Did you know that India is a proud home of over 70% of the tiger population in the world? This magnificent creature has been entitled as India’s national ansimal, signifying its role as a cultural and natural asset. Which can be a better place to spot a tiger than India? Seeing these exotic cat species in their natural habitat is a dream for many wildlife fanatics across the world. It is quite obvious that there is a generous number of tiger reserves in India across different states. So, it is fairly easy to spot these majestic species in any tiger reserve in India. India is proud to have 54 Tiger Reserves as of 2023
If you have an innate passion for spotting tigers, plan a weekend getaway to one of the best tiger reserves. Which are the best reserves? Well, it is not easy to select one, so here is a list of the top 10 tiger reserves in India.
Wild, ferocious, predator, unpredictable are the words associated with tigers. However, even if they are dangerous, they do look magnificent and we cannot deny it, right? If you are fascinated with the idea of looking at tigers in their natural habitat, you can plan your upcoming trip to a tiger reserve in India. The good news is that India houses several famous national tiger reserve parks where you will find these beasts moving around freely. Want to know about some of the tiger reserves in the country that you can visit? Well, here you go:
1. Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is home to several Bengal tigers. Established in 1936, this is one of the oldest national parks in the country which has always been a favorite destination for wildlife lovers. Rich in flora and fauna, Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve will never disappoint you. You will surely spot tigers and may even hear them roaring also.
Things to do: Elephant safari, Jeep safari, Trekking, etc.
Best time to visit: November to February
2. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
Established in 1974, Bandipur Tiger Reserve has gained popularity as one of the best tiger sanctuaries in India. You can find the second-largest population of tigers here in the entire country. Apart from the majestic big cat, you can also spot many other animals such as Indian elephants, jackals, sloth bears, gaurs, and four-horned antelopes.
Things to do: Elephant rides, Jeep safari, etc.
Best time to visit: October to March
3. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is one of the most sought-after places to visit when it is about spotting tigers. The tiger reserve covers an area of 1536 square kilometers and you can find several animals, reptiles, and birds here. It is a great place to go with friends and family.
Things to do: Jeep safari, Jungle safari, etc.
Best time to visit: October to March
4. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh
The total area covered by Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger is 3,728 square kilometers. This India’s tiger reserves park is the largest in the country and was set up in 1983. From a wide variety of flora and fauna, you can also find temples and reservoirs. Apart from Bengal tigers, you can also spot leopard and sloth bears here. Among reptiles, you can find snakes and lizards here.
Things to do: Jeep safari
Best time to visit: October to June
5. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
If you live in the western part of the country, you must plan a road trip to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Established in 1980, this is certainly one of the best and top tiger reserves in the entire country. You can fulfill your wish of witnessing royal Bengal tigers from a close distance by visiting this tiger reserve. You will also come across some serene lakes here that will totally take your breath away.
Things to do: Safari ride
Best time to visit: October to June
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6. Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala
Periyar Lake Reserve came into shape in 1899 and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1950. And in 1978, it was again declared a tiger reserve. You can find natural beauty here which is blanketed by verdant greenery and serenity. While enjoying your safari here, you can spot white tigers and Bengal tigers coming out of the long bushes. Apart from these big cats, you can also find Indian giant squirrels and Asian elephants at this tiger reserve. Bird lovers do not need to be disappointed at all since they can witness many species of birds such as Malabar grey hornbill, blue-winged parakeet, and Nilgiri wood pigeon.
Things to do: Jeep safari through the woods
Best time to visit: April to July
7. Sunderban Tiger Reserve, West Bengal
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was established in the year 1984. The biggest attraction of this place is the Bengal tigers. You can also witness the beautiful tributaries of Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers that flow through this tiger reserve. This reserve is the home to around 400 tigers and more than 248 species of birds.
Things to do: Jeep safari, boat ride
Best time to visit: September to March
8. Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
This is yet another place where you will be able to witness the beautiful tigers basking under the sun and enjoying their time. While you can find many tigers, you will also be able to spot other animals such as sloths and leopards. You will also find birds here that you have never seen anywhere else.
Things to do: Jeep safari
Best time to visit: October to March
9. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
This is one of the best national parks in Asia where you can expect to see many royal Bengal tigers. You can also spot the very rare barasingha here. Apart from the fauna, another thing to see here is the long elephant grasses, inspired by which Rudyard Kipling write the Jungle Book.
Things to do: Jeep safari
Best time to visit: April to June
10. Manas National Park, Assam
This UNESCO Natural World heritage is a tiger reserve under Project Tiger. This is one of the national parks with a thick density of tiger population.
Things to do: Jeep safari, Elephant safari, Bird watching, River rafting, etc.
Best time to visit: October to April
While you are planning your road trips in India to these tiger reserves and national parks, you can choose a self-drive car rental service. To get the best and safe car rental service, you can download the Revv app on your smartphone and take a look at the cars available there.
54 Tiger Reserves in India
List of 54 Tiger Reserves in India (Updated as of September 2023)
Sl No. Tiger Reserve (TR) State
1 Bandipur Karnataka
2 Corbett Uttarakhand
3 Kanha Madhya Pradesh
4 Manas Assam
5 Melghat Maharashtra
6 Palamau Jharkhand
7 Ranthambore Rajasthan
8 Simlipal Orissa
9 Sunderban West Bengal
10 Periyar Kerala
11 Sariska Rajasthan
12 Buxa West Bengal
13 Indravati Chhattisgarh
14 Namdapha Arunachal Pradesh
15 Nagarjunsagar Andhra Pradesh
16 Dudhwa Uttar Pradesh
17 Kalakad Mundanthurai Tamil Nadu
18 Valmiki Bihar
19 Pench Madhy Pradesh
20 Tadoba Maharashtra
21 Bandhavgarh Madhy Pradesh
22 Panna Madhy Pradesh
23 Dampa Mizoram
24 Bhadra Karnataka
25 Pench – MH Maharashtra
26 Pakke Arunachal Pradesh
27 Nameri Assam
28 Satpura Madhya Pradesh
29 Anamalai Tamil Nadu
30 Udanti Sitanadi Chhattisgarh
31 Satkoshia Odisha
32 Kaziranga Assam
33 Achanakmar Chhattisgarh
34 Kali Karnataka
35 Sanjay Dhubri Madhya Pradesh
36 Mudumalai Tamil Nadu
37 Nagarhole Karnataka
38 Parambikulam Kerala
39 Sahyadri Maharashtra
40 Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Karnataka
41 Kawal Telangana
42 Sathyamangalam Tamil Nadu
43 Mukundara Rajasthan
44 Nawegaon Nagzira Maharashtra
45 Amrabad Telangana
46 Pilibhit Uttar Pradesh
47 Bor Maharashtra
48 Rajaji Uttarakhand
49 Orang Assam
50 Kamlang Arunachal Pradesh
51 Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tamil Nadu
52 Ramgarh Vishdhari Rajasthan
53 Ranipur Uttar Pradesh
54 Dholpur-Karauli Rajasthan
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