Did you know India is home to over half of the world's total (wild) tiger population?
They say Mountains and beaches are all fine but "jungles are where you get the closest to nature". But you know what's even better than just visiting a jungle? It's when you spot a tiger in the wild, and witness the majesty that it exudes. It is an unparalleled experience (vastly different from seeing tigers in a zoo) and stays in your mind till your last breath. And of course, it doesn't take long to make you realize why these creatures are the "king of the jungle".
The International Tiger Day is celebrated annually on July 29 to raise awareness about tiger conservation. And if you want to celebrate the day by seeing tigers in the wild, you surely need not go further. India is the best place for that as it is home to over half of the world's population of wild tigers. There are several national parks where you can visit and go back home with loads of memories.
The Jim Corbett National Park provides shelter to over 260 Bengal tigers - currently the highest for a national park in India. Located in the lap of the Himalayas, the park is filled with rich biodiversity and is well-known for its lush greenery and grasslands. There are several different zones such as Dhikala, Jhirna, and Bijrani where you can do a tiger safari at a reasonable cost. And it's not all about tigers as you may also spot beers, deers, elephants, hyenas, and more.
Do you want to see the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers in their native environment? If yes, do visit the Sundarbans National Park, located in the southern region of West Bengal. It's the world's largest mangrove forest (spreading across West Bengal and Bangladesh), and is home (the West Bengal part) to around 100 tigers, according to the National Tiger Census, 2023.
You can book a multi-day boat tour from a local tour operator. Besides the big cats, you may also spot deers, crocodiles, and langurs along with hundreds of birds. And make sure not to miss the local delicacies when you are here.
Madhya Pradesh has the largest number of tigers among all Indian states. And the best national park for tigers here is undoubtedly the Kanha National Park. There are four safari zones in the park, among which Khatia, Sarhi, and Mukki are best for tigers. And the area is also home to 22 species of large mammals (including leopards, bison, and deers) along with hundreds of bird species.
The tigers here have unique names such as Choti Mada (CM), Dhawajhandi (DJ), Bijali, Sharmili, Naina, and Tedhi Pooch. There are several safari tours that you can book in advance.
These are the best places in India to see tigers in the wild. Besides these, the list also includes Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan), Tadoba National Park (Maharashtra), Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh), etc.
