Belinda Wright, OBE, Executive Director, Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI): India is about the only place in the world where you are likely to see tigers in the wild, and only in a few tiger reserves where these secretive big cats are now fairly used to tourists in vehicles. Some of the tigers have become surprisingly bold and these reserves are now popular destinations for huge numbers of tourists both from within India and abroad. Despite this, you must always remember that these are wild predators and that it is an extraordinary privilege to see these glorious and extremely rare big cats in the wild. Allow at least three or four days to increase your chances.

Paul Goldstein , top tiger safari guide and expert at one of our leading suppliers, Exodus: “Much like mountain gorillas, you have to be aware that this is a desperately endangered species, so please try and look beyond your camera. I have led countless tiger safaris in India, but probably only have half a dozen really good photos. So, particularly when you see your first one, put the camera away because, firstly, you might not see another one and also, it is a deeply emotive moment. The photo will probably be rubbish anyway as you will be sobbing or shaking, as you should be. “