These 5 national parks in India where you might see the Tiger
India is a vast country with varied land forms which displays great variety of physical variation. From Ocean to Mountains, National parks to deserts almost everything a nature lover would intend to explore.
Here we bring you the most popular 5 national parks in India which can guarantee you a Tiger spotting if you are a lover of big cats and other wildlife. Check out the list-
Jim Corbett national park
Located in the foothills of Himalayas at Nainital district Jim Corbett Park is top on the list when it comes to vast population of Royal Bengal Tigers. Yes, you hear it right; Jim Corbett has more than 250+ Tigers as per the latest census completed in 2020.
The national park remains open from October to June every year which has been divided in to 6 main zones for the tourists.
Tourists can choose between Jeep/Canter or Elephant safaris to enter the wildlife reserve area during morning or evening shifts.
Popular zones– Dhikala, Bijrani and Jhirna.
Connectivity– Park is well connected through rail head from major parts of India.
Nearest international Airport is New Delhi which is around 275 KMs from the Jim Corbett.
P.S. – Best time to visit is February to June and one should opt for at least 3-4 safaris for maximum chances of sighting.
Ranthambore national park
Ranthambore national park is world renowned Tiger reserve situated in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. In year 1955 it was named as Sawai Madhopur games sanctuary and after approximate 18 years it was declared a part of India’s Project Tiger. And, later in 1980 it was finally declared as Ranthambore national park.
Unlike other national parks in India, Ranthambore is the part of deciduous forest where trees lose their leaves seasonally and grow again after the rainy season ends.
The national park remains open from October to June every year. There are total 10 zones in the Ranthambore Tiger reserve.
Tourists can choose between Jeep & canter safari to enter the wildlife reserve area during morning or evening shifts.
Popular zones– From 2 to 5 are considered to be high probability zones for Tiger spotting.
Connectivity– Park is well connected through rail head from major parts of India.
Nearest international Airport is Jaipur which is around 130 KMs from the Ranthambore Tiger reserve.
P.S. – Best time to visit is January to June and one should opt for at least 2-3 safaris for maximum chances of sighting.
Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve
Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve is one of the most famous national park amongst tourist from India and all over the world for Tiger sightings. It is situated in Umaria district of an Indian state Madhya Pradesh. One can easily hire a taxi from station to reach Bandhavgarh in approximate 45 minutes.
The Park has derived its name from the most prominent hill of the district which is said to have been given by Lord Rama to his brother Laxman to keep an eye on Lanka during Ramayana.
The national park remains open from Mid October to June every year. Park has been divided in to 3 major zones and 3 buffer zones for tourists.
One can choose between Jeep & canter safari to enter the wildlife reserve area during morning or evening shifts.
Popular zones– Tala and Magadhi are the most popular zones amongst tourists and naturalists.
Connectivity– Park is well connected through rail head from major parts of India.
Nearest Airport is Jabalpur which is around 200 KMs from the Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve.
P.S. – Best time to visit is January to May and one should opt for at least 2-3 safaris for increasing their chances of spotting the king of the jungle.
Kanha Tiger reserve
Kanha Tiger reserve is one of the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh. Kanha national park is spread about 950 sq kms (Core area) and more than 1000 sq kms of buffer zone. It is officially the first Tiger reserve in India which has introduced Barasingha (A Swamp deer).
It was declared the forest reserve in 1879 by the British and, approximately after 70 years in 1955 it was declared as a national park.
The national park remains open from Mid October to June every year. Park has been divided in to 4 major zones and 4 buffer zones for visitors.
One can choose between Jeep & canter safari to enter the wildlife reserve area during morning or evening shifts.
Popular zones– Kanha, Kisli & Mukki are considered to be best zones for wildlife encounters.
Connectivity– Park is well connected through rail head from major parts of India.
Nearest Airport is Jabalpur which is around 150 KMs from the Kanha Tiger reserve.
P.S. – Best time to visit is January to May and one should go for at least 3-4 safaris here for best wildlife experience.
Tadoba Tiger reserve
Tadoba national park also known as Andheri Tiger reserve is a wildlife sanctuary located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, India. Given its name in 1955, the reserve includes the main two parts which are Tadoba National Park and the Andheri Wildlife Sanctuary.
Its name has been derived from the local God name of local tribe who used to live in the deep forest of Tadoba national park.
The national park remains open from October to June every year. Park is divided into 3 core areas for the safari tourists.
Tourists can enter the park by gypsy only as there is no canter safari allowed at Tadoba reserve.
Popular zones– Moharli & Tadoba are the best zones for wildlife safaris.
Connectivity– Park is well connected through rail head from major parts of India.
Nearest Airport is Jabalpur which is around 130 KMs from the Tadoba Tiger reserve.
P.S. – Best time to visit is February to June and one should go for at least 2-4 safaris here for increased chances of Tiger spotting.
I hope on your next wildlife adventure, you will surely add these national parks into your bucket list for greater chances of spotting the Royal Bengal Tigers.