Fascinated by the life in the wild? Visit these national parks in India for tiger spotting and other wild animals.
India has around 70% of the world’s tiger population, so the chances of seeing tigers in the wild are better here than in any other country. However, it is not that easy, and takes a lot of things to spot the big cat, but some national parks have better odds than others. So, on the world’s tiger day, here is a crisp list of the national parks for tiger spotting.
1. Jim Corbett National Park
Situated in the Himalayan foothills, it is the oldest national park in India, named after hunter-turned-tiger conservationist Jim Corbett. The park spread over an area of 500 sq. km, has a tiger population of 231. It offers some excellent tiger sightings. Due to thick vegetation, the encounters are often hit-and-miss.
Where: Uttarakhand
Best time to spot a tiger: March to June
2. Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park has the highest density of Royal Bengal Tiger in the region, which means that the chances of spotting the big cat are very good here. The frequent tiger sightings here are what lure wildlife enthusiasts here. During high temperatures, the tiger comes out to cool themselves near water bodies.
Where: Madhya Pradesh
Best time to spot a tiger: April to June
3. Sunderbans National Park
The Sunderbans have a complex ecosystem consisting of deltaic floodplains and mangroves, which is why the park is only accessed by boat. It is the home of the Royal Bengal Tigers (the man-eaters), and they are spotted here among other animal species. Because the park is swamped, tiger sightings are not guaranteed. The river safari is suitable for seeing the tigers swimming.
Where: West Bengal
Best time to spot a tiger: September to March
4. Ranthambhore National Park
This park is particularly famous for its scenic photographs of the tigers, and wildlife photographers just love it. So, it is possible when you are looking at a tiger picture, it is taken in Ranthambhore. The park is categorized into 10 zones, from which the highest chances of spotting the jungle cat are in zone 1 and 6.
Where: Rajasthan
Best time to spot a tiger: April and May
Also Read: Visit these National parks of India and spot Indian rhinos in the wild safari!
5. Kanha Tiger Reserve
We all remember Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Well, the inspiration behind the book has been the Kanha Tiger Reserve. Covering an area of more than 2,000 sq. km., the tiger reserve has vast open meadows and deciduous forests that have most of The Jungle Book’s wildlife, including the tigers, sloth bears, panthers, Indian wolves, jackal, and leopards.
Where: Madhya Pradesh
Best time to spot a tiger: April to June
6. Kaziranga National Park
Although the Kaziranga National Park is widely recognized as the two-thirds population of the world’s one-horned rhino, the chances of encountering tigers here are also pretty good. In the year 2020, India’s only golden tigress was spotted at this park.
Where: Assam
Best time to spot a tiger: March and April
7. Bandipur National Park
The Bandipur National Park is famous for its tiger population along with the population of elephants and sandalwood trees. A part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, you can spot elusive tigers on the safari. The small streams and the shores of the Kabini River are ideal stakeout points for the jungle cat.
Where: Karnataka
Best time to spot a tiger: March to May
8. Satpura Tiger Reserve
The tiger reserve is low-profile and less crowded with tourists. One can feel the presence of the magnificent cats at Satpura Tiger Reserve if not seen. It is one of the few protected areas where visitors are allowed to walk by skipping jeep safaris. In summer, the tigers can be seen swimming in the Sonbhadra River if you are lucky enough.
Where: Madhya Pradesh
Best time to spot a tiger: April and May
9. Pench National Park
This is yet another national park that inspired the settings of ‘The Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling. The famous battle between Mowgli and Sher Khan in Kipling’s book is based in Pench only. The star attraction of the park is the Bengal Tiger.
Where: Madhya Pradesh
Best time to spot a tiger: April and May
Also Read: Meet one of the cutest animals, elephants in these elephant reserves in India!
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