Tigers safaris in India

The parks that offer a good chance of a tiger sighting and the best safaris are spread out in a line from the north to the south of the country. Ranthambore stands at the top of a string of wonderful parks, which includes beautiful, dramatic Bandhavgarh with its relative abundance of tigers and Pench, not as well known for its tigers, but boasting leopards and myriad birds.

If you hope to see tigers in India’s national parks, it’s really important to book a tiger safari well in advance. Strict regulations restrict the numbers of visitors to parks with tigers, but wildlife tourism continues to gain popularity in India, so competition for safari slots is great. We would recommend using a responsible tour operator which has experience of tiger watching and works with knowledgeable guides who know how to treasure this jungle royalty and deliver the best experience, too.

It’s unlikely that you’ll spot a tiger the second you board your safari 4x4, though. They are elusive, well camouflaged and just plain rare. If spotting a tiger is your goal, be sure to allow plenty of time in each national park. If you can stay long enough to go on four separate game drives, your chances of seeing a tiger in parks such as Kanha and Bandhavgarh are high. Go on just two game drives and the odds are halved. Ideally, stay in a lodge in the immediate environs of the tiger reserve, too, so you can be up and out early on dawn game drives, for the best chance of seeing tigers and other wildlife as they start their day.

Most national parks in India are closed during the monsoon season, from July until mid October, so check with your tour operator. November until March is a great time to visit, but be prepared for cold mornings in winter, which can make dawn game drives really nippy. By afternoon you can enjoy temperatures in the mid 20°Cs, though. The landscape is really lush right after the monsoon, and the birdlife is amazing, too. From March until the start of the monsoon, you’ll need to factor in the sky-rocketing temperatures. This is a good time for viewings as the vegetation is dry and sparse and wildlife comes out of the forests to find water, but be prepared for the heat – expect the mid 40°Cs – and think carefully before travelling with children at this time.