A tiger safari is one of those ‘lifetime events’ that you truly will never forget. Yes, the savannah plains of Africa have it all and the wildlife of India may not quite be on par with the African continent, but we dare anyone to challenge the fact that looking into a wild Bengal tigers’ eyes is not one of the most petrifying experiences you will ever encounter. Their cold hard steely stare goes right through you, you are in their territory and that is that.
Catching a glimpse of one of these striped apex predators as it stalks through the long grass, only the flecks of its white tipped ears is anticipation enough. But seeing one of them walk out of the forest in full majestic regality is truly a highlight of any wildlife enthusiasts’ career. To that extent, it is important that we put you in the right place at the right time to get the most enjoyable and thrilling experience possible on your tiger safari, and that is what we intend to do. Find below some tips and tricks to get you in the right place at the right time.
1. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh: Formally the wildlife reserve of the Maharajas, Bandhavgarh has one of India’s highest tiger populations. Home to around 60 tigers despite its smaller size, there is a good chance of seeing a tiger on safari here alongside the beautiful forests and hills. Here you can also see leopards, 250 different bird species and a huge variety of butterflies and reptiles. You can reach Bandhavgarh with a 2-hour flight from Delhi plus a 4-hour drive, and we would recommend staying in Samode Safari Lodge. If you are less focused on tigers and want an all-round Indian wildlife experience, head further south to Kanha and Satpura National Parks.
2. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh: One of the best kept national parks and the home of around 500 tigers, Kanha National Park is one of the best places to see tigers and has more of the feel of a traditional African safari park rather than a smaller Indian reserve. Also known as Kanha Tiger Reserve, the park is famous for its dry-land swamp deer and abundance of large prey. Other wildlife such as sloth bears, Indian elephants, bison, leopards, and hyenas can be found here amongst the rolling grasslands, bamboo forests, meadows and streams. You can reach Kanha with a 2-hour flight from Delhi plus a 4-hour drive, and we would recommend staying in Banjaar Tola.
3. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan: One of the most famous tiger safari national parks, the centre of Ranthambore is home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ranthambore Fort. This park is the closest to Delhi so can be part of a golden triangle tour or Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur. Because of this, the park can get very busy, so be sure to book in advance and be aware it can feel more touristy than other parks. Ranthambore does however offer the lucky few, sightings of tigers to the backdrop of temples and dramatic lakes, offering the wildlife photographer some truly unique opportunities. Sujan Sher Bagh Camp offers luxury and proximity to Ranthambore National Park.
The ideal months for observing tigers in India are February, March, and April, as temperatures start to rise. As the temperature climbs, the land becomes drier and dustier, with reduced foliage. With diminishing water sources, wildlife tends to gather around the remaining waterholes, creating a prime opportunity for observing and capturing the park's fauna. Our skilled guides are well-versed in tracking India's magnificent tigers within these parks, and you can elevate your tiger-watching adventure by staying at distinctive and picturesque lodges.
Despite historically living across huge parts of Asia, tigers are endangered to critically endangered with only around 3,200 animals left in the wild with three subspecies already extinct (Balinese, Javan and Caspian Tiger).
Due to hunting and disforestation, Bengal tiger populations have reduced, from hundreds of thousands to just a few thousand. National Parks across India have set conservation areas to protect these magnificent creatures and therefore tiger watching safaris are truly unique. Launched in April 1973, Project Tiger is a conservation scheme by the National Tiger Conservation Authority which established nine tiger reserves. Today, there is 47 tiger reserves.
Journey through the heart of tiger country in search of this majestic big cat, travelling to some of the best regions in India for wildlife encounters, including Tadoba, Pench and Kanha National Parks.
From 14000 per person
Embark on a safari with a difference and venture deep into the remote Durminskoye Reserve in Russia’s Far East, home to the endangered Siberian tiger. Alongside conservationist Alexander Batalov, you’ll track the big cats and set camera traps on a unique adventure that truly puts you on the front line of wildlife conservation.
“After a couple of hours we enter the boundary of the forest for the first time. There is snow on the ground but it doesn’t look too deep. Some way into the drive, Alexander stops the vehicle just over a bridge. Tiger tracks are all around; these are very fresh, as in minutes old. We are allowed out of the jeep but told to be careful as the tiger is likely to be close. It is now pitch black but the excitement level goes up. Alexander is convinced these are the tracks of a female he knows and she is watching us close by. We will find out how close she was tomorrow…”
Feel like Mowgli in ‘Jungle Book’, as you explore the meadows and forests of India’s national parks full of sloth bears, snakes, wolves, monkeys, & deer.
From 12500 per person
Working closely with conservationists, we can offer the change to join habituation safaris and more. Our exclusive network on the ground links us to all the best lodges in the region and we are often able to add that little NWS twist to your trip, transforming it into something really special.
