A visit to India is incomplete, without witnessing the national animal of India, the TIGER! The thrill of spotting one of these rare and elusive predators in their natural habitat is simply unmatched. While tigers are generally found throughout Southeast Asia and China, India remains the most prolific home of these magnificent animals and boasts the highest population numbers thereof.

Wildlife tourism is an element of many nations' travel industries centered around observation and interaction with local animal and plant life in their natural habitats. It has experienced dramatic and rapid growth in recent years worldwide and many elements are closely aligned to eco-tourism and sustainable tourism.

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Which National Park has tigers?

India monopolizes almost 75 percent of the world’s tiger population so there’s no reason why your hard-earned trip should go without seeing one.

Here are 5 National Parks in India that offer a huge possibility of spotting a tiger.  

1. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
2. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
3. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
4. Nagarhole National Park And Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
5. Tadoba Andhari National Park, Maharashtra

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

• Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the world for its highest density of Bengal tigers.

Why Bandhavgarh National Park is famous?

• It attracts Indians and foreigners alike. Mapped somewhere along the northeastern border of Madhya Pradesh amidst Satpura and Vindhya ranges.
• Bandhavgarh National Park is home to over 100 Bengal Tigers in the country, that meander around freely.
• Of course, the main draw is the healthy tiger population. There are plenty of other wildlife-spotting opportunities as well, thanks to muntjac, leopard (Tendua), wild boar, sloths, rhesus monkeys (Bandar), and 242 species of bird.
• There are 04 different zones of the national park from which travelers can enjoy Jeep safari rides.
• Open Jeeps with groups of tourists, individuals accompanied by naturalists are allowed into the park at fixed timings.
• In winter, due to the shorter duration of daylight hours, the morning entry time is later and the evening exit time is earlier. The jungle authorities coordinate on walkie-talkies so that you do not miss any chance of spotting a tiger.
• Bandhavgarh National Park brings many reasons to attract so many visitors from all around the world.
• The most fascinating element in the Bandhavgarh vicinity is the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, the oldest fort in India.
• The Bandhavgarh Fort area is also filled with many temples where most of which depict the various reincarnations of Lord Vishnu. All these temples date back to around the 10th century when one of these temples also has the carvings of Lord Ganesha.
• There are other three temples in the vicinity of the fort that reflect 12th-century architecture.

What is the best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park?

November to February is the best time to visit. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve remains open from October to June months for visitors. So one can visit the park on any day during these months. During monsoon, July to September, Bandhavgarh Park remains closed to visitors.

How to reach Bandhavgarh national park

• By Air: The nearest airports for Bandhavgarh National Park are Jabalpur & Khajuraho. Jabalpur 200 Kms / 04 Hrs Drive & Khajuraho 250 kms / 05 Hrs drive to/from Bandhavgarh. One can get regular flights for Jabalpur & Khajuraho from all major airports of India.
• By Train: The nearest railway stations for Bandhavgarh National Park are Umaria & Katni. Umaria is 35 Kms (45 Minutes drive) & Katni is 100 Kms (02 Hrs drive).
  

WOW Pro Trip: Travel to Bandhavgarh National Park in February and catch the world famous Dance Festival in Khajuraho which happens this month, every year. Combine these two destinations for the perfect itinerary of 5 nights/ 6 days for a wonderful mix of nature & art.

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Ever heard of the most photographed tiger in the world, Machali? Ranthambore was home to the world-famous tiger queen for 19 years. National Geographic aired a documentary, "The True Story of Machli, the World's Most Famous Tiger" which got many accolades.

Why Ranthambore National Park is famous?

• Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India.
• Being considered one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park terrain is a major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers in this destination.
• Apart from the main attraction, Tigers, there are more than 270 bird species here.
• There are 10 safari zones in Ranthambore National Park. The zones from 01-06 are the premium ones for tiger sighting in Ranthambore National Park. You can only choose the safari zones in Ranthambore National Park as per your preferences when booked one year prior to the trip, else the zones are randomly allotted by authorities when you visit.

Are there tigers in Ranthambore Fort?

• Ranthambore is known for its large tiger population. During the past few years, there has been a decline in the tiger population in Ranthambhore due to poaching and other reasons.
• Ranthambore Fort is one is the most famous attraction for tourists after the Jungle safari.
• One can't miss taking a look at the Ranthambore Fort which is located within the national park. The fort is a testimony to the glory of the Imperial era in Rajasthan.

Which zone is best for tiger sighting in Ranthambore?

Zone 3 - Zone is "THE" zone of Ranthambore, often called a VIP zone. With excellent habitat of three lakes, and abundant prey its Tiger's paradise, During my visits in 2015 and 2016, 90% of my sightings happened in this zone.

Lakes in Ranthambore

The several lakes with ruins in the water are another attraction in Ranthambore. The Surwal Lake. Amidst picturesque surroundings, Surwal Lake is one of the best places to visit in Ranthambore. During winters this lake becomes a haven for different species of birds. If you seek tranquility, this is the place to be. A lake is also an ideal place for photographers to catch a stunning shot.

Padam Lake is the largest lake in the Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve. This beautiful lake is the main source of water for the animals in the reserve. A visit to this place is incomplete without visiting Padam Lake as it is counted among the top places to see in Ranthambore.

What is the best time to visit Ranthambore?

December to February is the best time to visit.

• The winter months are from October to March and the summer months are from April to June when the park remains open at Ranthambore National Park.
• The park remains closed during the monsoon season i.e, from July to September. It gets very hot during the summer months, but there are better chances of Tiger spotting.

How to reach Ranthambore national park

• By Air: The nearest airport is Sanger Airport in Jaipur which is located at a distance of approx 182 km from Ranthambore National Park.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Sawai Madhopur Railway Station which is located at a distance of approx 14 km from the national park.

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

This has the title of the "First National Park of India".

Why Jim Corbett National Park is famous?

• The only park in India where you can stay inside! Jim Corbett National park authority provides facilities of stay inside the park. Visitors can book various forest lodges to stay inside the park. Dhikala - Bijrani - Jhirna - Sonanadi - Durgadevi - Dhela the only option to stay inside the park. Prior booking is needed with all necessary formalities.
• This is India’s first national park and beyond doubt the most attractive Park in India. The Park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the midst of lush greenery and uneven mountains with varying heights, ranging from about 1300 feet to nearly 4000 feet.
• The Jim Corbett National Park comprises numerous ravines, ridges, minor streams, and small plateaus secluded within the Lesser Himalaya and Shivalik.
• It exhibits a vast ecosphere that is bedded with moist deciduous forest and subtropical pine forest securing several rare species of plant life.
• Other than the Tiger, the other famous species are the barking deer, spotted deer, sambar, and chinkara seen in this park.
• Another major attraction here is the aquatic reptiles; different kinds of crocodiles (Gharials) can be spotted here.

The Ramganga river is considered an important source of water for the survival of flora and fauna within the Corbett National Park. The river controls the entire biodiversity within the park. Fishing and Angling in Corbett National Park are offered in places like Ramganga River, and Machula Bridge. Here you can easily find Golden Mahsher and Cat Fish.

Which month is best for Jim Corbett?

With temperate weather, Corbett lets you visit the Park all year long, but the best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is between November and February i.e, during the winter season when all the zones are open, and you can spot the most animals. Summers, though hot, aren't unbearable due to them being on the foothills of the Himalayas.

How do I get to Corbett National Park by train?

By Air: The nearest airport to the town is the Dehradun Airport, Uttrakhand, located at a distance of 156 km from NH34. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, is the second nearest and the major airport, located at a distance of 243 km.

By Train: The railway station in Ramnagar receives trains from different major cities of India like Delhi, Moradabad, and Bareilly. A direct train to Ramnagar runs from Delhi. You can check out Ranikhet Express, Corbett Link Express, and Kathgodam Express which takes you directly to Ramnagar.

Nagarhole National Park And Tiger Reserve, Karnataka

Nagarhole national park has the highest density of herbivores in Asia. This park is best for spotting elephants, guar, tiger, and bear.

Where is Nagarhole tiger Reserve situated?

• Nagarhole National Park is located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is a part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve and is now under the consideration for recognition as a heritage site.
• The park is filled with waterfalls, hills, valleys, streams, and forests. The park is famous for its rich population of animals and birds. The park gets its name from the streams. Naga means snake and hole means streams.
• Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear (Bhalu), and Striped Hyena are the predators that can be spotted in the park. Herbivores like Elephants, Chital, Sambar Deer, and Barking Deer are also spotted around the national park.

Best time to visit Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is open for public entry all the way through the year but the best time to visit is from April to May when the waterholes are dry and the animals come out to visit the lake. Nevertheless, the weather conditions are more pleasing from November to February.

How to reach Nagarhole National Park

By Air: The nearest airport is Mandakalli Airport, Mysore which is located at a distance of around 98 km. This airport has regular flights connected to Bengaluru. The nearest international airport is Bangalore, around 268 km from here.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Mysore Railway Station, 96 km from here. Regular trains connect this station to major cities in India. From here, taxis and buses and taxis are available to Nagarhole.

Tadoba Andhari National Park, Maharashtra

Notably Maharashtra's oldest and largest National Park, the "Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve" is one of India's 47 project tiger reserves existing in India. It lies in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state and is approximately 150 km from Nagpur city. The total area of the tiger reserve is 1,727 Sq.km, which includes the Tadoba National Park, created in the year 1955.

What is Tadoba National Park famous for?

• The Tadoba Tiger Reserve is rich in flora and fauna. Some of the famous and wildly seen flora of this park include Teak, Ain, Bamboo, Beria, Black Plum, and many others.
• Apart from this the list of animals noted in this part include Tigers, Indian leopards, Sloth bears, Chital, Marsh Crocodile (Gharial), Indian Python, Indian Cobra, and many more.

How many zones are there in Tadoba National Park?

The reserve is divided into three zones, each having different access gates:

• Moharli (Mohurli) Zone: This zone is known for the best tiger spotting and is also popular for offering good accommodation facilities to tourists. The Moharli Gate is easily accessible from the other two zones of Tadoba namely the Tadoba Zone and Kolsa Zone.
• Tadoba Zone: The Tadoba Zone is popular for offering diverse wildlife and scenic locations to tourists. It is also accessible from four gates at Moharli, Navegaon, Kolara, and Khutwanda.
• Kolsa Zone: The Kolsa Zone is much liked for its striking forest landscapes as the possibilities of spotting wild animals are relatively lower in this zone. Entry to this zone is possible through gates at Moharli, Pangdi, and Zari.

What is the best time to visit Tadoba National Park?

The tropical climate makes the winter season (December to February) the best time to visit Tadoba National Park. However, the best season to sight tigers would be the hotter months (April to May). Post monsoon is also a good time to visit Tadoba Wildlife Sanctuary when the jungle becomes lush green and is filled with flowers.

How to reach Tadoba national park

By Air: The nearest airport to Tadoba is Nagpur airport which is at a distance of around 140 km. It is connected to all prominent cities and towns. From there, you can easily hire a taxi to reach Tadoba.

By Train: Chandrapur Railway Station is the nearest rail-head from the National Park as it is at a distance of 45 Km. Chandrapur rail-head is well connected to other major cities like Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Jhansi. Taxis and buses are available from the railway station to reach the Tadoba Tiger Reserve.

Which is better jeep safari or elephant safari?

All the national parks mentioned above provide Jeep Safaris. However, only Corbett, Bandhavgarh, and Nagarhole provide elephant safaris too. If you are an adventure lover and want to have the closest look at the wild animals in their natural habitat, an elephant safari is the answer as most of the national parks in India do not provide a walking trail/ walking safaris.

Let’s take a look at the major pros of carrying out an elephant safari

• You can explore the deepest beauty of the wild, which is not possible in any other safari.
• An elephant safari is eco-friendly as no unwanted secretions are released into the environment. Thus you make an indirect effort in saving the environment by choosing this mode of safari.
• No noisy sound is produced when you travel on the mammoth’s back and all that you get is free air. Thus, an elephant safari certainly provides your exploration in a calm ambiance.
• There is a sense of security while you are on an elephant safari. You will have a sense of safety on its top. The trained guides conduct these safaris hence all that you have to do is relish the spectacle.
• There is perfect visibility of the forest when you are on the back of an elephant. The height of the giant helps in observing more area at an instance.

Let’s explore some facts that make a jeep safari worth undertaking for wildlife lovers.

• Jeep Safari is the safest mode of jungle excursion. It has speed and you will also feel safer from the attack of wild animals.
• While exploring the wild, you will also need a comfortable ride. Jeep Safari renders spectacular views of forests in an extremely comfortable ride. You get to relish the vistas while sitting on a relaxing seat that gives you a unique sense of luxury amid nature’s bounty.
• While on the trip, maximum travelers have certain limitations of time. Thus, time consumption becomes the major factor when choosing a safari. As jeeps have speed, you can view the maximum part of a park in lesser time; hence, it is a time-saving safari.
• Jeep Safari allows more flexibility in planning an itinerary. It will depend on your convenience. While in case of the animal safaris, you have to take into consideration the animal’s routine and needs as well.
• More areas of the park can be covered through jeep safari than any other mode of jungle safari.
• More people (Up to six) can travel in jeep safari at once.

FAQs about National parks

• How many tigers are left in zoos?

5,000 captive tigers, Captive tigers are a major problem in the United States. It is estimated that there are around 5,000 captive tigers in the US, more than the approximately 3,900 remaining in the wild. According to the Times of India, a series of unfortunate events linger in the zoos of India threatening the country’s national animal, the Tiger. As per the Association of Indian Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (AIZWV), ‘Over 20 tigers die in captivity of Indian zoos every year,’ which is leading to the endangerment of this beautiful species.

• How many zoos are there in India?

There are 164 zones in India

• The largest zoo in India in 2022?

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is something which I always recommend to people visiting Chennai. It is India's largest zoo covering about 1300 acres with rare species of flora and fauna which includes mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, insects, etc.

• Latest Tiger reserve in India

Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary was notified as a tiger reserve on May 16, 2022, after a nod by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in July 2021. It is now India's 52nd tiger reserve and Rajasthan's fourth, after Ranthambore, Sariska, and Mukunda.

• Which is better Bandhavgarh or Ranthambore?

• Bandhavgarh is more remotely located compared to Ranthambore, hence it is not easily accessible
• Located in central India, Bandhavgarh combines well with some other national parks in the region, like Panna, Kanha, Pench, Satpura, and Tadoba. So if you are into serious wildlife views and photography then Bandhavgarh gives you better access to other parks.
• Ranthambhore national park is easily accessed from New Delhi, Jaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra. So if you doing the popular Golden Triangle cultural tour, fitting in the Tiger safari in Ranthambhore is easy.
• You can drive 3 hours from Jaipur, 5 hours from Agra, and 7-8 hours from Delhi. There is good train connectivity from New Delhi, Jaipur, and Bharatpur also.

What is the most important thing to remember in relation to wild animals?

When it comes to wildlife destinations, every place has its own rules which tourists need to follow. Moreover, the rules are pretty strict in the case of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

1. Pindrop Silence

Animals do not like noise. So, maintaining absolute silence in a forest or wildlife destination is necessary. Sometimes, they also get frightened. Therefore, make sure to maintain silence when you are traveling through a forest. Talk in lower and hushed tones. Keep voices low as far as possible as no beauty is better than silence when you are in a forest.

2. Wear Light Colours

Choose light and sober colors for your outfits when you are planning to pack your bags for a safari. Animals, usually, are affected by bright colors. So, wear warm colors that are soothing to the eye and pack them according to the weather.

3. Don't Litter

Littering around in the forests and wildlife destinations is not proper in terms of aesthetics. Do not throw plastic, food, or other waste materials inside the forest. You need to preserve nature in a clean and pristine form. If you keep it clean, others may too. Likewise, your experience can be breathtaking and fresh.

4. Don't wear strong perfumes

Avoid using perfumes with a strong smell when visiting a forest. Strong odors can enrage animals as they are sensitive to smell. Some people do not consider these things and end up encountering unfortunate situations.

5. Photography tips

You need to keep various things in mind when it comes to photography. Avoid using flash as animals are sensitive to it, and they might react unexpectedly. Instead, learn other low-light photography techniques that can help you capture the best wildlife shots.

6. Proper analysis is a must

You need to research and analyze properly when planning wildlife tours or safaris. Discover the right timings and seasons for wildlife safaris. Also, book your tickets well in advance if you are planning to visit during peak times.

If you are ready for your next wildlife tour, keep the points mentioned above in mind.

Add On Destinations

Khajuraho (Combine with Bandhavgarh National Park)

• Khajuraho from Bandhavgarh is about 230 km (5 hrs drive). Khajuraho enjoys smooth connectivity by roads to cities in Madhya Pradesh and all over India. State-owned buses, taxis, and private vehicles commute to the city.
• During Central India tours, Khajuraho and Bandhavgarh national park are best-clubbed packages. Although both represent two different tourism categories, together make a meaningful tour itinerary.
• Khajuraho is a UNESCO world heritage destination representing the heritage and culture of the Chandela dynasty who ruled in this region. Whereas Bandhavgarh National Park is considered to be one of the best wildlife experiences in India.
• To add to the experience of beautiful temple tours in Khajuraho is the world-famous Khajuraho dance festival which takes place every year in the month of February. It is celebrated in the Western Group of Temples Khajuraho. The site is a testimony to Indian culture and traditions is ideal to present the classical forms of dance. Spectators from all over the world attend the demonstration of art in the dance form. Many popular classical dancers from all over India perform.
• Discover the glamour of Indian traditions, dance, and music. The best-known dance forms in India are presented at the festival.
• Performances of the intricate footwork of Kathak, highly stylized and sophisticated Bharatnatyam, soft lyrical temple dance of Odissi, the dance dramas of Kuchipudi and Manipuri, the ancient civilization and Kathakali stage fights with elaborate masks keep the audiences spellbound.

Best ways to reach the National Parks?

Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore international airports have frequent connectivity to various destinations around the world. From these 3 cities, one can take a domestic flight to the airports closest to the above-mentioned national parks. Khajuraho has its own airport as foreigners flock here all around the year, especially in the winter months (Dec-Feb).

Conclusion

National Parks are one of the best experiences, for the simple reason, that you are so up close to the wild in their wilderness, yet you achieve a sense of peace and calmness. The early morning safaris are nothing less than rejuvenating. And the realization, that you are "just one" of the many created by the creator, is absolutely humbling.

Hence, don't wait to plan your wildlife holiday soon as there is no other experience like being in the midst of nature and wilderness!!!

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