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There are 8 places to see tigers in the wild.
The thrill of spotting one of the rare and elusive tigers in their natural habitat is unparalleled. Many captive tiger attractions have come under fire for their treatment of animals.
The modern world doesn't like tigers. Three of the nine tiger subspecies became extinct within the last century and the remaining six are at risk of extinction. There is some good news, with the number of tigers in the wild increasing in recent years, and tourism infrastructure improving in key tiger habitats, making it easier for visitors to spot tigers.
In honor of International Tiger Day, here's a guide to the places where you might be able to see tigers in the wild.
One of the largest national parks in Northern India is Ranthambore. The park, which is said to be home to 81 Bengal tigers as of 2021, is known as one of the best hunting grounds for tigers in the world. A number of ancient temples, mosques and even a 10th-century fort can be found in the park.
How safaris work: Most safaris in the park utilize either a six-person Jeep or 20-seat Canter. While it is recommended tours are booked 90 days in advance, last-minute bookings are sometimes available. These three-hour tours are available between October 1 and June 30.
What else is there to see: In addition to the ancient ruins and tigers, it’s not uncommon to see leopards, sloth bears, jackals, crocodiles, Indian foxes, hedgehogs and even hyenas.
When to go: February and March tend to have the nicest weather, but the warm days of April and May coax tigers to popular watering holes, offering the best chances of spotting one.
Make it happen: Ranthambore’s diverse wildlife, historical and cultural destinations and picturesque landscape makes it one of the best photography destinations in the world. Natural Habitat Adventures offers an 11-day photo tour that, in addition to a two-day safari, includes a sunrise and sunset photo session at Taj Mahal, a balloon ride over Jaipur and a half-day tour of Delhi. For those who don’t want to book an entire package itinerary, the park offers morning and evening tours daily.
The Jim Corbett National Park was the first national park in India. The park has seen an increase in the number of tigers as of 2020. One of the few tiger reserves in the country that allows overnight stays increases your chances of seeing a tiger.
How safaris work: The National Park offers Jeep and Canter Safaris in five different zones which are intended to spread safari vehicles evenly throughout the park. Tours are managed by India’s forest department, and it’s left up to the guides to determine which zone the safari will take place in (all zones report a similar amount of tiger sightings). Tours are offered daily in the mornings and evenings.
What else is there to see: While in the park, keep your eyes open for Indian elephants (especially during the summer), mongoose, leopards, sloth, bear and deer. Spend the night at the Dhikala Forest Lodge, which is one of the only opportunities you’ll have to stay at a national park in India.
When to go: Visit between April and June for the best chance of spotting a tiger. While the summer months can get extremely hot, this is when tigers are most likely to leave the cover of the brush to cool off and get a drink in an open watering hole, providing visitors with an opportunity to spot one.
Make it happen: In addition to the daily safaris offered by the park, there are a number of local tour companies that offer multi-day tour packages. Nature Safari India, for instance, offers a 10-day tour consisting of five days in the park where visitors will have the chance to view the unique and diverse wildlife, visit the trails and settlements at the park and learn about the naturalist, Jim Corbett.
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Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan
Bhutan's first and oldest national park is located in the east Himalayas. The Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as rhinos, elephants, water buffalo and other flora and fauna, can be found in the park, which is why it's a Natural World Heritage site. The total population of the park has more than doubled since 2008 and it is home to the highest tiger density in the world with more than one tiger per square kilometer. A large tract of land for tigers to roam safely is formed by the surrounding wildlife sanctuaries and parks.
How safaris work: While safaris are few and far between and tiger sightings are less common than in some Indian destinations, Royal Manas National Park is still worth visiting. A number of tour itineraries that focus on nature, culture and wildlife are listed on their tourism website, offered by various operators. For an actual safari, consider heading just south to Manas National Park in India.
What else is there to see: This biodiverse park is home to some of the rarest animals in the world, including clouded leopards, pygmy hogs, water buffalo, one-horned rhinoceros, elephants and the golden langur, which is seldom found elsewhere in the world.
When to go: While the best weather at Royal Manas is experienced between November and February, the summer months are when the likelihood of a tiger spotting increases. Keep in mind that monsoon season — during which nearby Manas National Park in India is closed — is from May through September, so if that’s when you decide to visit, bring your rain gear.
Make it happen: Many tours focus on a range of activities and experiences throughout Bhutan, with Royal Manas National Park only a piece of the puzzle. On Yatara Adventure’s 21-day Royal Manas Eastern Tour, for example, guests will visit monasteries, go on hikes, wander small, remote Himalayan villages, admire the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and tour the park.
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Chitwan National Park, Nepal
The one-horned rhinoceros, royal Bengal tiger, and gharial crocodile are some of the mammals that are protected in Chitwan National Park. An effort to increase the tiger population in Nepal is still going on despite the fact that there are 93 tigers in Chitwan. One-horned rhinos are one of the reasons to go to the park.
How safaris work: Safaris in Chitwan National Park are largely offered through private tour companies as part of a travel package. In addition to safaris conducted through the use of all-wheel-drive vehicles, some tour operators offer walking and even elephant-back safaris.
What else is there to see: In addition to tigers, One-horned rhinos are a major draw of tourists to the park. As of 2015, 605 of Nepal’s 645 rhinos were found in Chitwan National Park. The park is also home to elephants, antelope, pangolin, leopards and striped hyenas, to name a few.
When to go: The region has the best weather from October through March, but the chances of spotting a tiger or rhino increase during April and May. Temperatures can sometimes hit triple digits in the spring, so make sure to bring plenty of water and dress accordingly.
Make it happen: And Beyond offers a six-day itinerary that starts in Kathmandu. The tour includes a sightseeing flight above Everest, a full-day tour of the Capital, a walking tour in the park and elephant-back and 4x4 safaris. Chitwan Jungle Safari also has a variety of itineraries, including a shorter 2-day tour that includes an elephant safari.
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Tadoba National Park is located in Maharashtra in central India and is home to at least 80 tigers. The park is named after the God of Taru and is praised by local Indigenous groups of the region. The country's fastest-growing tiger population is said to be found in Tadoba's dry tropical environment.
How safaris work: There are three different zones in the park that allow Jeep safaris during the winter and summer months. Visitors can also book a Canter safari upon arrival at the Mohurli gate on a per-seat basis, making it the perfect option for those on a budget. Timing varies depending on the exact date you plan on visiting, but they typically take place in the mornings and evenings from October 1 through February 29 and March 1 through June 30.
What else is there to see: Even if you don’t see a tiger in Tadoba, the park is also home to a myriad of other rare and spectacular species, like cheetah, leopard, sloth bears, crocodiles and Indian python.
When to go: Like other destinations throughout the country, the best time to spot tigers doesn’t coincide with the most pleasant weather — the incoming heat of March brings the tigers out into the open, where visitors have the best chances of catching a glimpse. Consider visiting between March and May for increased odds, but be prepared for the heat.
Make it happen: Tour operator Responsible Travel, which prides itself on supporting sustainable travel for both the environment and local communities, offers an eight-day itinerary that begins in Delhi. The trip focuses solely on Tadoba National Park, so your chances of seeing a tiger are greater than on tours that spend only a day or two in the park. Tour My India also offers a seven-day package that incorporates Nagzira and Pench National Parks into the itinerary.
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India is home to 70% of the world's tigers. Kanha, which is thought to be the setting of The Jungle Book, is one of the most accessible and best managed tiger reserves in India. There is a good chance of seeing a tiger in the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
How safaris work: With the exception of Satpura in Madhya Pradesh, which is the only reserve offering walking safaris, safaris are conducted in Maruti Suzuki Gypsies which can be booked for morning, afternoon and sometimes night drives with a local guide. Aim for at least four drives for the best chance of spotting a tiger.
What else is there to see: Other wildlife you’re most likely to spot include deer – particularly sambar, spotted and swamp deer – raptors (owls and eagles), gaur, langurs, macaques and if you’re lucky, maybe even a sloth bear or a jungle cat.
When to go: Most tiger reserves close during the July–September monsoon season. While tigers can be spotted year-round, the hot, pre-monsoon months of April and May tend to offer the best sightings (typically at waterholes).
Make it happen: The remoteness of reserves makes organized tours an attractive option. Visit Forsyth Lodge in Satpura, which works with the local community to provide transfers to Bhopal’s airport, a four-hour drive away.
The number of Bengal tigers in Nepal has almost doubled in the last 10 years, with more than 236 individuals roaming across five national parks. Bardia National Park is the best place to find one of the 80 tigers that call it home.
How safaris work: All Bardia safari lodges offer walking and 4WD safaris. While you can cover more ground in a half-day driving safari, full-day walking safaris lend to more intimate wildlife viewings. With guides carrying only a bamboo pole for protection (tiger attacks are rare, but not unheard of) it’s a bigger thrill, too.
What else is there to see: Look out for Bardia’s 30-odd greater one-horned rhino, as well as otter, crocodiles, wild elephants, five species of deer and more. At the very least you’ll meet Vikram the rhino, a victim of human-wildlife conflict living out his days in an enclosure near the park entrance.
When to go: Bardia is open year-round, but as with India, it’s generally easiest to spot tigers in the hot season when tigers (and rhinos) can often be seen cooling off in the Girwa River.
Make it happen: Of the several dozen safari lodges in or near the village of Thakurdwara, near the park entrance, Bardia Ecolodge is a standout for its superb meals and fantastic local guide. For more comfort, consider the luxurious Karnali Lodge run by responsible tourism pioneer TigerTops. All good lodges can arrange transport from the local bus stop, or from Nepalganj, the closest airport.
Trekking, biking, and rhino spotting are some of the things that can be done in Nepal's national parks.
The world's largest mangrove forest is located in India andBangladesh. The misty maze of tidal waterways and small islands, thought to be home to more than 100 Bengal tigers, is best visited from the Bangladesh side, which offers deeper access and a better chance of spotting a tiger. Sightings aren't very common.
How safaris work: Safaris consist of a multi-day boat tour from the southwestern city of Khulna, or nearby. You'll eat and sleep onboard your main tour boat, but during the day you’ll break into smaller groups and track tigers, either on foot (accompanied by armed forest guards) or on smaller boats (along narrower river channels).
What else is there to see: The Sundarbans is home to a wealth of wildlife – you can expect to spot saltwater crocodiles, wild boar, langurs and many of the region’s 260 bird species.
When to go: The cooler season from October to March – when you may spot tigers sunning themselves on river banks – is the most comfortable time to visit, but you’re more likely to see them in the water during the hotter months of April and May.
Make it happen: UK-based Responsible Travel offers an eight-day tiger safari in the Sundarbans with a zoologist guide. Reputable Khulna-based operators include Bengal Tours and Guide Tours, both of which offer three-day tours.
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The Adventure Travel Trade Association and Encounters Travel supported Sarah in India and Nepal. Free stuff is not accepted in return for positive coverage.
The article was first published in July of this year.
