Tiger Safari in India – An Ultimate Guide

“Tiger safari in India “, one of the leading purposes of tourist from UK, USA, Australia and all other parts of the world to fly down to this majestic land India.

I perceive the reasons why Tiger safari in India is such a massive tourist attraction in India are lucid to every dabbler like me.

With lots of groundwork in choosing a tour package, who can provide a safe and comfortable tiger safari in India, I finally got my wingman with LIH travels.

The 10-day plan of my best tiger safari tour was impeccably scheduled by the enthusiast and dedicated team of LIH.

I was so impressed with their management team even before the trip started.

The attention they have paid in every minute detail of my personal interest, expectation and my budget ensured a memorable trip ahead….

But why tiger safari in India only, why not in Africa or some other country?

Read further….

Why Tiger Safari in India is Best?

An Indian tiger in the wild. Royal ,Bengal tiger; Photo: Derrick Brutel via Flickr
  1. More than 4000 Tigers by 2020 (75% of total tiger population in the world ) preserved in 51 tiger reserve, which is a sure bet to spot Royal Bengal tigers. (They might choose Africa to spot lions and leopards, but for beautifully and neatly streaked carnivore in  yellow and black India is the place, my friend!).
  2. Tiger safari in India is the safest way to explore the wildlife in their natural habitat (The rigorously caged wildlife in animated by decorated ambience at the zoo is another safe zone, but not for the peeps like you!!).
  3. The giveaway cost to spend holidays with luxury and comfort during Tiger safari in India is too hard to resist.
  4. The renowned hospitality of India that has been served to every guest visiting India is also alluring to many guests.
  5. The overall experience is so consummated by many activities done at variance during tiger safari, that even if you don’t spot tiger you feel satisfied and accomplished.

51 Tiger reserve!!!

There are 51 tiger reserves in India, where two states Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh have maximum parks.

State Name of Tiger Reserve
Uttarakhand Rajaji Tiger reserve
  Jim Corbett Tiger reserve
Uttar Pradesh Pilibhit Tiger reserve  
  Dudhwa Tiger reserve  
Bihar Valmiki Tiger reserve  
Rajasthan Sariska Tiger reserve  
  Ranthambore Tiger reserve  
  Mukundra hills Tiger reserve  
Madhya Pradesh Panna Tiger reserve  
  Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve  
  Satpura Tiger reserve  
  Pench Tiger reserve  
  Kanha Tiger reserve  
  Sanjay -Dubri Tiger reserve  
Maharashtra Bor Tiger reserve  
  Navegaon- Nagzira  Tiger reserve  
  Tadoba Tiger reserve  
  Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger reserve  
  Melghat Tiger reserve  
Telangana Amrabad Tiger reserve  
  Kawal Tiger reserve  
Goa Kali Tiger reserve  
Karnataka Bhadra Tiger reserve  
  Nagarhole Tiger reserve  
  Bandipur Tiger reserve  
Kerala Mudumalai Tiger reserve  
  Parambikulam Tiger reserve  
  Periyar Tiger reserve  
Tamil Nadu Anamalai Tiger reserve  
  Kalakkad mundanthurai Tiger reserve  
  Sathyamangalam Tiger reserve  
Chattisgarh Indravati Tiger reserve  
Odisha Udanti Sitanadi Tiger reserve  
  Satkosia Tiger reserve  
  Similipal Tiger reserve  
West Bengal Sunderbans Tiger reserve  
Jharkhand Palamau Tiger reserve  
Assam Buxa  Tiger reserve  
  Manas Tiger reserve  
  Orange Tiger reserve  
  Kaziranga Tiger reserve  
  Nameri Tiger reserve  
  Pakhui Tiger reserve  
  Namdapha Tiger reserve  
Mizoram Dampa Tiger reserve  

Best Places to See Tigers in India:

Among 51 tiger reserves, the 9 tiger reserve are immensely popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts are widely popular across the globe. Every tiger reserve is visited in different seasons and cost of tiger safari in India also varies with the different tiger reserve.

Name of the reserve Nearby City Best time to visit Tiger spotting Other activities
Anamalai Tiger Reserve Coimbatore, Pollachi(Tamil Nadu) December, January, February Very good chances Trekking, elephant ride
Nagarhole national park Mysore(Karnataka) October, November, March, April Good Chances View floral vegetation
Bandhavgarh    March, June, November, February Very good chances Visit world popular Khajuraho temples, ancient caves,  
Pench Tiger Reserve Nagpur, Jabalpur(Madhya Pradesh) February, March, April Good chances Trekking on hills
Kanha National park Nagpur, Jabalpur(Madhya Pradesh) February, March, April Rare chances Enjoy a family holiday at a luxurious resort
Ranthambore national park Jaipur (Rajasthan ) November, February, August Good chances Visit Ranthambore Fort
Sariska Tiger reserve Jaipur, Alwar(Rajasthan), Delhi(New Delhi) October, November On luck Buffer right seeing in monsoon
Kaziranga National Park and tiger reserve Tezpur, Guwahati(Assam) November-April Fair chance  A chance to see Single horn Rhino, beautiful landscape
Jim Corbett national park Nainital (Uttarakhand) November-June Very rare chances Visit waterfalls and chance to see rare species Bengal tiger

1) Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu

(Elephant safari at Annamalai tiger reserve)

Anamalai Tiger Reserve is located in Anaimalai hills of Western Ghats of Coimbatore and Tirupur district in Tamil Nadu. With more than 800 species of Flora and end numbers of wild species, the wildlife sanctuary is abundant with enthralling landscapes.

Resorts available Great mount coco lagoon, Abaraa resort within 20km(Rs 1500-Rs 6000) with food, Hornbill hideaway jungle resort ( Topslip)

Value for money: good.

2) Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
(The roaring tiger of Nagarhole national park)

 Nagarhole National Park is a beautiful wildlife park in India with aromatic sandalwood trees situated near Mysore, Karnataka. that is home to many wild species and birds. Winter after monsoon is the best time to spend a few days in the lush green jungle.

Resorts available: Jungle inn(Rs6000)/The Bison (Rs 10000)/Waterwoods lodge(Rs 15000)per day

Value for money: expensive.

3) Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Located in Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh, the safari park is known for Bandhavgarh Fort, the high population of tiger and world-renowned Khajuraho temples. The perfect holiday destination in winters to explore tribal India with a comfortable stay marks itself in every tourist list.

Resorts available:  The resort of Bandhavgarh National Park( Rs 5000)and Syna resort (Rs 11500)

Value for money: Moderate

4) Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Pench Tiger Reserve, Photo: bigcatsindia.com

Another famous Tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh has more than 250 species of birds and other animals. The rich flora and fauna are well preserved in the jungle surrounding the Pench river. A perfect holiday destination for family and kids to enjoy wildlife.

Resorts available: Pench Jungle Camp(Rs 6500)/Tiger and wood resort(Rs3200)

Value for money: good.

5) Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh.

Kanha Tiger Reserve
Kanha Tiger Reserve

Bandhavgarh, Pench and Kanha National Park are closely connected and are usually visited in a single trip to enjoy the variants they have to offer. Kanha National Park is popular as a background base for Rudyard Kipling’s ” Jungle Book”.The kids enjoy the national park along with the resorts which greets them in different characters of the story.

Resort available: Singinawa Jungle Lodge(Rs 12000), Banjaar Tola, by Taj (Rs 13000)

Value for money: Good

6) Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

The most famous national park for Tiger safari and my favorite too.The perfect holiday destination for adventure lovers. The park is located near Jaipur city, Rajasthan and is at it best during summers. Ranthambore fort, the lakes, and the luxurious stay are additional attractions that will enhance your experience of spotting a tiger.

Resorts available: Ranthambore  tiger resort(Rs 1700) / Ranthambore haveli(Rs 2000), Vanya villa by Oberoi( Rs 16000)

Value for money: very  good

7) Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

Another resort in Rajasthan near Jaipur and Delhi perfect weekend getaway to relax from a chaotic life. The forest is surrounded by Aravali ranges and is a holiday spot to spend some good times with friends in chilling winters.

Resorts available: Alwar Bagh (Rs 4000)/Ram Bihari (Rs palace(Rs 6000- Rs 11000)

Value for money: moderate.

8) Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve
(The single-horned rhinos at Kaziranga National Park)

The only national park where you can spot single horned Rhino in India. The chances of spotting tigers are almost nil but the amusement you experience in natural vegetation and offbeat places is at its fullest.

Resorts available: Jupuri Ghar(Rs 2000)/ Landmark Woods(Rs 3600)

Value for money: expensive.

9) Jim Corbett National Park, Uttrakhand

Jim Corbett national park

The most beautiful national park in the valley of Himalaya is the perfect place to visit during winters and earlier summers. The spotting of the tiger is thin on the ground. Trekking down the hills, bathing under waterfalls is what will make you spellbound during your visit.

Resorts available: Vanvasa resort(Rs 2000)/ Club Mahindra resort(Rs 3600)

Value for money: expensive.

Best Season to go for Tiger Safari Trip in India

I can’t explicitly mention the season best suited for tiger safari as it is very subjective to the intentions of the visitors.

If spotting tiger is the impetus for  Tiger safari than plan it in summers from March to July, for vivid view in dry grass and less vegetated forest.

But, if spending some good time with friends and family is in your mind then enjoy the tiger safari in winter in the month of November to January.

You can even plan a romantic holiday with your loved one in monsoon season amidst nature away from the crowd.

Other Activities to Enjoy During Tiger Safari in India.

National Parks are developed and maintained in such a way that they attract lots of tourists from all over the world. Tours for a small group, or large group, holidays with family or friends or even the photographer or nature conversationalist, who are usually solo travellers, spend some gala time while exploring the wildlife in India.

Enjoy beautiful landscape, Forts, waterfalls, temples, while wandering around in pursuit of spotting tigers. You will be mesmerized by a mile with the picturesque and serene beauty every nook of the jungle offers to you.

On your expedition to spot tigers, you can also engage in trekking, mountaineering to instigate the adventure spirit inside you.

Don’t be disheartened if you are not able to spot tiger during tiger safari in India. You will surely come across with distinctive wildlife like leopards, wild dogs, sloth, spotted deer, Indian elephant, and Gaur(buffalo), single horn rhino, that will be no less in giving that memorable game drive to its every visitors.

With more than 250 species of birds and many more migrating from the colder region, Tiger safari in India is a paradise for every birder.

The dusk and dawn amidst the cloud of dust are like a stroke of grey in orangish yellow background. This is how a dilettante like me describe the beautiful picture captured by a professional photographer. Tiger Safari in India is the raw and natural setting for professional wildlife and amateur photographers to exhibit their talent.

Ranthambore
(A beautiful sunset clicked at Ranthambore)

Tiger safari on the elephant is another attraction that lures many visitors coming with their families.

Vanya Vilas, Banjaar tola are some of the luxurious properties in the midst of the jungle, vouching for a unique and vibrant stay that will leave you awestruck during the tiger safari trip.

How to Reach the Tiger Reserve in India?

All the tiger reserve are connected through roads but only a few places are accessible directly by trains. Many tiger reserves are near to some big cities that are easily connected by trains or air transport. I suggest you can book a flight to these big cities near to tiger park and they can rent a car(readily available) to reach these parks.

You can also plan your trip with some good tour and travel company, who will take all the responsibility of your commuting so that you can just relax and enjoy your trip.

Dos and Don’ts on the Tiger Safari in India.

Some important points to be considered while you stay during tiger safari tour in India.

While You are in the Jungle.

  • Don’t smoke or drink in the Jungle.
  • Don’t litter and spoil the beauty of the jungle.
  • Don’t disturb the animals.
  • Always make a prior arrangement with your guide and driver before going for an expedition in Jungle.
  • Always be on time as per your appointment.

While you are in Canter/ Jeep.

  • Don’t get out of your vehicle without your guide or driver consent.
  • Don’t be restless and avoid making loud noises during your ride.
  • Properly hold the bars of the vehicle during bumpy rides.
  • Acknowledge any inimical event to your guide or driver.

While You Click Photographs.

  • Don’t use a flashlight while clicking animals.
  • Don’t leave your gadgets unattended.
  • Keep the necessary distance between you and wild animals.

While You Pack Your Bags.

  • Don’t wear bright and flashy clothes.
  • Don’t forget to keep your passport or photo identity proof.
  • Keep sunscreen lotions mosquito repellents and all the important medicine in your backpack.
  • Keep your luggage carefully and under your surveillance.

While You are a Solo Traveller.

Solo travelling is sassy! Solo travelling is gaining lots of popularity among both women and men in recent days. Planning a solo trip with any good tour operators are getting a hand on deftness of the entire trip.

But still, I suggest a few points of consideration to all my peripatetic friends, helping them to make their trip a memorable one.

  • Please make poor bookings of transportation, hotels safari booking and pick and drop services.
  • Please take a company while hanging out in nights.
  • Keep all the necessary number on reach.

My experience of tiger safari has taught me a lot and being more human is one among them. In my pursuit to make the world a better place to live, I penned down all the necessary details required you might want to know to help you in planning a wonderful trip to tiger safari in India.

Hope it helps.

Wish you a healthy and peaceful life.

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