5 Best Tiger Reserves In India Where Sighting Chances Are High!

Going on a wildlife safari is an experience like no other. The quietness of the jungle, the rustling leaves and the anticipation of a tiger nearby are enough to make our heartbeats quicken. Many people head into the wild hoping to see a big cat in its natural element, right? But many also return home without spotting one. It is quite common. Seeing a tiger depends not only on luck but also on whether the tiger or tigress wants to appear. But worry not, there are some tiger reserves in India where the sighting chances are high. Here are five of the best ones you should bookmark.

Best Tiger Reserves In India Where Sightings Are Easier

1. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

You can expect to see at least one or two tigers on your next safari at Tadoba National Park in Maharashtra. The park has high sighting chances because its tiger population is healthy. It also offers a mix of core and buffer zones, increasing your odds of coming face-to-face with a big cat. Apart from tigers, you can spot leopards, sloth bears, nilgai and spotted deer too. This is undoubtedly one of the best tiger reserves in India, truly a land of legendary tigers. The best time to visit is from October to March.

2. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh cannot be missed. It has a very high density of Royal Bengal tigers. The dense forest, with hills and valleys, makes it easier for visitors to spot a tiger even on their first or second safari. The tigers here love to relax and are quite bold, so they will not shy away from coming near your vehicles. Apart from that, you can also spot leopards, sambar and chital. For people interested in wildlife photography, this reserve is an absolute heaven! The best time to visit is April to June.

3. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is another reserve where you can spot not just tigers but even their cubs. Yes, this park is home to mighty big cats and their adorable offspring, too. But keep in mind that while spotting a tiger might be easy here, seeing cubs is not, as tigresses often keep their infants away from people. Ranthambore is an open forest with a dry landscape and water bodies where big cats often drink. Tigers here are quite used to safari vehicles, so do not worry, they will come out to say hello. The best time to visit is from October to March.

Also Read: Going On A Jungle Safari? These Are The 5 Dos & 5 Don’ts You Should Keep In Mind

4. Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka

Nagarahole is one of the best tiger reserves we have in India. The forest holds many tigers and enjoys popularity among wildlife lovers as a preferred location to see big cats in the wild. The park also has a healthy population of prey species like deer, sambar, wild boar and more, which helps sustain its predators. The best time to visit is from October to June.

5. Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand

India’s oldest national park remains one of the best places to see tigers. Apart from boasting a high tiger population, Jim Corbett National Park is home to elephants, leopards and various species of deer. Some zones, especially Dhikala, have vast grasslands and open terrain where spotting big cats becomes easier. The park is also one of the most popular wildlife destinations in the country. The best time to visit is from November to February.

Also Read: From Rare Black Panther To Leopards: 5 Animals To Spot In Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

So, which tiger reserve are you adding to your bucket list to see a tiger?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Tomasz Dutkiewicz