In search of tigers in the wild

Rare, beautiful, and dignified, tigers are iconic members of the animal kingdom whose presence in the wild is constantly under threat. Seeing them in their natural habitat is both rare and unforgettable. In this guide, we explore the best tiger reserves in India, showing you how and where to spot these majestic big cats in the wild.

Tiger reserves in India

Following years of poaching and habitat destruction, tiger populations had been falling for the last century with little sign of curbing. However, intense conservation efforts, formally initiated in 2010, have seen global tiger numbers rise from 3,200 to 3,890. Two thirds of this population live in India and efforts to conserve and protect these beautiful animals are slowly but surely paying off. With increased patrols against poaching, compensation for farmers who have lost livestock and the growth of designated tiger reserves, India is leading the world in tiger conservation. These reserves are open to visitors and are a great way to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts during your time in India, while providing ample opportunity to spot tigers in the wild.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Declared a national park in 1986, and a dedicated tiger reserve in 1993, Bandhavgarh National Park boasts one of India’s highest tiger populations. With 68 counted at last census, a few days here is likely to earn you a sighting or two. The park itself covers approximately 440 square kilometers and is home to diverse and vibrant wildlife. As well as its iconic big cats, Bandhavgarh boasts 22 other species of mammal including sloth bears, leopards and spotted deer. It’s also a bird watchers paradise with over 250 species frequenting these forested hills.

Safari game drives are the best way to get around the park and having expert advice on hand can prove invaluable. Local wildlife experts can join your tour, offering insight into the ecosystem and its many inhabitants. The main base for visitors is the village of Tala which is home to multiple hotels and lodges. It’s also a fascinating place in its own right; a quintessential, rural Indian village waiting to be explored.

Kanha National Park

The most famous tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, and the setting for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, Kanha is as vast as it is vibrant. Its sal forests and sprawling meadows cover 1,945 square kilometers, making it an ideal location for intense safari immersion. Dense vegetation and undulating landscape mean that sightings are less common here than at Bandhavgargh, but the park is still well worth a visit. It also boasts 22 species of mammal and hundreds of birds, but the main appeal of this particular reserve is its sheer scale. This is sprawling wilderness in its purest form and that alone is sure to take your breath away.

As with Bandhavgargh, safari game drives are the main way to navigate the park. Local naturalists are also available and can share their knowledge of the ecosystem and its wildlife. Unlike the other tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha offers accommodation options inside the park. Tented camps offer a cozy and comfortable way to stay right at the heart of the action and keep your safari experience as immersive as possible.

Pench Tiger Reserve

Named after the river that flows through its center, Pench Tiger Reserve is one of the lesser-visited tiger reserves in India compared to Kanha and Bandhavgarh. The last recorded count noted around 50 tigers in the area, though sightings can be rare due to the thick vegetation. Still, Pench is a rewarding addition to any India itinerary. Covering 1,921 square kilometers, its expansive teak forests offer a true sense of untouched wilderness.

For bird enthusiasts, Pench stands out among the top tiger reserves in India. The park is home to approximately 275 species of birds, including four endangered vulture species. The Bodhanala range is especially popular with bird watchers, thanks to its bamboo forests, rolling hills, and a large central pond that supports a rich avian ecosystem, easily accessible during a guided safari. As with Kanha and Bandhavgarh, visitors can request to be accompanied by a local naturalist for deeper insights into the region’s wildlife. For accommodations, wilderness camps on the reserve’s outskirts offer stunning forest views without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)

Formally established in 1936 while under the British Raj, and renamed in 1956 after India’s independence, this park is the oldest national park in India. Naturalist Jim Corbett identified the area as being incredibly diverse and dedicated the entire region to wildlife conservation. He was a hunter-turned-conservationist who advocated for the preservation and protection of wildlife across five ecologically contrasting zones, which are open to tourists. Without a doubt, the most popular area is the Dhikala Zone, where you’ll find vast grasslands, dense forests, and a network of intricate river channels, an ideal setting for spotting a prow of tigers.

Commonly spotted species in the park include the Sambhar Deer, elephant, crocodile, leopard, chital, jackal, kingfisher, Asian paradise flycatcher and of course, the tiger. In fact, the park has the highest density of tigers in India (estimated to be around 260) and the original home of the Bengal tiger. Here in the park, you can embark on informative jeep safaris through the jungle, enjoy overnight stays, and take a fascinating journey through the life of Jim Corbett at the museum. 

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal)

Jim Corbett National Park may have the highest concentration of tigers in the world, but the Sundarbans is famous for being home to the world’s largest mangrove forest—and, of course, the mysterious and elusive Royal Bengal tiger. The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is the only mangrove tiger habitat in the world, where these imposing cats can be seen in either of the two ecological zones: the mangroves or freshwater swamp forests. 

A labyrinth of estuaries, woody creeks and secret channels characterize the landscape of Sundarban, providing the perfect environment to harbor these tiger rarities. Including the tigers, there are a total of 1,586 species of fauna and a recorded 400 species of bird. The sheer numbers and array of wildlife in this reserve is astounding!  Scattered throughout the reserve are watchtowers offering aerial views of the landscapes below, and can be reached via the waterways (the only method of exploring the region) on a motorboat. 

Make it happen

Want to seek out these elusive big cats for yourself and find tigers in the wild? The best time to visit tiger reserves in India is from February to June, although temperatures can soar to a scorching 104°F (40°C) from April onward, something to consider when planning your trip. Send an inquiry to our local experts for more information.