Plan a jungle vacation this year with our comprehensive guide and the list of top 10 tiger safaris in India
Key Takeaways from this article:
- Why summer is the best time for a tiger safari
- India’s top 10 tiger safaris
- Tips for tiger safari in India
- What to wear for tiger safari
- Precautions during a tiger safari
- Endnote
Summer is here and school vacations around the corner, many people in India are gearing up for their annual holidays. Why not consider a trip to one of India’s numerous national parks this time? It’s a fantastic opportunity to see wildlife in their natural surroundings, including the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers.
Although Indian summers are hot and it is counterintuitive to be indulging in an outdoor activity during summer, there are many reasons to plan a jungle safari during summer.
Why Summer is the Best Time for Tiger Safari
- Summer leads to reduced water availability in jungles, prompting forest officials to create artificial watering holes. These strategic watering holes are hotspots for wildlife, allowing safari-goers to directly observe animals.
- The clustering of the food chain near watering holes offers opportunities to witness hunting actions, such as a big cat’s chase or a crocodile’s death roll.
- The moist soil around water holes creates a cooler environment, attracting tigers to rest there during the day, thus increasing their visibility.
- The foliage in the forest is thinnest during summer, enhancing the ease of spotting wildlife compared to the dense foliage present during other times of the year.
India’s vast and biodiverse landscapes are a treasure trove for those seeking the thrill of a jungle safari. With an array of national parks that are home to some of the planet’s most unique wildlife, these sanctuaries not only offer a glimpse into the wild heart of India but also play a crucial role in conservation efforts. Let’s delve into more sanctuaries across this majestic land, adding to our list of must-visit destinations for an unforgettable jungle safari experience.
India’s Top 10 Tiger Safaris
The allure of India’s national parks lies not just in their flora and fauna but in the stories of conservation and the promise of adventure they offer. Join us as we explore five more national parks that are perfect for those looking to answer the call of the wild.
- Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh: Renowned for having the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in India, Bandhavgarh National Park is a historic region once famous for its white tigers.
- Home to about 50 tigers in a relatively small area.
- Offers jeep and elephant safaris for close encounters.
- Optimal spotting: April to June; Wednesdays closed.
- Safari times: 5:30-10 am & 4-7 pm.
- Nearest airport: Jabalpur, 197 km.
- Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan: A wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, this park is celebrated for its rich tiger population and compelling stories like that of Machli, the legendary tigress.
- Zone 4 known for the highest tiger density.
- Hosts a variety of wildlife beyond tigers.
- Ideal spotting season: April to May.
- Safari hours: 7-10:30 am & 2:30-6 pm.
- Closest airport: Jaipur, 132 km.
- Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh: The inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” Kanha is distinguished by its vast meadows offering high visibility of tigers.
- Features diverse fauna including the majestic Gaur.
- Early morning elephant safaris recommended.
- Best viewing: April to June.
- Safari timings: Sunrise to 10 am & 3:30 pm to sunset.
- Nearest airport: Jabalpur, 175 km.
- Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand: As one of the oldest and most prestigious national parks in India, it boasts a rich biodiversity and varying landscapes, making it a haven for tigers and other wildlife.
- Various zones with Bijrani and Jhirna being notable for tiger sightings.
- Rich in wildlife including sloth bears and leopards.
- Prime time for tiger spotting: March to June.
- Safari slots: 6:30-10 am & 1:30-5:30 pm.
- Closest airport: Pantnagar, 50 km.
- Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh: Unique for its limited vehicle entry, Satpura offers a more secluded and intimate wildlife viewing experience, with the Sonbhadra River being a prime spot for tiger sightings.
- Allows a maximum of 12 vehicles per day.
- Walking tours permitted, a rarity in tiger reserves.
- Optimal time for sightings: April and May.
- Safari times: 7-11 am.
- Nearest airport: Bhopal, 135 km.
- Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh: Situated in the heart of India, Pench is celebrated for its significant tiger population and enchanting landscapes, making it a preferred destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Home to 43 tigers and a plethora of other wildlife.
- Features seven zones, with Turla being notable for tiger sightings.
- Best season for spotting: March to June.
- Safari timings vary by season: 7:30-10:30 am & 4-6:30 pm.
- Closest airport: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International, 92 km.
- Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra: As Maharashtra’s largest and oldest national park, Tadoba offers thrilling open-air gypsy safaris for tiger spotting, alongside a rich variety of other species.
- Famous for its tiger visibility from gypsy rides.
- Accommodation available near Mohurli gate, a prime spotting area.
- Prime tiger spotting: March to May.
- Safari timings adjust with season: 5:30-10 am & 3-6:30 pm.
- Nearest airport: Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar International, 140 km.
- Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka: Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole is a sanctuary for tigers and elephants, offering a unique blend of wildlife and natural beauty in the Southern part of India.
- Offers canter and jeep safaris for tiger spotting.
- Boasts over 250 species of birds along with other wildlife.
- Ideal for tiger sightings: April to June.
- Safari slots: 6-8 am & 3-5 pm.
- Closest airport: Mandkalli, 98 km.
- Bandipur National Park, Karnataka: Lying on the Ooty-Mysore highway, Bandipur is part of a large ecosystem that supports a significant number of tigers. It offers various safari options, including elephant safaris.
- Forms a crucial part of the Southern tiger population.
- Varied safari options to spot tigers and elephants.
- Best spotting season: March to June.
- Safari times: 6:30-9 am & 3:30-5:30 pm (bus); additional times for elephant and jeep safaris.
- Nearest airport: Coimbatore International, 84 km.
- Periyar National Park, Kerala: A key wildlife sanctuary and tourist attraction in Kerala, Periyar is known for its elusive tigers and a vast population of elephants, offering boat rides on Periyar Lake as a unique way to spot wildlife.
- Chance to spot tigers and elephants during boat rides.
- Boasts a diverse ecosystem with various species.
- Best time for tiger spotting: March to June.
- Safari and boat ride timings: 7:25 am to 4 pm (boat); jeep safari until 3 pm.
- Closest airport: Kochi International, 140 km.
Maximizing Your Tiger Safari Experience
To ensure an enriching and respectful jungle safari, here are a few tips:
Tips for Tiger Safari in India
- Even in the highest tiger population density regions, spotting tigers is not a certain event. Some tourists take back-to-back safari for several days to increase the chances of spotting tigers.
- Elephant safari is the best option to get closer to the tigers. Jeep safaris will penetrate deep into the forest, into the habitat of tigers.
- Always follow your guide’s advice while on a safari. This majestic animals is a well-known carnivorous. Your safety is very essential.
- Absolute silence is required for tiger spotting. Making a party scene in the safari will scare the animals away.
- Usually, summers are the best time to spot tigers as the water holes will be dried out, compelling tigers to reach out of their habitat to find large water sources. Also, the grasses will be dried out, increasing visibility.
What to Wear For Tiger Safari
- The prime tiger spotting time falls during the peak summer season. Thus, wear fully covering thin clothing. Exposing your skin to sun can lead to sunburn, dehydration and other problems.
- Wear a lot of sunscreen and cover up with hats, scarves and sunglasses.
- Carry a large bottle of water.
- Wear comfortable shoes or any footwear that covers your feet completely
- If you are choosing early morning safari, choose to carry a thin jacket with you.
Each park offers a unique experience, tailored to different preferences and opportunities to witness the majestic tigers in their natural habitat.
Precautions During a Tiger Safari
Embarking on a tiger safari is an exhilarating experience, offering the rare opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. However, to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the wildlife, it’s crucial to adhere to the following precautions:
- Stay Inside the Vehicle: For your safety and to minimize stress on the wildlife, remain inside the safari vehicle at all times during the tour.
- Don’t Use Flash Photography: Flash can startle tigers and other wildlife, potentially provoking them. Use your camera without the flash to avoid any risk.
- Keep a Safe Distance: Always keep a respectful distance from the tigers and other animals. Encroaching too close to them can lead to dangerous situations.
- Do Not Feed the Animals: Feeding wildlife disrupts their natural diet and can lead to unhealthy dependence on humans for food.
- Dispose of Trash Properly: Keep the park clean by not littering. Garbage can harm animals and spoil the natural beauty of the environment.
- Avoid Scented Products: Strong fragrances from perfumes or lotions can attract insects or wildlife. It’s best to avoid using these products before your safari.
- Be Patient and Respectful: Remember, you are a visitor in the animals’ home. Respect their space and be patient in observing them without disturbing their natural activities.
By following these precautions, you contribute to a safer and more respectful environment for both visitors and wildlife during your tiger safari.
Endnote
India’s national parks offer more than just a wildlife sighting opportunity; they are a gateway to understanding the importance of conservation and the beauty of our planet’s biodiversity. Whether it’s the royal Bengal tigers of Ranthambore, the one-horned rhinoceros of Kaziranga, or the Asiatic lions of Gir, each park provides a unique window into the world of wildlife. So pack your binoculars, respect nature’s bounty, and set off on a jungle safari that promises to be as enlightening as it is exciting.
