5 Must-Visit National Parks in India for Tiger Sighting

Yatharth Chauhan

Last updated: Sep 25, 2019

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The giant paw prints in the dense greenery silently escorting you somewhere. Your heart is pounding, the silence is making you nervous and there we are! Suddenly out of nowhere, a bulky looking creature with quiet but fearsome eyes comes out of the wilds. A firm head, sharp teeth and long tail, slowly approaching like it were wearing a tawny coat with black stripes on it. Jaw dropping, ain’t it? A tiger! This is what you invest your time and money to see, but unfortunately end up being disappointed all the time. How many of you have visited National Parks in the hopes of sighting a tiger and have found nothing? Many I suppose. India monopolizes almost 75 percent of the world’s tiger population so there’s no reason why your hard earned trip should go without seeing one. Here are 5 National Parks in India that guarantee Tiger sighting.

Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

Mapped somewhere along the north eastern border of Madhya Pradesh amidst Satpura and Vindhya ranges, Bandhavgarh National Park is home to over a 100 Bengal Tigers in the country, that meander around freely. The park also breeds a great variety of leopards, deer and other species so you wouldn’t have to kill your time doing nothing until you spot a tiger. With a lush green geographical picture inviting you with all its glamour, a brief visit to the historic region will not be regretted. This one has been as underrated as any.

Nearest Town: Umariya, Nearest City: Jabalpur

Best Time to Visit: October to April

Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan)

One of the most promising prospects for spotting a tiger is in Rajasthan. The Ranthambore National Park is a name that remains etched in most stories you hear about a tiger. The amazing thing about Ranthambore is its setting which is very close to the urban area. Despite that, Tigers take it as their very home and are only increasing in numbers. The park is believed to offer Tiger sights in the most natural facet. Experienced trippers around the region give their word that Tigers could easily be sighted in daytime during the season in Ranthambore. The authorities provide special Tiger trail packages and tours to further make your visit easy and worthwhile.

Nearest Town: Sawai Madhopur, Nearest City: Jaipur

Best Time to Visit: October to April

Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)

kanha national park tiger sighting — Photo Credit: Dey.sandip/wikipedia

Another offering from the state of Madhya Pradesh but every bit as exciting, the Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of India’s largest National Parks. Spread across an eclectic zone of wildlife, the park is seemingly close to cities of both MP and Maharashtra. Kanha can be a chosen destination for aficionados of wildlife, especially the Tigers. The management has worked hard to maintain the sanity of the park and its sheer panoramic beauty will not tire you out at any point. On a lucky day, don’t be surprised if you have an encounter with as many as 4 or 5 tigers, just as they roam around in groups.

Nearest Town: Mandla, Nearest Cities: Nagpur and Jabalpur

Best Time to Visit: Any season but the intense summers

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra)

tadoa tiger reserve tiger sighting

‘The Jewel of Vidarbha’ is what it is commonly called. The biggest National Park in the state of Maharashtra, the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve offers to be a soothing yet an escapade of a journey. With growing number of Tigers finding their coziness in the wilderness, the authorities are trying hard to make your visits justifiable. With Tigers being easily spotted in the region, an open gypsy, a special bus and trained guides would make sure to fetch you a solid experience. Tadoba’s X-Factor lies in its resourcefulness to offer much beyond the Tiger experience. The region has an exquisite variety of species that you’d otherwise not find in any part. In the heart of the central India, Maharashtra deserves to have a visit for what it has accomplished.

Nearest Town: Chandrapur, Nearest City: Nagpur

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)

The oldest National Park in the country is perhaps the most elegant, restoring and luxurious offering in biota. But it’s enriching groundwork must not be mistaken for the haunt and thrills it bids. Arguably the most highlighted National Park in India, Jim Corbett has a perfect setting of scenic Nainital hills and serene northern texture. The state now has second highest number of Tigers in India and Jim Corbett has a major part to play in that. The Dhikala Forest Lodge in Corbett is particularly famous for its wildlife and you’re more likely to spot a tiger here than anywhere else. Different forest zones, special tours, jungle safaris, deluxe cottages and all modern amenities will augment your visit to the park that has adventure written all over it.

Nearest Town: Ramnagar, Nearest City: Nainital

Best Time to Visit: October to February

So while you start shortlisting your preferred choice of National Park for your next visit, I try and frame my tiger stories to narrate to people. The next time you plan a jungle trip in the hopes of sighting a tiger, there’s no dismay coming back with you. There’s one thing that Indians can take pride in, being home to majority of Tigers in the world. Call your friends, gather your family and hit the road soon enough to see what the jungle cat is up to. The wilderness is waiting!