By NS_Sakshi 
India has over 70% of the world’s wild tigers. These beautiful creatures prowl around freely in the jungles, grasslands, and riverbanks of the nation. It is a dream adventure for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure pursuers to take a tiger safari in India. You have the opportunity of witnessing the Royal Bengal Tiger in its native habitat along with numerous other wild animals and birds.
Here in this blog, we are going to discuss the best 5 national parks of India for tiger safari. These places are known for their tigers, safari, and scenery. If you are going for a wildlife tour, do visit at least one among them.
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh is one of India’s best-known tiger reserves. It lies in Madhya Pradesh and boasts one of India’s highest tiger densities. What this means is that your chances of seeing a tiger are very high!
Why go to Bandhavgarh?
- It is thought that all the tigers in the park descended from famous male tiger “Charger” and female tiger “Sita”.
- The park consists of lovely landscapes with hills, grasslands, and forests.
- In addition to tigers, leopards, deer, wild boars, langurs, and birds can also be viewed.
Safari Details:
- Safari areas: Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli (most popular is Tala)
- Ideal time to visit: October to June (April and May provide greater opportunity to sight tigers)
- Safari: Jeep safari (morning and evening)
2. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Ranthambore lies in the state of Rajasthan and is extremely tourist-friendly. Historically, it was a hunting reserve for the Jaipur Maharajas. It is now a secure habitat for the tigers and numerous other species.
Why go to Ranthambore?
- The park is a blend of history and landscape – you can view the ancient Ranthambore Fort within the woods.
- The open grassland and dry forests allow you to spot tigers more easily.
- Ranthambore’s tigers are known to be bold and often seen during the day.
Safari Details:
- Safari zones: 10 safari zones (Zones 1 to 5 are best for tiger sightings)
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Safari type: Jeep and Canter safaris available
2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett is India’s oldest national park and was set up in 1936. It has been named after the legendary hunter-conservationist Jim Corbett. The park lies over the Himalayan foothills and is renowned for its natural beauty.
Why should one visit Jim Corbett?
- It is the initial park to be included in Project Tiger.
- The park contains rivers, grasslands, hills, and dense forests, providing a novel safari experience.
- In addition to tigers, it harbors elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and more than 600 bird species.
Safari information:
- Safari areas: Dhikala (most popular), Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durga Devi
- Best time to visit: November to June (monsoon closed Dhikala zone)
- Safari type: Jeep safaris and elephant safaris (elephant safari permitted only in certain zones)
4. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park is among the most scenic and well-kept tiger reserves of India. It is even credited as being the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel “The Jungle Book“.
Why visit Kanha?
- The park has an abundance of green sal forests and open grasslands, so tiger spotting is relatively easy.
- It is also the best destination to spot the Barasingha (swamp deer), which is a rare animal.
- It has a serene and natural atmosphere, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Safari information:
- Safari areas: Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi
- Best time to go: October to June (April and May are optimal for tiger spotting)
- Safari type: Jeep safaris
5. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Tadoba is in Maharashtra and is among the top tiger reserves in central India to see tigers. It is lesser known compared to other parks, which means the safari experience reservesis more intimate and serene.
Why go to Tadoba?
- The park has a satisfactory count of tigers and is popular for tiger sightings.
- It also features stunning landscapes with lakes, bamboo jungles, and grasslands.
- You may also see leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs (dholes), and numerous birds.
Safari information:
- Safari areas: Moharli, Kolara, Navegaon, Pangdi, Zari, and others
- Best season to visit: October to June (Summer is ideal for tiger sighting)
- Type of safari: Jeep safaris
Tips for Tiger Safari in India
Going on a tiger safari is an exciting adventure, but to make the most of it, you need to be well-prepared and follow some basic guidelines. Here are some important and easy-to-follow tips to ensure your safari is safe, enjoyable, and successful:
Respect Nature and Follow the Rules
Always listen to your safari guide and follow forest rules strictly. Do not feed animals, litter the jungle, or try to get too close to wildlife. The forest is their home—our job is to observe, not disturb.
1. Book Your Safari Well in Advance
Tiger reserves allow only a limited number of vehicles per day in each zone. During peak seasons (like holidays and summer), these slots fill up quickly. To avoid disappointment, book your safari permits and accommodation weeks or even months in advance.
2. Choose Morning Safaris for Better Sightings
Tigers are mostly active during the cooler parts of the day—early morning and late evening. Morning safaris often offer a higher chance of spotting a tiger, especially near waterholes or trails.
3. Maintain Silence and Stay Calm
Wild animals are easily disturbed by noise. Talking loudly or sudden movements can scare them away. Whisper softly and enjoy the natural sounds of the jungle.
4. Wear Earth-Tone Clothing
Avoid bright colors like red, yellow, or white. These can catch the attention of animals and disturb them. Instead, wear shades like olive green, brown, or grey to blend in with the environment.
5. Carry Binoculars and a Camera
Not all wildlife comes close to the safari vehicle. Binoculars help you spot birds and animals from a distance. A good camera with a zoom lens can help capture the beauty of the jungle and its wildlife.
Conclusion
India is a great destination to spot tigers in their natural habitats. With the green forests of Kanha to the arid areas of Ranthambore, each national park provides a different and thrilling experience. These are the top 5 national parks if you prefer to go on a tiger safari and witness the splendor of Indian wildlife.
Whether you are planning to visit for the first time or a nature enthusiast, a visit to any of these parks will make you treasure the memories forever. So pack your bags, take your camera along, and get ready to welcome the King of the Jungle!
