Top 5 Tiger Safari Travel Destinations in India

It has been noticed as the amount of tigers has decrease in India, people have become more interested in watching these big wild cats in their natural territory. The term Tiger Safari has come into more admired use and the number of visitors in the national parks have also enlarged. Since India is the prime destination in the world where you will find major population of tigers, it has attracted wildlife aficionado from all across the earth. Along with their thoughtful interest in tiger sighting, these wildlife aficionados have paid much heed to the rich biodiversity in India, which has resulted in making India not only a large place for tiger spotting but also for sighting hundreds of elite flora and fauna class. So, in a way, tiger safari in India does not limit itself to just spotting a tiger but it center of awareness on other important aspects of wildlife that includes bird watching, butterfly sighting, learning more about wildlife conservation and being more aware of our natural environment. There are certain wildlife reserves in India, which honestly give preferable prospects for tiger safari than the rest & here is our list that sorts it out for you:

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh National Park India

For wild life lovers nothing is better than Bandhavgarh National Park for tiger sighting in India. Nestled amidst the Vindhayan Hills in Madhya Pradesh, this national park boasts of the maximum population of tigers in the country. The park is divided into four major zones, namely Tala, Magdhi, Khitauli, and Panpatta; they together constitute the core area of about 694 sq kms. The national park was home to some of the widely famous tigers like Sita (who once appeared on the cover of National Geographic magazine), Charger, Mohini, B2 and Bamera. Even today, when these tigers are no longer alive, they are remembered and their descendants dominate the forest.  You may get lucky in the national park and can spot tigers like Blue Eyes, Mukunda, Rajbehra, Mirchaini, Banbehi, Mahaman, Sukhi Pattiya and Damdama.

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Ranthambore National Park

Sawai Madhopur is shelter to the tigers in India, Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Moadhopur, Rajasthan is ranked second as a good prospect for tiger sighting in India. The park is pread over an area of 392 sq km and is divided into many zones out of which Bakaula, Kachida Valley, Lakarda and Anantpura, Rajbagh Ruins, Padam Talao and Ranthambore. There are few  tigers like Machli (reckoned to be the oldest tiger alive), Slant Ear (son of Machli Jr, on whom a documentary was shot and was shown all across the world), Sultan or T-72 (who is believed to be the next big territory holder in the park) and Mala (whose beaded line across the neck has earned her this name). According to a report in 2014, the tiger population in Ranthambore National Park has reached 65, let us touchwood and hope and pray that the population multiplies in the future

Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, Corbett National Park

The oldest national park in India, Corbett sprawls crossways two districts of Uttarakhand (Pauri and Nainital). Covering a part of around 1288 sq km (including the buffer area), Corbett is one of the best places for a tiger safari in India. The national park is divided into 5 major zones, namely, Dhikala, Jhirna, Bijrani, Durgadevi and Dhela. Since the region is large, you may find it difficult to spot tigers here, however, a recent incident in which 5 tigers were spotted has given wildlife enthusiasts the hope of fair chances of sighting tigers in Corbett.  It also cannot be forgotten that Corbett was the first national park that initiated Project Tiger in India. So, if you are fortunate enough, your journey to Corbett can bring good result as you may get the chance to spot this big wild cat in its natural habitat.

Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra

Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra

Here is why you should go for tiger safari in Tadoba National Park: in 2014, 65 tigers were spotted in Tadoba (29 in Tadoba, 24 in Pench National Park and 5 in Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve). Yes, that is good news and an invitation as well!  This national park, situated in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, is spread over an area of about 625 sq kms. The best time to spot tigers in Tadoba is during the summer, when they spend time in Tadoba Lake and waterholes like Pandharpauni and Panchadhara. The other fact that makes Tadoba a great place for tiger sighting is that there is no core area that is not open for visitors, hence you have better chance to spot wildlife.

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

 Bandipur is yet another good place for tiger safari in India. According to a census in 2010, there were about 115 tigers living in unperturbed territories in this national park. So, you see, one actually has a fair chance to sight a tiger in Bandipur National Park. On your safari into the wild, other than tigers, elephants can be of main interest here. Elephants, wild boars and gaur are commonly covered in the park near some waterhole. In 2014 a freak fire damaged a major part of the national park and since then all these areas are under self revival period, only one zone opens for the tourists.

Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala

Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala

Periyar National Park is a famous tiger reserve in South India. Located in Idukki and Pathanamittha districts of Kerala, Periyar boasts of rich biodiversity and absolutely scenic place. There are about 35 species of mammals, 45 species of reptiles and more than 260 species of birds in the park. Apart from tiger and elephants, gaur, sambar, wild pig, Travancore flying squirrel, jungle cat, Indian giant squirrel, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Salim Ali’s fruit bat, stripe-necked mongoose, and Nilgiri marten are the main inhabitants of the wildlife reserve. In Periyar National Park, the visitors have the option of taking a boat ride, going on a nature walk, patrolling the jungle and exploring the area on a bullock cart.