Best Tiger Reserves in India: Places to Go Tiger Spotting

Known For : Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park Corbett Waterfall River Rafting in Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India known as the home of the royal Bengal tigers. Home to more than 650 species of rare and migratory birds, it is a haven for bird watchers. Only 180 vehicles are allowed to enter the national park in a day. Only Jhirna, Dhela and Sitabani tourism zones remain open for tourists throughout the year.

What's Unique? The park has huge grasslands and watch towers (Dhikal area) where you can stand for hours and observe the wildlife around you.
Likelihood of spotting tiger: Good

Best Time: Mid October to Mid June

19 Jim Corbett Attractions

Known For : Gopalaswamy Hills Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Bandipur is one of the best Tiger Reserves in India. There are good chances of spotting a tiger here due to their relatively large population. Apart from tigers, one also comes across animals like the leopard, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, Asiatic wild dog, striped hyena, barking deer, sambar, spotted deer, mouse deer, mongoose, and the slender loris. 

What's Unique? Lots of Elephants to be seen here
Likelihood of Spotting Tigers: Good

Best Time: October to May

2 Bandipur Attractions

The Bandhavgarh sanctuary has the highest density of tigers in the area, 63 at the last count and is one of the best and most famous tiger reserves in India. The best area to spot the tiger is the Tata zone 1 and tickets for here must be booked well in advance. Other animals that you can spot here include the Chittal and Sambhar deer,  leopard, wild dog, blue bull, Indian bison, Indian fox, sloths, muntjac, rhesus monkeys and about 242 species of birds. 

What's Unique? You can hire a car and take a trip to the Bandhavgarh Fort, 600 m from sea level, on a cliff overlooking the Vindhya mountains. 
Likelihood of spotting tiger: High

Best Time: October to June

Kanha National Park is the largest National Park in central India and has been ranked as one of the best parks in Asia. Among the 22 species of large mammals, the royal Bengal tigers are one of the major attractions. It also houses one of the rarest species of deer- the Barasingha. Kanha National Park came to be known the world over through Rudyard Kipling's book- The Jungle Book.

What's Unique? Large open meadows where the animals freely roam. 
Likelihood of Spotting Tiger: High

Best Time: October to June

Ranthambore is one of the most famous Tiger reserves in India, and if you have seen a picture of a tiger in India tourism ads, it's most likely to have been shot here, in Ranthambore. Apart from tigers, it is also home to wild cats, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, Indian foxes, crocodiles and jackals.

What's Unique? There are three lakes enclosed inside the sanctuary, Padam talao, Raj talao and Milak talao, where the wildlife tends to congregate. One can often spot tigresses and cubs in the densely forested Bakaula area.
Best Time to Visit: April and May.
Likelihood of Spotting Tiger: High.

Among the lesser known Tiger reserves in India, the Pench Tiger Reserve is thought to have inspired Rudyard Kipling's Jungle book. There are 32 mammal species here, including the tiger, living in these deciduous forests among meadows and lakes. The tiger population here is slightly more elusive, and it includes the tigress Collarwali who raised five cubs and whose mother was part of BBC's Spy in the jungle series.

What's Unique? The Pench Jungle camp offers safari tents and a well-stocked library among other amenities.
Likelihood of Spotting Tiger: High

Best Time: October to June

Known For : Marichjhanpi Ghoramara Island New Moore Island

The biggest mangrove forests in the world, Sundarbans Tiger reserve in India provide a complete nature's circle to the tourist right from 'Royal Bengal tigers' to roaring rivers and beautiful estuaries. With 400 tigers that call the mangrove, their home, it's not just it's terrain that is one of a kind, but the spirit of this landscape, the animal and the way these come together, to give you perhaps the truest and rawest wildlife experiences. 

What's Unique? Spot a number of endangered species such as Ganges river dolphin, Olive Ridley Turtle and Saltwater Crocodile.
Likelihood of spotting tiger: High

Best Time: September to March

3 Sundarbans Attractions

Known For : Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve Moharli Khosla

Among the relatively new Tiger reserves in India, the Tadoba - Andhari reserve boasts of a booming population of tigers. A whopping seventy, along with leopards and sloths. There are excellent bird watching opportunities too with about 200 species of birds including the crested serpent eagle, the grey headed fish eagle and the changeable hawk eagle.

What's Unique?: A good look into the jungles of central India
Likelihood of spotting tiger: High

Best Time: October to March

6 Tadoba Attractions

Manas Tiger Reserve is not just a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, but also a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. It is located in the Himalayan foothills of Assam and is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. Presently, the population of tigers in Manas is recorded at 60. 

What's Unique? Giant Squirrels and Indian Pangolins
Likelihood of Spotting Tigers: Low

Best Time: October to Apr

Nagarhole Tiger reserve in India is home to the largest number of Asian elephants in the world. One can also find tigers, leopards and the Indian wild dog (dhole) in the reserve situated in the western ghats.  The park is bounded by the Kabini River on the north while Bandipur National park forms its southern boundaries.

Best Time to Visit: October to May
Likelihood of spotting tiger: Good

The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve stretches across the Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich districts of Uttar Pradesh and comprises the Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary. Dudhwa National Park hosts Jeep Safaris every year, from the 15th of November to the 15th of June. However, it is recommended to visit between February and April for the best experience. The entry fee is a nominal INR 50 per head and accommodation can be found for around INR 3000 (breakfast inclusive). The entry charge for a Safari vehicle is INR 1500.

What's Unique? Dudhwa has one of the best Sal tree forests in the world
Likelihood of Spotting Tigers: Low

Best Time: December to Apr

Panna Tiger Reserve is located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh and is the twenty-second tiger reserve in India. Unfortunately, in 2009, due to poaching after collusion with forest department officials, the entire tiger population had been eliminated. Currently, thanks to relocation initiatives taken by the forest department, there are 4 tigers and 10 cubs settled in the Panna Tiger Reserve who are constantly being monitored.

What's Unique? There are a number of beautiful waterfalls inside the reserve
Best Time To Visit: January to March
Likelihood of Spotting Tigers: Good

Located in God's own country, the Periyar National Park is one of the best parks in Kerala. It's notable for its rich biodiversity and scenic location, which attracts travellers from all over the country and abroad as well. There have been reports of an increase in tiger population in this tiger reserve of India. Elephants are the other main attraction here.

What's Unique? Boat cruises, which make the best option for checking out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.
Best time to visit: October to June
Likelihood of Spotting Tigers: Low

Satpura National Park is one of the relatively newer wildlife sanctuaries in India. Though it remains unexplored by tourists, it is one place which has a good population of tigers. Spread over about 524 kms, it inhabits various other wildlife species, such as the yena, leopards, flying squirrel and porcupines. It is also one of the only national parks where one can explore the place on foot, along with a guide of course.  

What's Unique? The guided walks and also kayaking in its large reservoir - something very few parks offer.
Best Time to Visit: Most pleasant months to visit are from October to March, but April and May provide the best wildlife sightings.
Likelihood of Spotting Tigers: Low

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve was previously known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in the Anaimalai Hills, in the Coimbatore district and Tiruppur District of Tamil Nadu. Currently, the Anamalai Tiger Reserve is home to 30 tigers. The entrance fee per day is INR 30 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for foreigners. The Safari costs INR 200 per head; INR 2000 for foreigners. Visit around November and when you do, make sure not to miss.

What's Unique? Kozhikamudhi Elephant Camp inside the resort
Best Time To Visit: Summer months
Likelihood of Spotting Tigers: Low

The Indravati Tiger Reserve, formerly known as the Kutru National Park, is located in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. The reserve was taken under Project Tiger back in 1983 and is one of only two tiger reserves in Chhattisgarh. The lush green vegetation over the spectacular hill ranges makes Indravati a must-visit, especially in the winter when it doesn't get too hot, even in the afternoons.

What's Unique? The Indravati Reserve is home to the highly endangered Wild Water Buffalo and Hill Muyna
Best Time To Visit: Around December
Likelihood of Spotting Tigers: Low

Satpura National Park is one of the relatively newer wildlife sanctuaries in India. Though it remains unexplored by tourists, it is one place which has a good population of tigers. It is also one of the only national parks where one can explore the place on foot, along with a guide of course.  

What's Unique? The guided walks and also kayaking in its large reservoir - something very few parks offer.
Best Time to Visit: Most pleasant months to visit are from October to March, but April and May provide the best wildlife sightings.
Likelihood of Spotting Tigers: Low

Famous for its wildlife, especially for tigers and elephants, Rajaji National Park has recently received the status of a Tiger Reserve by the Government of India. Named in honour of C. Rajagopalchari, this national park spreads over 3 districts of Uttarakhand including Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal. The Rajaji reserve is home to 18 tigers. Entry fees are INR 150 per person.

What's Unique? There are over three hundred species of birds
Likelihood of Spotting Tigers: Low

Best Time: Mid November to Mid June