Tiger Safari in India

One of the most endangered yet coveted animals of India is the Tiger, known for its poise, this animal of the cat family today is one of the most endangered species. Scattered in sanctuaries and national parks across the country, the only places where you could spot this rare species are the immense Jim Corbett National Park, The Bandhavgarh national park known famously to be the place that has the highest density of Tigers in India, Ranthambore National park known for the celebrity tigers Macchli and Macchli junior who featured in a lot of documentary films.

The Tigers once roamed around freely in large numbers, today they live like pet cats in protected areas. Not only have the number of tigers decreased, but the possibility of the generations to come to see a tiger is becoming grim. There are a lot of factors that could save the handful tigers. The buffer zones where tribal villagers are settled is not safe either, they are filled with poachers and wood loggers who make the chances of tigers breeding and surviving all the more bleak.

According to recent Tiger Census Report 2010, the tiger population range for 2010 is between 1,571 and 1,875 with an average of 1,706. The tiger population has increased in Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka) and Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), whereas, there is a decline in Kanha National Park and Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

The key issue observed in the survey is the decline in tiger occupancy areas. It has come down to 72,800 sq km in 2010 from 93,600 sq km in 2006. Another key issue is that most of wild cats were outside protected areas. India, currently, has 39 reserves and about 30% of the total tiger population is outside these reserves. Still the good news is that there is a sharp increase in Tiger population from 1,411 in 2006 to 1,706 in 2010. However, there is still lot to do to protect these wild cats. Plan out your next Jungle Safari this summer and explore the world of wild cats at popular destinations in India.

Jim Corbett National Park, known famously by all the nature enthusiasts should also not be missed. This place is a perfect adventure for those who are visiting the Golden Triangle. The best time to spot a tiger in India is in the months of November and May as this is the time when they are easiest to spot.

Jim Corbett National park in Uttaranchal with about 214 tigers, 100 leopards, 800 elephants and many sambars, Chital dears, bears and other wildlife animals is an animal lover’s paradise. While on a visit to one of these places for spotting a tiger, it is important that you have a good driver who knows the forest very well. It is also important that you remain silent or you will lose the majestic king in the thick of the desert. You could stay in Ramnagar, 2 km from the east side of the gate. Be sure you wake up early and hop on one of those jeeps going to the park, before a lot of them gather and the sound of the jeeps drives the tigers away. We could help you stay at two of the best resorts the Corbett Leela Villas and The Wild Trails.

If you don’t get the opportunity to spot a tiger be on a lookout, with over 100 leopards you could just be lucky and get an opportunity to spot a leopard instead. If you get twice as much lucky you never know, you could spot both.

The Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is also rich for the wildlife it is home to. With tigers, leopards, sloth bears, chital dears, crocodiles, pythons to name a few, this should definitely be one of the must visit place while on a journey to spot the majestic Bengal Tiger of India. You could either stay at Sawai Madhopur, the town closest to Ranthambore or any other place. Unlike the other national parks, you could visit Ranthambore only in Canters – trucks that carry about 22 very noisy tourists, thus killing the whole thrill of spotting a tiger.

Ranthambore is infamously known for the falling number of tigers and bears, who became victims of poaching.  This park is more organized and regulated now. There are special jeeps that are allowed entry into the park, which are booked and organized for the residents of the luxury hotels and lodges. The Park is divided in 12 lanes and each jeep is allowed entry into just one. Make sure you hope on to one of the bus that enters the lane 5 or 6. Best lanes to spot a tiger.

The Bandhavgarh National Park is a must visit place if you wish to spot a tiger. With the decreasing number of Tigers, the chances of spotting a tiger are doubled in Bandhavgarh than in any other place. The Bandhavgarh National Park is staggeringly beautiful, gifteted with being a natural habitat for many animals like the cheetal, langurs, wild boards, peafowl and the fierce tigers. Criss crosing rivulets add to the beauty of the park. The immense forest encompasses everything else in the world, it makes you forget about the purpose of your visit and sooner or later when you spot a tiger you begin to lose yourself in the awe inspiring dainty moves of the tiger. A mere 450 sq km, this small area is home to 60 tigers making it the place with the highest density of tigers.

The best time to spot tigers in Bandhavgarh is 3 am to 4 am. The best ways to get into the thick forest would be by jeep or on one of the elephants that could take you around the forest. The best way to spot a tiger is on an ‘elephant circus’. To spot a tiger you will have to stay longer in Ranthambore than in Bandhavgarh. Two days are more than sufficient to have a tour around this small park and even spot a tiger.

While on a tiger spotting trip to India, do visit the Bandhavgarh National Park. While you spend your time watching the majestic tigers leave the planning to us. The Pench Jungle Camp located very close to this National Park, is a haven for nature lovers. Not only will you be close to the place where you could spot a tiger, but you will also also be safe and enjoy the facilities offered by us. You could choose to stay in one of the Safari Tents or choose a more relaxed deluxe room.  We could get you great package on accommodation as well sightseeing. Call us today and we would plan a wonderful trip for you.

The Kanha National Park in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh is one of the largest and the most scenic wildlife sanctuaries in India. The lush Bamboo and Sal trees spread across the forest make it a suitable habitat for tigers, leopards, sloth bears and other rare animals.

The Majestic Tigers once abundant in India are now just a handful scattered across National Parks in India. It is important to remember that while you embark a journey to spot them, you are entering their natural habitat and it would be best if they are not disturbed and made to feel insecure. Thus, making the chances of you spotting a tiger even better.