
Destinations: Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench
Experience: 15 Private Jeep Safaris in the lands that inspired Kipling, featuring excellent tiger sightings
Into the Wild: Tadoba & Pench
8 Nights / 9 Days Wildlife Tour
Destinations: Pench & Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Experience: 11 Private Game Drives in two of Central India’s most exciting tiger safari destinations
The Ultimate Tiger Trail
18 Nights / 19 Days Wildlife Tour
Destinations: Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench & Tadoba
Experience: 27 private game drives across five of India’s most renowned tiger reserves for the ultimate India tiger safari.
Wild Encounters: Bandhavgarh, Kanha & Jim Corbett
12 Nights / 13 Days Wildlife Tour
Destinations: Bandhavgarh, Kanha & Jim Corbett
Experience: 16 private game drives in three legendary tiger parks across different regions of India
Golden Triangle & Wildlife Adventure
10 Nights / 11 Days Wildlife & Culture Tour
Destinations: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur
Experience: 5 private game drives in Ranthambore, perfectly blending India’s cultural highlights with a famous tiger safari experience.
Taj & Tigers
10 Nights / 11 Days Wildlife & Culture Tour
Destinations: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur
Experience: 5 private game drives in Ranthambore, perfectly blending India’s cultural highlights with a famous tiger safari experience.
The Big Cats and Culture of North India
14 Nights / 15 Days Culture and Wildlife Tour
Destinations: Delhi, Jim Corbett, Agra, Ranthambore & Jaipur
Experience: 14 private game drives, focusing on tiger and big cat sightings alongside cultural exploration
Tigers & Treasures: Golden Triangle, Bandhavgarh & Kanha
14 Nights / 15 Days Wildlife & Culture Tour
Destinations: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Bandhavgarh & Kanha
Experience: 13 Private Jeep Safaris combining iconic Indian landmarks with premier Central India tiger safaris.
FAQs for Indian Wildlife Safari
Planning & Booking
Indian National Parks and Wildlife Reserves have limited vehicle capacity, meaning entry is restricted. Online tickets for popular parks often open 90-120 days in advance and can sell out quickly, especially for peak seasons. Booking early secures your spot on preferred dates and often allows access to prime safari zones within the park, significantly enhancing your chances of memorable wildlife encounters.
An Indian wildlife safari offers a unique opportunity to witness some of the world’s most iconic and diverse species in their natural habitats, including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, and One-Horned Rhino, amidst stunning and varied landscapes.
Cancellation policies vary depending on the specific tour package and the lead time before travel. Please refer to the terms and conditions provided with your booking or contact our specialists for details.
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. Visa requirements vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. It is essential to check the latest visa regulations with the Indian embassy or consulate in your country well in advance of your travel dates.
The cost of a wildlife safari tour in India can vary significantly based on factors such as the duration of the trip, the parks visited, the type of accommodation (lodge luxury level), the number of safaris, whether it’s a private or group tour, and the time of year. Our tailored packages start from a certain price range, and we recommend contacting us with your preferences for a personalized quote.
Safari Experience
Safaris are primarily conducted in open-top 4×4 vehicles (jeeps or canters), which provide excellent visibility for wildlife viewing. Specific parks may also offer alternatives like boat safaris or elephant safaris (subject to availability and park regulations).
Yes, some parks offer alternatives to jeep safaris. For example, boat safaris are popular in Periyar and Panna, and walking safaris are a highlight in Satpura. Check the specific park details for available safari modes.
Most Indian National Parks have fixed entry and exit times for safaris, typically morning (sunrise to around 10 am) and afternoon (around 2:30 pm to sunset). These times can vary slightly with the season. Parks are generally closed during the monsoon season (July to September).
The wildlife varies by region. Central India (MP/MH) is famous for Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs, and deer. North India (Rajasthan/Uttarakhand) offers Tigers against unique backdrops, elephants, and diverse birdlife. North-East India (Assam) is known for One-Horned Rhinos, elephants, and diverse birdlife. The Western Ghats (South India) feature elephants, gaur, and rich bird/amphibian life. We can tailor your tour to target specific species or regions.
Safety & Guidelines
Safaris are conducted by trained guides and drivers who are knowledgeable about animal behavior. It is crucial to follow their instructions at all times. Vehicles are kept at a safe distance from animals. Guests are advised to remain seated in the vehicle unless explicitly told otherwise.
Park rules are strict and must be followed. These include prohibitions on littering, smoking, making loud noise, feeding animals, and getting out of the vehicle in unauthorized areas. Our naturalists will brief you on the specific rules for each park.
Yes, India is generally safe for tourists, and wildlife safaris are conducted with safety as a top priority. By booking through a trusted operator like Indian Wildlife Safaris, you ensure experienced guides, reliable vehicles, and well-planned itineraries that prioritize your safety and comfort.
Packing & Preparation
Pack neutral-coloured clothing (greens, browns, khakis) that blends with the environment. Layering is essential due to temperature fluctuations between early mornings/evenings and midday. Include warm layers, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and rain gear during the monsoon season.
Bring binoculars (essential!), camera and lenses, extra batteries/power bank, sunblock, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle (reusable is best), and perhaps a small snack. Keep your camera and phone secure.
While there are no strict luggage restrictions for the overall trip, it’s practical to pack efficiently, especially if your itinerary involves internal flights. For the safari drives themselves, there are usually no specific luggage restrictions within the jeep, but space is limited, so carry only what you need for the drive.
Photography & Equipment
A camera with a telephoto lens (e.g., 300mm or more) is highly recommended for capturing distant wildlife. Consider bringing a bean bag or monopod for stability in the jeep. Protect your gear from dust and potential rain.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use. Drones are strictly prohibited in National Parks. Flash photography of animals, especially nocturnal ones or close up, should be avoided as it can disturb them. Always respect the guidance of your naturalist regarding photography etiquette.
Yes, all reputable lodges provide facilities for charging electronic devices in your room or designated areas. India uses 230-240V power with Type C, D, and M plugs, so bring appropriate adaptors.
Health & Medical Precautions
Recommended vaccinations vary based on your country of origin and the areas in India you plan to visit. It is strongly advised to consult your doctor or a travel clinic several months before your trip for personalized advice and to ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations and potentially others like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from or transiting through countries with a risk of Yellow Fever.
Malaria risk exists in certain parts of India, particularly in forested areas and during specific seasons. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic about malaria prophylaxis appropriate for the regions and time of year you are travelling. Also, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves/pants in evenings, and sleep under a mosquito net if provided and needed.
Our lodges and guides have protocols for medical emergencies and can assist in arranging transport to the nearest medical facility. For serious issues, evacuation to a larger city hospital may be necessary. We highly recommend having comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Photography & Equipment
A camera with a telephoto lens (e.g., 300mm or more) is highly recommended for capturing distant wildlife. Consider bringing a bean bag or monopod for stability in the jeep. Protect your gear from dust and potential rain.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use. Drones are strictly prohibited in National Parks. Flash photography of animals, especially nocturnal ones or close up, should be avoided as it can disturb them. Always respect the guidance of your naturalist regarding photography etiquette.
Yes, all reputable lodges provide facilities for charging electronic devices in your room or designated areas. India uses 230-240V power with Type C, D, and M plugs, so bring appropriate adaptors.