Tigers are an absolute marvel of the wild. It is India’s good fortune that we have such a robust population of wild Bengal Tigers. With International Tiger Day knocking on our door, it is an excellent time to find out where you can go on a fruitful tiger safari on your next vacation.
It is going to be an experience of a lifetime for your children, as seeing the animals in the wild will help in developing their love for nature and the outdoors.
It’s going to be an exciting holiday with exciting jungle adventures, and maybe, if you’re lucky enough, you might spot the striped beauty!
1. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Located in Rajasthan, close to Jaipur, the Ranthambore National Park is immersed in history and also an excellent option for tiger safari on your next vacation. Bordered by the Aravali Hills, it is picturesque with its lush vegetation and prolific heritage properties.
The best time to visit is from November to March, and tiger sightings in the wild are pretty common. Ranthambore’s last recorded tiger population was 63.
Tourists can also visit the Ranthambore fort to add a little history to their itinerary.
2. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha is situated in the Bahmnidadar region of the state. The beauty of the forest lies in its grasslands with dense vegetation, numerous streams and waterholes, and tall trees.
The attractions of the Kanha tiger safari on your next vacation are the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Gaur, and Barasingha deer. While the most pleasant time to visit is between November and March, summer increases your chances of tiger spotting.
It is easier because the rustled vegetation leaves more open spaces. Since tigers love water, they can often be found near watering holes.
3. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Erstwhile hunting grounds of the Mysuru Royals, it has now come under the domain of the Royal Bengal Tiger. A perfect location for a tiger safari on your next vacation, it is also home to elephants, antelopes, and gaurs.
The best time to visit is from October to March, and its closest city is Chamarajanagar, Mysore. The last recorded tiger count at Bandipur was around 70, making it a highly probable place to spot the elusive animal.
4. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Another Karnataka destination for a tiger safari on your next vacation is the Nagarhole National Park separated from the Bandipur National Park by the Kabini Rivers. Situated in the Brahmagiri mountains, Nagarhole is scented with sandalwood trees and teak forests.
If you are looking for a thrilling experience, Nagarhole National Park also has hiking and river rafting options. The best time to visit is October to April, and it offers an excellent chance of sighting a tiger.
5. Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu
Located in the heart of the Anamalai Hills of Pollachi and Valparai, this tiger reserve is home to the Indian leopard, Indian elephant, and other exotic species. The Topslip area is an excellent place for its downhill terrain and the perfect tiger safari on your next vacation.
December to February is the best time to visit. With 30 tigers, chances of sighting a tiger at Anamalai are pretty high.
6. Jim Corbett National Park
Situated in Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is widely considered one of the most popular tiger reserves in the country, thanks to its dense tiger population. Named after renowned wildlife conservationist Jim Corbett, it is also the first national park of the country. With a recorded 215 tigers, the national park stands in close proximity to Nainital, another popular tourist destination.
The scenic forest land and secluded waterfalls are a sight to watch for the sore eyes.
7. Hemis National Park
Located in the eastern part of Ladakh, the Hemis National Park is kind of an unconventional destination for a tiger safari on your next vacation. Best known for its high density of snow leopards, this wild cat is also known as the ‘ghost cat’ because of its elusive nature and highly efficient camouflage.
However, if you are lucky enough, you might be able to spot the white tiger, which also cohabitates the largest national park in Asia.
These are our top suggestions for a tiger safari on your next vacation. Think we missed someplace out? Share your suggestions and experiences in the comments below.