Tiger Reserves in India: Every detail you need to know

India has more than 50 tiger reserves, making it the best place to go on a tiger safari. The country is the global leader in tiger conservation and the hilly lands of Ranthambore, the thick forest in Bandhavgarh, the wild species of Tadoba National Park and Chandrapur are the unique highlights.

A tiger safari in India is not something you would define as a vacation, but rather an opportunity to be part of one of the most successful conservation projects in the world. About three-fourths of the world’s tigers are located in India; thus, India, which accounts for more than 75 per cent of the world’s tiger numbers, is on the number one list in the world, regarding tiger tours in India.

Visitors can experience the best tiger safari tours in India through customised journeys, luxury experiences and family-friendly tiger safari packages.

Also read: National Parks in India: A comprehensive guide – Flying Squirrel Holidays

A quick chart on the tiger reserves in India

Reserve	Nearest Access	Highlight	Tiger Sighting Chance	Best For
Ranthambore (Rajasthan)	Jaipur Airport (180 km), Sawai Madhopur Railway Station	Old fort inside the park, rugged cliffs	High	First-time safari goers, history lovers
Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh)	Jabalpur Airport (200 km), Umaria Railway (35 km)	Ancient fort, highest tiger density	Very High	Wildlife photographers, serious safari fans
Kanha (Madhya Pradesh)	Jabalpur Airport (165 km), Gondia Railway (145 km)	Inspiration for The Jungle Book, barasingha deer	Medium to High	Couples, nature lovers
Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand)	Pantnagar Airport (80 km), Ramnagar Railway (12 km)	India’s first national park, riverside landscapes	Medium	Bird watchers, adventure seekers
Pench (Madhya Pradesh/Maharashtra)	Nagpur Airport (92 km), Seoni Railway (30 km)	A mesmerising jungle ambience	Medium	Families, offbeat travelers
Kaziranga (Assam)	Jorhat Airport (97 km), Furkating Railway (75 km)	UNESCO World Heritage Site, one-horned rhinos	Moderate	Families, culture + wildlife lovers
Tadoba (Maharashtra)	Nagpur Airport (140 km), Chandrapur Railway (45 km)	Teak forests, lakes, wild dogs	High	Dedicated tiger lovers
Nagarhole (Karnataka)	Mysore Airport (95 km), Mysore Railway (80 km)	Kabini River, elephants, leopards	Medium	Nature lovers, luxury lodge stays
Bori Satpura (Madhya Pradesh)	Bhopal Airport (150 km), Itarsi Railway (70 km)	Oldest forest reserve, eco-tourism hub	Moderate	Eco-tourist, offbeat travelers
Sundarbans (West Bengal)	Kolkata Airport (100 km), access by road + boat	World’s largest mangrove forest, swimming Royal Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles	Low–Medium	Adventure seekers, offbeat travellers, nature lovers

Jump to sections

Top 10 tiger reserves you should visit
Best time to visit
Luxury tiger safari stays
Ethical tiger safari and how you can do it
Beyond tigers
Insider travel tips
Plan your safari with Flying Squirrel Holidays

Top 10 tiger reserves in India you should visit

If you’re planning a tiger safari in India, choosing the right reserve can make all the difference. Some places may be famous due to regular tiger sightings, while others may astonish you with their great diversity and divine natural beauty.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

Tiger Reserves in India: Every detail you need to know

Ranthambore is one of the most popular destinations for a tiger safari in India, famous for its unique blend of wildlife and history.

Location and access: Located in Rajasthan, about 180km away from Jaipur. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport (3.5-4 hrs by road). The nearest railway station is Sawai Madhopur (15 km).
Unique highlights: The thousands-of-years-old Ranthambore Fort located within the park is a must-visit, as well as the forests and the lakes.
What to expect on a safari: There is a high chance of seeing a tiger. Safari is done in open jeeps or canter. You can see leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and numerous birds as well.

“The ruins of the Ranthambore Fort look really stunning and we were really lucky to see the famous tigress Arrowhead. It was a goosebump-worthy moment.” – Runa Ray, Singapore.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh is one of the best places for a tiger safari in India. It has the highest density of tigers, so many travelers call it the best tiger sanctuary in India.

Location and access: It is located in Madhya Pradesh. The closest airport is Jabalpur (200 km), and the closest railway station is Umaria (35 km).
Unique Highlights: Ancient Bandhavgarh Fort with its rich history. The park has a highly scenic landscape as it is a mix of hills, grasslands, and dense forests.
What to expect on a safari: There are very high possibilities of seeing tigers, particularly during morning trips. The best exploration should be made by jeep safaris. In addition to tigers, one can also see leopards, wild dogs, deer, among many others, and more than 250 bird species.

“It was sometime in April. Pretty hot and we were hoping to spot a tiger all morning. Just when we had given up hope she emerged with her two cubs from behind the tall grass.” – Monica Sethi, India.

Also read: Exploring the Wild: Unleashing the Thrills of Jungle Safari in West Bengal – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Kanha is often called the best tiger reserve forest in India. It inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. It is one of the most scenic tiger touring spots in India.

Location and access: It is situated in Madhya Pradesh. The closest airports to reach are Jabalpur (165 km) and Raipur (250 km). The nearest railway station is Gondia (145 km).
Unique highlights: Meadowing, sal forest and exotic wildlife such as the hard ground barasingha (swamp deer).
What to expect on a safari: Medium to high tiger sightings chance. Most people prefer jeep safaris but canter safaris are available as well. Kanha tiger reserve is perfect for Indian tiger safari holidays with family or friends.

“While in Kanha the most memorable moment was spotting a leopard. It didn’t look anything like the black panther Bagheera from Jungle Book but we were elated nevertheless.” – Juneid Alam, India.

Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett is the first national park of India and is a must visit for someone who wants to do a tiger safari tour in India.

Location and access: This is situated in Uttarakhand. The nearest airport is Pantnagar (80 km), and the closest railway station is Ramnagar (12 km).
Unique highlights: The Ramganga River, the Himalayan foothills, and a vast extent of wildlife are some of the reasons why it is very special. It is also the place for bird watching different species of birds.
What to expect on a safari: Expect medium chances of seeing tigers, but then the safaris around here are more about the ambiance than it is about the animals. Jeep and canter safaris can be done. Other animals that tourists get to see include the elephants, leopards, gharials, and birds.

“We saw a couple of tigers but what took our hearts was an elephant herd with three baby elephants in it.” – Luigi Guitores, Australia.

Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Pench is an unexplored jewel of tiger safari in India. Its teak forests, meandering rivers and thriving wildlife make it one of India’s most enchanting safari destinations. It is becoming a popular pick for travelers looking for Pench jungle safari packages.

Location and access: It spans over Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The closest airport is Nagpur (92 km), and the closest railway station is Seoni (30 km).
Unique highlights: Pench River flows through the park, hence the park is very scenic. It also has a great population of wild dogs and leopards.
What to expect on a safari: The chances of seeing a tiger are medium. The most efficient way to explore is to have a jeep safari. The views are beautiful and often less crowded compared to other parks, making it a peaceful choice for Indian tiger safari holidays.

“I have been to Africa but Pench wasn’t anything I expected. The chirping birds, the roar of a tiger, the sounds of the forest made it an enchanting experience. On the last day we spotted 4 tigers and two leopards.” – Mac Brown, US.

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Assam

Kaziranga is a famous place in the world because it not only has tigers but also one-horned rhinos. It is a special destination when you want to combine a tiger safari in India with other wildlife activities.

Location and access: It is situated in Assam. The closest airport is Jorhat (97 km), and Furkating railway station (75 km).
Unique highlights: Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a variety of wildlife, including rhinos, wild water buffalo, elephants, tigers, and swamp deer.
What to expect on a safari: Moderate chances of seeing tigers, but very good chances of seeing a wide variety of wildlife. Jeep safaris can be done, even an elephant-back safari is available. It is among the most extensive parks for tiger tours in India.

“We stayed at a luxe safari lodge by the river and we could see elephants bathing in the river. The one-horned rhino was everywhere. We saw pug marks of a tiger but didn’t spot it.” – Alexander Mitchell, UK.

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Tadoba National Park, Chandrapur, is often called the Jewel of Vidarbha and is one of the hidden spots for a tiger safari in India. Many tourists consider it an alternative to the larger and crowded parks.

Location and access: It is situated in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. Nagpur airport is the nearest (140km), and the Chandrapur railway station is the nearest (45km).
Unique highlights: It is home to beautiful teak forests, lakes, and animals. It is also one of the best places to see wild dogs and sloth bears.
What to expect on a safari: There are high probabilities of tiger sighting, particularly around Tadoba Lake and Telia Dam. Jeep safaris are the ultimate way to explore.

“Tadoba is such a beautiful place it kind of transported us to a different world. We had gone in the peak of summer and it was so much fun to see the tigers bathing in the lakes.” – Julia Conway, US.

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal

The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world and one of the most unique places for a tiger safari in India. Unlike other reserves, Royal Bengal Tigers are frequently spotted here. So one sees this special wildlife experience as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Location and access: It is located in West Bengal, approximately 100km away from Kolkata. The closest airport is the Kolkata airport, and from the park can be reached by road and boat rides.
Unique highlights: It is home to the Bengal tiger and the largest mangrove forest in the world. Other than tigers, one can find saltwater crocodiles, fishing cats and other rare birds. It is very unique because it is a mix of water channels, islands and forests.
What to expect on a safari: Tiger sightings are not very frequent but very exciting. Instead of going on jeeps, the safaris are done on boats, hence a unique adventure. This is one of the finest tiger reserves in India that offers something unique to travellers.

“The day-long launch cruise was very enjoyable. We spotted a number of crocodiles basking in the sun. We took a smaller boat and went inside a channel deep into the dense jungle. It was really thrilling.” – Aishani Mallick, Dubai.

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka

Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole is one of South India’s best-kept secrets for India tiger safari holidays.

Location and access: Located in Karnataka. The closest airport is Mysore (95 km), and the closest railway station is Mysore (80 km).
Unique highlights: There is an abundance of lush forests, rivers, and herds of elephants, as well as tigers. It also has several leopards and wild dogs.
What to expect on a safari: While the chances of spotting a tiger are moderate, the real highlight is the unique combination of landscapes and wildlife. Jeep safaris and boat rides on the Kabini River are key attractions that make a tiger safari tour in India truly memorable.

“The sunset on the Kabini River was absolutely breathtaking. What I really liked was the reserve was not crowded and there were very few safari jeeps. The animals in the park have a very peaceful place to thrive.” – H. Ishida, Japan.

Bori-Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

The Bori-Satpura is one of the oldest forest reserves in India and is slowly gaining ground as an alternative destination area for tiger safari packages in India.

Location and access: It is situated in Madhya Pradesh, which is near Hoshangabad. The closest airport is Bhopal (150 km) and railway station is Itarsi (70 km).
Unique highlights: Less crowded, tranquil and more suited for eco-tourism. Covered with grasslands, valleys, river basins and a high diversity of wildlife.
What to expect on a safari: Fair probability of seeing tigers, although best for seeing leopards, sloth bears, and more than 300 varieties of birds. Jeep safaris and walking safaris are both popular here, making it ideal for those who want a different kind of tiger safari in India.

‘I love to click photos of birds. I clicked around 50 different kinds of birds. It was such a fulfilling trip.” – Margaret Hisham, UK.

If you are planning a tiger Safari in India just give us a call and let us organise flights, stays, permits, tours…everything for you!.

Best time to visit

The best time for a tiger safari in India is from October to June, when most national parks are open for visitors. The parks are closed in the monsoons (July to September) in order to give the forests a rest and recover. Also rain makes the forests muddy, there are chances of waterlogging and animals are not easy to spot.

Winter (October- February): The climate is pleasant and thus it is a good season to visit with your family. This is the perfect season for relaxed India tiger safari holidays.

Summer (March – June): Though hot, this is considered the best time for tiger safaris in India. Tigers and other animals move around to drink water in lakes and rivers, hence the visitor has a great probability of seeing them.

Monsoon (July – September): Mostly parks are closed, but during this season, the forests are green. Some buffer zones are left open, although tigers are rarely spotted.

The ideal time to do your tiger safari tours in India is during winter, when it is comfortable, or during summertime, when your chances of sighting a tiger are high.

Luxury tiger safari stays

A luxury tiger safari in India is not only about seeing tigers. It is also about staying in opulent jungle lodges and boutique resorts, which are in the lap of nature but provide all kinds of comfort and amenities. Some of the finest stays in the tiger reserves in India are as follows:

Aman-i-Khhas, Ranthambore (Rajasthan): These are large luxury tents that offer a view of the Ranthambore National Park. You also have delectable food and spa service. International travellers could experience ultimate luxury here on a safari in India.
Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh): A Taj Safari lodge offering simple village style stay. But once you walk into a room you would know what luxury is all about.
Banjaar River, Kanha (Madhya Pradesh): Environmentally-friendly luxury tents come with all luxurious amenities.
The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore (Rajasthan): One of the most famous resorts for a luxury tiger safari in India, perfect for couples on an India tiger safari holiday.
Pench Tree Lodge, Pench (Madhya Pradesh): You can have the extraordinary experience of staying in a tree house inside a forest. Perched atop a tree enjoy the grandeur of a well done-up room and sit in the balcony and watch life in the jungle pass by.
The Serai Kabini, Nagarhole (Karnataka): A relaxing lodge on the banks of a river with great possibilities to spot wildlife close to the Kabini backwaters.
Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga (Assam): A lodge situated near the river, with only a few rooms, very private and it has also had royal visitors.

If you want the best tiger safari in India with comfort and nature, these luxury lodges will make your trip very special.

Check this: Forest Bathing in India: Explore the healing power of the woods – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Ethical tiger safari and how you can do it

An ethical tiger safari in India means enjoying the thrill of spotting the big cat while making sure we respect the jungle and its wildlife. It is all about being the visitor in the tiger’s home, and nothing but your footprints remain there.

Safari etiquette:

Speak softly: Speak quietly and avoid making any excessive noise that the animals can be distracted by.
No littering: Leave everything you carried along and take back- even the plastic and food wrappers can cause harm to the forest.
Respect distance: Avoid requesting the drivers to get so near to the tigers or other animals. It is preferable to observe them from a long distance.
Photography tips: When you are taking photographs, put flash off so that animals are not disturbed.
Right clothes: Wear clothes that help you blend with the forest and do not use strong perfumes.

By taking these minor steps, travellers can have the best tiger safaris in India and contribute towards the preservation of these beautiful forests so that they can benefit future generations.

Beyond tigers

A tiger safari in India is thrilling, but the forests are also home to many other incredible species and unique experiences.

Other wildlife: In addition to the tiger, you stand a chance to see the leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, elephants, gaur (Indian bison), and hundreds of varieties of birds. Parks like Kaziranga are well-known as the home of the one-horned rhino, and Kanha is the only park where one will have the chance to see the rare barasingha (swamp deer).

Cultural and eco-tourism opportunity: Most of the reserves are near villages, heritage sites and ancient temples. The fort in Ranthambore will provide you with additional history to your safari and the local tribes of Madhya Pradesh will provide you with stories and showcase their crafts. Choosing India tiger safari holidays that combine wildlife with culture, make the journey even more special.

Insider travel tips

Planning a tiger safari in India is exciting, but a few smart tips can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable:

Clothing: Light cotton during the summer season and warm jackets in the early mornings in winter. Wear light colours such as brown, green, or beige in order to blend into the forest. Do not leave binoculars, a nice camera, sunscreen, and a hat at home.
Duration: Two to three safaris are suggested in one reserve. This enhances your chances to see a tiger and also allows you time to spend in the forest at an easy pace.
Best time to travel: From (October-February) it is pleasant. In some places forests can be cold in winters. For the best tiger safari in India with higher sighting chances, summer (Mar–Jun) is the right time.
Safari etiquette: A responsible attitude guarantees an improved experience on the part of the travellers and the wildlife.

Plan your safari with Flying Squirrel Holidays

We at Flying Squirrel Holidays create customised packages of tiger safari tours in India, as per your personalised taste. Whether it is an outing with your family or a couple trip you want to enjoy in the forest along with luxe stays, we have you covered. We will guide you as you decide on the reserve you want to go to, we assure you of comfortable travel and we ensure everything goes according to plan. We are there 24X7 for any kind of assistance you might need.

So, are you ready to be adventurous? To begin your tiger tours in India with Flying Squirrel Holidays; contact us now : Call us at ‪+91 33 40525777‬ / ‪+91 833 697 8737‬ or go to www.flyingsquirrelholidays.com for further details.