Tiger is the National animal of India and is one of the predominant fauna. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had worked its best to rise the tiger population in India. It is estimated that there are 2500 tigers present in India. It is also popular that India is the home of almost 70% of the tigers in the world. The population of the Tigers had risen from 1,411 in 2006 to 2, 500 in recent years.
Every one enjoys noticing and enjoying the tigers in their natural habitat. The number of visitors is increasing in the national parks for tiger safari. Tiger safari not only for spotting a tiger but also focuses on other aspects butterfly sighting, bird watching and many more.
Here is the list of top 10 tiger safari in India:
1. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur is ranked 2nd for tiger sightseeing in India. It is spread over an area of 392 km and is divided into many zones. Tigers are found to be ambling and basking in the sun here. This place is well-known tigers like Machli, Slant Ear, Sultan or T-72 and Mala.
There are other wildlife species along with tigers like Sambar deer, Leopards, Hyenas, Macaques, Indian flying foxes, Indian Wild Boar, Indian Mole Rats and many more. There are about 272 species of birds like Common Kingfisher, Woodpeckers, Bee Eaters, Asian Palm Swift, Pigeon, Crakes and Dove. If you want to explore this wildlife sanctuary in a luxury way than you can opt for luxury train Palace on Wheels. On Day 3, the train will reach the Sawai Modhopur and then you can proceed for the jeep safari at 6:00 AM.
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Special Attractions
Bakula, Kachida Valley, Lakarda and Anantpura, Raj Bagh Ruins, Padam Talao, Rajbagh Talao.Tigresses and cubs can often be seen in the densely forested area of Bakula.
Best Time to Visit
Ranthambore National Park remains open from October to June, with the winter months being the best time to visit this place. October to April are the best months to visit Ranthambore to see the tigers. Summers are hot enough, however, the chances of seeing tigers increase in the summer. The park remains closed during the monsoons.
Get Complete Guide: Ranthambore National Park- The Home of Royal Bengal Tigers
2. Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Corbett National Park is located in Uttarakhand which sprawls across 2 districts. This is the best National Park for tiger safari, which covers a total distance if 1288 sq km. It is divided into 5 different zones like Dhela, Durgadevi, Bijrani, Jhirna and Dhikala. The accommodation is provided inside the National Park only.
There are large to spot the tigers in the park, but if you are lucky enough, you can spot one. The National park is rich in biodiversity which contains 500 species of residents, 488 species of plants, more than 50 species of wild animals and many more migratory birds. This national park is well known for encouraging ecotourism.
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Special Attractions
The park has huge meadows and watchtowers (Dhikal area) where you can stay for hours and watch the wildlife around you.
Best Time to Visit
In temperate weather, Corbett allows you to visit the park all year round, but the best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is between November and February, that is during the winter season when all areas are open and you can observe the largest number of animals. Summers, although hot, is not unbearable. This is the best time to observe most animals near water. The monsoon is probably not ideal because the park remains closed most of the time during these months.
3. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh, which is a thick forest covered by sal trees. It is a great location which spots royal Bengal tigers. It is the high demand tiger safari tour because of the high chances of spotting leopards, tigers, sloth bears and wild dogs. Kanha National park is located in the central highland which covers a total distance of 940 sq km.
Munna is the dominant male in the National park. The commonly spotted animals in the National park are Indian Gaur, sambar, spotted deer, four-horned deer and barking beer. You can also have a look at the reptiles like cobras, Pythons, rat snakes, krait, keelbacks, vipers and grass snakes. A large number of birds can also be seen in this forest.
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Special Attractions
Free roaming of animals in large grasslands
Best Time to Visit
The park is open only from mid-October to the end of June. The recommended period to visit this place is between October and March, as the weather from April to June may be a little warmer.
4. Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala
Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in Kerala and is one of the prominent tiger reserves in south India. It is located in the Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts of Kerala. In 2011, report it was stated that Periyar Tiger Reserve contains 6 male and 12 female tigers, but later it was declared officially that there is a total of 35 tigers in total. Tiger Trail is the prominent tour offered by the National Park, which contains 5 guides, 5 visitors along with armed guards.
The Periyar Tiger Reserve covers a total distance of 305 sq km. A sizable population of elephants is another major attraction after tigers. There are about 260 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles and 35 species of mammals in the National park. You can also have the option of a nature walk, boat ride, patrolling the jungle and bullock cart ride.
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Special Attractions
Boast Cruises is the best option for checking wilds of the Periyar Sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit
Periyar Nature Reserve and Tiger Conservation are one of several wildlife holiday destinations that are also open in the rainy season. You can visit Periyar in any season. The best time to visit Periyar is from September to April.
5. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Bandipur National Park is located in Karnataka and is a good place for tiger safari. It has rich biodiversity and extended to a total distance of 874 sq km. There were 115 tigers living in the forest as of 2010 report. Gaur, Wild boars and Elephants are usually spotted near the waterhole.
This national park is a home of about 230 species of birds which include woodpecker, lapwing, kite, peafowl, falcon, sandpiper, egter eagle and many more. It is located 80 km away from Mysore. There are also other animals in the national park like slender loris, mongoose, mouse deer, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer and many more.
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Special Attractions
Elephants are a major attraction here.
Best Time to Visit
A haven for an unlimited variety of flora and fauna, Bandipur National Park is best visited during winter between October – March. Bandipur can also be visited during the rainy season between July and September where the park looks charming. Summer is relatively warmer, especially during the day when the sun is shining brightly.
6. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Satpura National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh and is famous for Bengal tigers. It spreads over an area of 524 sq. Km and is home of other wildlife species like leopard and tiger. As the national park is unexplored, the best time to visit this place in Summer. The big cats are spotted near the River Sonbhadra and water holes.
It is a newly established national park and is the first national park which allows you to walk on foot while exploring. Various other species like flying squirrels, porcupines, foxes, black bucks, bears, wild dogs, wild boars, mouse deer, chinkara, barking deer, chital, sambar are also located in this National Park.
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Special Attractions
Guided walks and kayaking in its large reservoir – which very few parks offer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Satpura Tiger Reserve is from October to June. November to March, the climate is quite comfortable to explore tiger reserves. During May and June, even though the temperature is high, you can see some animals in the reserve and enjoy your time at the Satpura Tiger Reserve.
7. Nagarhole National park, Karnataka
The Nagarhole Tiger Reserve in India is home to the largest number of Asian elephants in the world. Tigers, leopards and the Indian wild dog (dhole) can also be found in the reserve located in the Western Ghats. This picturesque wildlife reserve is located in Kodagu district, Karnataka, and covers an area of approximately 643 km².
Nagarhole, along with Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, is the largest protected area in southern India, with a total area of 2183 square kilometres. The Tigers are witnessed near the bank of Kabini river which flows in the national park. Nagarhole National Park is also home of predators like leopards, tiger, sloth bear, hyena, wild dog and many more.
Special Attractions
Kabini river is a major attraction.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is between October and May. During this period, watching animals and birds is easy. Travelling in the park is also easier. It is better to avoid the monsoon season. During heavy rains, the park could be closed to visitors.
8. Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in the Alwar district, Rajasthan. It was a part of the Project Tiger in 1978 and is declared as the national park in 1982. It covers a total distance of 273.8 square kilometres and is well known for relocating the Tigers successfully in 2004.
According to the 2014 report, it was stated that it contains a total of 13 Royal Bengal tigers, out of which 2 are males, 7 are females and 4 are cubs. There are a number of nearby attractions like the medieval palaces. Lake Siliserh on the edge of the park is a must visit and is home to a large number of crocodiles. The scenic Siliserh lake is located in the National park.
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Special Attractions
Beautiful Lake Siliserh at the edge of the park
Best Time to Visit
Monsoon is even a better time to visit Sariska National Park because the area does not receive much rain so people can continue the expedition without difficulty.
Detailed Guide: Sariska National Park
9. Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
Todoba national park is located in Nagpur, Maharastra. It is prominent among the people who like tiger safaris. The forest is rich in bamboo dwellings and has good accommodation facilities in Tadoba for tourists. Having a very small forest in terms of area and a comparatively higher tiger density, the chances of seeing a tiger in the Tadoba Tiger Reserve are still high.
Apart from Bengal tigers, this place is also the home of many mammals like Four Horned Antelope, Flying squirrel, Spotted Deer, Wild pig, Sambar, Rusty Spotted cat and many more. It is spread over an area of 1727 sq.km and is one of the oldest and largest national parks. All the national park is covered with popular species of trees like bamboo and Teak.
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Special Attractions
Tadoba Lake, Khosla, Moharli
Best Time to Visit
The best time for visiting Tadoba National Park is between October and June. You can expect to see most tigers between March and June. The park remains closed from July and September.
10. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The Bandhavgarh National park is located in the Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh. It is the largest Tiger Reserve of India and it was declared as the National park in 1986. It is believed that Tata Zone 1 is the best area for spotting tigers. There are other animals like monkeys, sloths, Indian bison, Indian fox, wild dog, blue bull, Sambhar Deer and Chittal are also found in the National park.
There are 242 distinct species of birds in the National park. In addition to the fascinating Bandhavgarh Fortress, one can also explore the gigantic waterfall of Dhuandhar and the picturesque bhedaghat during this tour. Bandhavgarh National Park has a connected forest corridor with the Kanha Tiger Reserve and the flora and fauna of the forest are also very similar to that of Kanha.
Special Attractions
You can rent a car and go to Bandhavgarh Fort, 600 m from sea level, on a cliff overlooking the Vindhya Mountains.
Best Time to Visit
The park opens its doors to visitors from October to mid-June. The high season is from November to February because the weather conditions are excellent.
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