Top Five Tiger Safari Destinations in India

Project Tiger Program

Project Tiger Program was initiated by the Government of India to save the critically endangered animal from a certain extinction. The country was once home to more than hundred thousand tigers and by 1970 the number had plummeted to 1400 or less. The program was devoted to saving the species but as a result all wild lifeforms experienced a reprieve.

In order to conserve the endangered tiger, India has notified many tiger landscapes as protected areas which have become prime conservation units. Tourism also takes place at these destinations for the benefit of wildlife lovers, photographers, and holidaymakers to enjoy sightings of this magnificent predator. Incidentally, the conservation units have become saviours of diverse wildlife and birds.

Under the program the PAs delineate core and buffer. While core is inviolate with no human activities except monitoring and conservation the buffer is a multiple use area with restrictions. Thus wild animals have complete protection in the core which has proved an excellent breeding ground.

As of latest census the number stands at 3000 plus adult in 51 tiger reserves spread across the length and breadth of the country.

Wildlife tourism in India usually takes place in tiger reserves where other mammals are found as well. Birds are unique to various regions in India, and the reserves are the best places to see them.

The five most visited reserves in India are:

• Ranthambhore
• Kanha
• Pench
• Bandhavgarh
• Tadoba

These are frequented by visitors from all over the World including India. The prime focus is the tiger which is one of the most charismatic animals on Earth. However, the parks also harbour myriad life forms like mammals, reptiles, avian, and insects and exhibit amazing floral species.

Tiger tourism is organised and regulated. It is subject to rules and regulation to safe guards the reserve and all lifeforms.

All the reserves mentioned here have also been notified as National Parks earlier. The ratings are based on the ease with which the tiger is sighted, biodiversity, tourism infrastructure, and accessibility. These reserves are not rated as per the list below for all stand equal. With years of experience in this tourism sector my personal preference is as follows:

Kanha - Ideal tourism infrastructure. easy tiger sightings, excellent management, and record in conservation and road network within. The park is untouched and pristine with a striking landscape that takes everyone by horns. Bird count and sightings are very good.

Bandhavgarh - A picturesque tiger landscape that is esoteric, enchanting, and full of the wild beast. It has a sound tourism infrastructure, easy accessibility, and best conservation practices. A visit to the park delivers a peek into archaeological evidence of ancient history that dates back to 2000 years. Birding is equally good.

Tadoba - Albeit the ease of tiger sightings fluctuate every year this reserve has been exceptional for the last two year. Birding is good so is the sighting of animals like leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and wild dogs. Tourism infrastructure is in a nascent stage but developing fast.

Ranthambhore - Excels in all departments but is most visited due to its proximity to New Delhi. Ranthambhore has an abundance of luxury resorts and hotels. But this reserve is more commercialised, and noisy filled with tourists. Anyway, you will not be disappointed as far as tiger sightings are concerned.

Pench - Kipling wrote Jungle Book based on the forests of Seoni Hills which now constitute Pench Tiger Reserve. This is a good place to chance upon the wolf. Tiger sightings are good besides sightings of deer and antelopes. Tourism infrastructure is sound and the reserve is easily accessible by tow hours drive from Nagpur Airport.

Albeit where to see the tiger in its natural habitat is an individual choice. The choice could be based on many factors as described above. My ratings are based on my personal choice as well as feedback dating a number of years. But I am certain your visit to any of the parks will not be disappointing. Hence brace up for the best and a rollicking time in wild India.

I work as a naturalist and bird guide, That takes me around to many places for wildlife safaris in India. One of the parks I like is Pench National Park and visit time and again. The amazing Kipling Country was the setting for the Jungle Book and the wolf child was found in the village of Sant Vavadi. The discovery was made by Lt.Moor and made famous by Captain Sleeman of British Army in India. Kipling used his imagination to pen a masterpiece that has become a legendary novel. The film Jungle Book made the park globally famous and large number of tourism arrive here in the search for Mowgli and Sher Khan.

While Ranthambore can be reached from New Delhi via Jaipur, Tadoba is in Maharashtra accessible from Nagpur Airport. Pench can be reached from Nagpur Airport as well as Jabalpur Airport. The rest can be reached from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh.

As mentioned above visitors to these parks need an entry permit. Without permit excursions are not possible. Hence book permit through your trusted safari tour operator in India. The company will be able to suggest and book permits in the best zones of these parks.

Permits can also be booked at State Portals and through the offices of the field directors. If you reach without a permit you can secure one at the gate but there is not guarantee since their is a cap on the vehicle entry. Best reserve your entry in advance and be happy.