Tiger Wildlife

India has many tiger reserves, located in national parks across the country and the highest density of tigers in the world. The elusive Royal Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India, although sadly now an endangered species, with around 1400 still in the wild. Your chances of spotting tiger are dependent upon the time of year, the size of the park and its tiger population. Bandhavgarh, Ranthambhore and Kanha National Park are prime tiger conservation areas and offer the best opportunities for a sighting.

Ranthambhore National Park, the closest park to Delhi in the desert state of Rajasthan, situated in a belt of low hills is India’s most famous park and today has good tiger sightings and best known for tigers amongst the ruins of the ancient fort. Corbett National Park is staggeringly beautiful and lies in the Siwalik Hills, at the foot of the Himalayas. Kanha National Park is set in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh National Park is situated in the north of Madya Pradesh - originally the private hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa, it is now one of the best places on earth to spot tigers both from a vehicle and elephant back.

The usual method of transportation is shared jeep or Canter (a larger vehicle), though some parks may offer elephant back viewing (strictly number-controlled and not guaranteed). If you can cope with sizzling summer heat, April and May are the best months to spot tiger, when the animals come out in search of water. Keep your eyes peeled for tigers, and if you do spot one, it will only serve to enhance your Indian experience.

Like any wildlife park, the best experiences are achieved if you are able to give a reasonable length of time to your visit to Tiger parks, with a recommended 3 night (or more) visit to get most out of your stay, and to enjoy all that these parks have to offer. Infect the longer the better if you are a keen wildlife traveller, as you will begin to get under the skin of these areas and get to know your guides and hosts better, helping to understand the myriad wonders, complex biodiversity and conservation efforts associated with these areas. Furthermore you increase greatly your chances of seeing a Tiger!