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Explore Tiger Reserves to Visit in India

Explore Tiger Reserves to Visit in India

Areas which are specifically dedicated for the protection and conservation of tigers are known as Tiger Reserves. They are carefully looked after to provide a suitable environment for tigers to flourish, including sufficient prey availability and protection from poaching and habitat destruction. These reserves not only protect the tiger population but also contribute to the conservation of other wildlife species and their habitats. The founding of tiger reserves in India is evidence to the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation. They serve as protected areas where efforts are focused on preserving the natural balance of ecosystems and ensuring the survival of endangered species. Tiger reserves also promote scientific research, ecological studies, and community participation in conservation efforts.
 
Due to the large number of Tiger Reserves and an abundant number of Tigers, India is one of the best destinations of all the wildlife and tiger lovers, and attracts a large number of wildlife photographers. The first Tiger Reserve was declared way back in the year 1973. 
 
We have 53 Tiger Reserves, preserving 3890 (70% of World’s Tiger Population) tigers in India. Every Tiger reserve from the top 10 list witnesses around 1 lakh to 2 lakh visitors annually. Karnataka has the highest 408 number of tiger preserves in their national park and reserve. The highest number of tigers can be seen in Jim Corbett National Park. Some of the Parks such as Kaziranga National Park, Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, and Jim Corbett National Park also provide Elephant Safaris that allows you to get a clear and closer view of the Jungle. Tiger Reserves in India are 53 out of which 70,000 sq km of forest area dedicated to the Beautiful Royal Bengal Tigers in the form of Tiger Reserves. India is a host for more than 70% of the Tigers of the world and is one of the best places in the world to see the Royal Bengal Tigers.  
 
Cultural India brings you an ultimate list of all the Tiger Reserves in India along with important information for the visitors to visit Tiger Reserves in India or to book Tiger Safari in India.
 
Like this there are total 10 best national parks and tiger reserves to enjoy jungle safari and tiger safari in India. This 2023 Tiger safari in India Guide will detail you about all the places along with best time to visit, chances of tiger spotting, Tiger Safari Zones, Things to do other tiger safari in those destinations.
 
 
1. Bandhavgarh National Park: 
 
Bandhavgarh National Park is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh in Vindhya hills of Umaria district. Under the Project Tiger and Wildlife Protection Act. it was declared Tiger Reserve in 1972. The presence of large population of royal Bengal tigers, especially in the central Tala zone makes this bio diverse park famous. Other animals include white tigers, leopards and deer. The mix of tropical forest, Sal trees and grassland is home to scores of bird species, including eagles. To the south are the remains of the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort. The ancient Bandhavgarh fort in the south of the park is proof to the royal story of the rulers and hunters. The park has lions, Bengal Tiger, white tiger, deers to be seen in the month of October and November to bring that thrilling experience to the trip. Elephant Safari is also available at the Magdi Zone of the Park.
 
Best Time to Visit: November to June
Big Cities Nearby: Jabalpur
Chances of Tiger Spotting: Good
Number of Tigers in Reserve: 60–70 Tigers
Tiger Safari Zones: Tala, Magdi, Bamera
 
 
2. Ranthambore National Park:
 
Ranthambore National Park is situated in the central Indian state of Rajasthan and is one of the largest in the country. It was once a hunting ground but now a protection site for tigers and a top tiger reserve. The other species of animals which can be spotted here are leopards and marsh crocodiles. It’s landmarks include the imposing 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, on a hilltop, and the Ganesh Mandir temple. Also in the park, Padam Talao Lake is known for its abundance of water lilies. The ruins of the historic Ranthambore Fort is a beloved resting spot for the tigers in summers and also serves as a decent point for photography. Moreover, Ranthambore National Park features sparse forest cover and open grassy meadows. A wider and unobstructed view increases the chance of seeing a tiger.
 
Best Time to Visit: February to June
Big Cities Nearby: Chandrapur
Chances of Tiger Spotting: Rare
Number of Tigers in Reserve: 43 Tigers
Tiger Safari Zones: Tadoba Zone, Moharli Zone, Kolsa Zone
 
 
3. Hemis National Park:
 
Hemis National Park is situated in the north of the Himalayas in the Union Territory of Ladakh and is Globally famous for its snow leopards, in the world. This is a small national park having a high density of globally renowned snow Leopards. This place will give you an adventurous and soul fetching a thrilling experience with many other activities happening there. The white tigers are popular in this region.
 
Best Time to Visit: December to January
Big Cities Nearby: Leh Kushok, Kalka
Chances of Tiger Spotting: Very High on Snow Leopards
Number of Tigers in Reserve: 200 Snow Leopards
 
 
4. Jim Corbett National Park:
 
Jim Corbett, National Park is situated in the Nainital district in the state of Uttarakhand. It was established in 1936 and is the oldest National Reserve foe tigers in India. It is famous for Bengal Tigers. Other animals found here are leopards and wild elephants, which can be spotted in the Dhikala zone. On the banks of the Ramganga Reservoir, the Sonanadi zone is home to elephants and leopards, along with hundreds of species of birds. It is a renowned resident of the Tigers. For this reason, it is one of the most visited tourist tiger reserve in India.
 
Best Time to Visit: November to June
Big Cities Nearby: Nainital
Chances of Tiger Spotting: Good
Number of Tigers in Reserve: 252 Tigers
Tiger Safari Zones: Dhikala, Bijarani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durga Devi
 
 
5. Bandipur National Park:
 
Bandipur National Park is situated in the south Indian state of Karnataka. Once upon a time it was the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Mysore but under the Project Tiger and Wildlife Protection Act. it was declared Tiger Reserve in 1974. The park is at a high altitude measuring 680-1,454 meters. The other species which can be spotted here are harbors Indian elephants, spotted deer, gaurs (bison), antelopes and numerous other native species. This is an excellent location for tiger safaris in India and is among the most visited tiger reserves in Southern India. 
 
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Big Cities Nearby: Chamarajanagar, Mysore 
Chances of Tiger Spotting: High
Number of Tigers in Reserve: 231 Tigers
Tiger Safari Zones: East, West, North West, South, Central
 
 
6. Kaziranga National Park:
 
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Northeastern State of Assam in Golaghat-Nagaon district. It is spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, its forests, wetlands, and grasslands are home to tigers, elephants and the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Ganges River dolphins swim in the park’s waters. It’s visited by many rare migratory birds, and gray pelicans roost near Kaziranga village. Kaziranga National Park is one of the most charismatic wildlife reserves in India.
 
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Big Cities Nearby: Tezpur, Guwahati
Chances of Tiger Spotting: Fair
Number of Tigers in Reserve: 118 Tigers
Tiger Safari Zones: Kohora – The Central Range, Bagori – The Western Range, Agaratoli – The Eastern Range, Burapahar – The Ghorakati Range
 
 
7. Kanha National Park:
 
Kanha National Park is situated in Madhya Pradesh’s hilly region Bamhnidadar. It was declared as reserved and protected area in 1879, it was finally declared as National park in 1955. The park occupies an area of 940 sq. Km. Famous as one of the best tiger reserves in India. It offers travelers and wildlife enthusiasts multiple attractions to venture into this place.  The pampas, the high trees, the water reservoirs are the ideal position to protect, the flora and fauna in the most genuine manner. Kanha National Park is famous for Barasingha and more can be read and found about it in the museum totally dedicated to wildlife. In the month of May, the dry forest makes it easier for sight these animals but after monsoon the weather becomes pleasant but dense vegetation makes it hard to watch this wildlife and birds in the forest. One can also enjoy Elephant safaris at Kanha, Mukki, Kisli, and Sarhi zones of the park.
 
Best Time to Visit: November to June
Big Cities Nearby: Jabalpur
Chances of Tiger Spotting: Very Good
Number of Tigers in Reserve: 500 Tigers
Tiger Safari Zones: Kanha, Mukki, Kisli, Sarhi
 
 
8. Nagarhole National Park:
 
Nagarhole National Park is situated in Karnataka in Kodagu district. It was declared a tiger reserve in 1999. Earlier it was officially known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park. It shares its boundaries with Bandipur National Park, with the River Kabini separating their areas. The air is filled with sweet aroma of rosewood and sandalwood trees over here. The dry deciduous vegetation hides a few freshwater swamps amid its rich flora. The reserve is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, making it a hotspot for extraordinary biodiversity. It has around 125 Bengal Tigers. The other species which can be found here are like Indian leopard, striped hyena, Ussuri dhole, wild boar, etc. However, you can also spot amicable deer and lively elephants roaming freely. Porcupines, flying squirrel, and slender loris are hard to find and require a sharp eye. One can also enjoy white water rappelling and boating in Kabini River or trek up to the Irupu waterfalls. Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve would be a best choice if you are looking for a location for tiger safaris in India.
 
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Big Cities Nearby: Mysore
Chances of Tiger Spotting: Very Good
Number of Tigers in Reserve: 125 Tigers
Tiger Safari Zones: Zone A, Zone B
 
 
9. Anamalai Tiger Reserve:
 
Anamalai Tiger Reserve is situated in the Western Ghats into Kerala between Kodaikanal and Coimbatore. It is located at Anaimalai Hills of Pollachi and Valparai and is home for around 20 endangered Bengal Tiger. The other species which can be found here are like Indian elephant Indian leopard, and many more species. The major attraction is the Topslip area a downhill terrain popular for trekking, morning walk and amazing view from mountains. It has a wide range of fauna and flora, which is a representative of the region. This Tiger Reserve has various habitats namely wet evergreen forests, semi evergreen forests, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, dry thorn and shola forests. Other unique habitats like montane grass lands, savannah and marshy grass lands are also present. 
 
Best Time to Visit: December to February
Big Cities Nearby: Coimbatore, Pollachi
Chances of Tiger Spotting: Very Good
Number of Tigers in Reserve: 20 Tigers
 
 
10. Pench Tiger Reserve:
 
Pench National Park share it’s boundary with two Indian states Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in the foothills of Satpura range. It has got the name from River Pench which flows down from Mahadeo Hills, However the major part lies in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the best tiger reserves of India and it’s tales can be seen in the famous story “The Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling.
Its dazzling water is the support of all creatures found here, and is a popular place for seeing both prey and predators. The lush green forests cover its landscape and are the dwellings of many animal species.
It has around 57 Bengal Tigers. The other species which can be found here are like wolves, Indian leopard, small Indian civet, wild pig, ruddy mongoose, black-nape hare, and rhesus macaque. Hikers also enjoy trekking on the adjacent hills of Satpura range. The park remains closed for visitors in monsoon season.
 
Best Time to Visit: February to April
Big Cities Nearby: Nagpur, Jabalpur
Chances of Tiger Spotting: Good
Number of Tigers in Reserve: 57 Tigers
Tiger Safari Zones: Turia, Karmajhiri, Rukhad, Jamtara, Teliya, Khursapar, Sillari
 
 
Area wise Top 10 Largest Tiger Reserves in India:
 
1. Nagarjunsagar Srisailam (3296.31 sq.km.)
Nagarjunsagar Tiger Reserve is among India’s biggest tiger reserves. It stretches across five districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, mainly covering the scenic Nallamala Hills.
 
2. Manas National Park (3150.92 sq.km.)
Manas National Park sits in the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam. It’s not your average park; it’s a special place. It’s got a UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and it’s also a Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, and, of course, a National Park.
 
3. Melghat Tiger Reserve (2768.52 sq.km.)
Melghat Tiger Reserve can be found in central India, on the southern part of the Satpura Hill Range, specifically the Gavilgarh hill in Maharashtra. This reserve is like a tiger’s dream home and is also where the state keeps its rich biodiversity safe.
 
4. Similipal National Park (2750 sq.km.)
Simlipal National Park is a fantastic place in Odisha, India. It’s both a national park and a tiger reserve, meaning it’s like a double haven for wildlife. 
 
5. Amrabad Tiger Reserve (2611.39 sq.km.)
Amrabad Tiger Reserve is located in the Nallamala hills of Telangana. It’s home to the Chenchu tribe and is a place teeming with diverse wildlife. 
 
6. Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (2584.89 sq.km.)
The Sundarbans, the largest delta in the world, stretches across India and Bangladesh. In India, you’ll find the Sundarbans National Park located in the southern part of West Bengal. This unique forest is abundant with Sundari trees. One of its most famous residents is the Royal Bengal tiger. Notably, the Sundarbans National Park has received UNESCO’s recognition as a World Heritage Site, mainly due to its crucial role in the conservation of tigers through Project Tiger.
 
7. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (2201.7748 sq.km.)
The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is a protected area on the India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh. It mainly covers the Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich districts. Dudhwa National Park is home to various birds, reptiles, one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, and aquatic animals, as well as a rich variety of plants and animals.
 
8. Satpura Tiger Reserve(2133.30 sq.km.)
The Satpura Tiger Reserve can be found in Madhya Pradesh, south of the Narmada River. One can found here a variety of animals such as leopards, sambar deer, spotted deer, Indian muntjac, nilgai, four-horned antelope, Chinkara, wild boar, bears, blackbucks, foxes, porcupines, flying squirrels, mouse deer, and Indian giant squirrels.
 
9. Namdapha Tiger Reserve(2052.82 sq.km.)
Namdapha Tiger Reserve is situated in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh and is truly a unique place because it is the only park in the world that’s home to four different big cat species: Tigers, Leopards, Snow Leopards, and Clouded Leopards.
 
10. Kanha Tiger Reserve (2051.79 sq.km.)
Kanha National Park is situated in Madhya Pradesh and came into existence on June 1, 1955, and later, in 1973, it was designated as the Kanha Tiger Reserve. It covers a large area spanning across Mandla and Balaghat districts. This park is home to a notable population of majestic Royal Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, the gentle sloth bear, the unique barasingha deer, and the Indian wild dog.
 
 
Tiger Reserves in India List
India has a total of 53 tiger reserves. The very first one, called Bandipur Tiger Reserve, was set up in 1973. On the other hand, the most recent tiger reserve, known as Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve, was established in the state of Chhattisgarh. These reserves are important for protecting the tigers that live in India.
 

List of 53 Tiger Reserves in India

S No.

Tiger Reserves

State/UT

Location

Year Established

Total Area (sq km)

1

Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Karnataka

Western Ghats

1974

914.02

2

Corbett Tiger Reserve

Uttarakhand

Himalayan Foothills

1973

1,288.31

3

Amanagarh Buffer Tiger Reserve

Uttar Pradesh

Terai

2020

80.60

4

Kanha Tiger Reserve

Madhya Pradesh

Central India

1974

2,051.79

5

Manas Tiger Reserve

Assam

Eastern Himalayas

1973

2,837.10

6

Melghat Tiger Reserve

Maharashtra

Satpura Range

1974

2,768.52

7

Palamu Tiger Reserve

Jharkhand

Chota Nagpur Plateau

1973

1,129.93

8

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Rajasthan

Aravalli Range

1973

1,411.29

9

Simlipal Tiger Reserve

Odisha

Eastern Ghats

1973

2,750.00

10

Sunderban Tiger Reserve

West Bengal

Sundarbans

1984

2,584.89

11

Periyar Tiger Reserve

Kerala

Western Ghats

1978

925.00

12

Sariska Tiger Reserve

Rajasthan

Aravalli Range

1978

1,213.34

13

Buxa Tiger Reserve

West Bengal

Eastern Himalayas

1983

757.90

14

Indravati Tiger Reserve

Chhattisgarh

Bastar Plateau

1982

2,799.07

15

Namdapha Tiger Reserve

Arunachal Pradesh

Eastern Himalayas

1983

2,052.82

16

Nagarjunsagar Tiger Reserve

Telangana

Deccan Plateau

1983

3,296.31

17

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

Uttar Pradesh

Terai

1987

2,201.77

18

Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Tamil Nadu

Western Ghats

1988

1,601.54

19

Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Bihar

Gangetic Plains

1990

899.38

20

Pench Tiger Reserve

Madhya Pradesh

Satpura Range

1992

1,179.63

21

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Maharashtra

Central India

1993

1,727.59

22

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Madhya Pradesh

Central India

1993

1,536.93

23

Panna Tiger Reserve

Madhya Pradesh

Central India

1994

1,598.10

24

Dampa Tiger Reserve

Mizoram

Mizo Hills

1994

988.00

25

Bhadra Tiger Reserve

Karnataka

Western Ghats

1998

1,064.29

26

Pench Tiger Reserve

Maharashtra

Satpura Range

1999

741.22

27

Pakke Tiger Reserve

Arunachal Pradesh

Eastern Himalayas

2002

1,198.45

28

Nameri Tiger Reserve

Assam

Eastern Himalayas

1999

464.00

29

Satpura Tiger Reserve

Madhya Pradesh

Central India

1999

2,133.31

30

Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Tamil Nadu

Western Ghats

2008

1,479.87

31

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve

Chhattisgarh

Maikal Hills

2008

1,842.54

32

Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Odisha

Eastern Ghats

2007

963.87

33

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve

Assam

Eastern Himalayas

2007

1,173.58

34

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve

Chhattisgarh

Maikal Hills

2009

914.02

35

Kali Tiger Reserve

Karnataka

Western Ghats

2010

1,097.51

36

Sanjay Dhubri Tiger Reserve

Madhya Pradesh

Central India

2011

1,674.50

37

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Tamil Nadu

Western Ghats

2012

688.59

38

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve

Karnataka

Western Ghats

2012

1,205.76

39

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Kerala

Western Ghats

2010

643.66

40

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

Maharashtra

Western Ghats

2009

1,165.57

41

Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve

Karnataka

Western Ghats

2010

574.82

42

Kawal Tiger Reserve

Telangana

Deccan Plateau

2012

2,015.44

43

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Tamil Nadu

Western Ghats

2013

1,408.40

44

Mukundara Tiger Reserve

Rajasthan

Aravalli Range

2013

759.99

45

Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve

Maharashtra

Central India

2013

1,894.94

46

Amrabad Tiger Reserve

Telangana

Deccan Plateau

2014

2,611.39

47

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Uttar Pradesh

Terai

2014

730.25

48

Bor Tiger Reserve

Maharashtra

Central India

2014

816.27

49

Rajaji Tiger Reserve

Uttarakhand

Shivalik Range

2015

1,075.17

50

Orang Tiger Reserve

Assam

Eastern Himalayas

2016

492.46

51

Kamlang Tiger Reserve

Arunachal Pradesh

Eastern Himalayas

2016

783.00

52

Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve

Tamil Nadu

Western Ghats

2016

1,016.57

53

Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve

Chhattisgarh

Maikal Hills

2023

2,048

 

Ecotourism in Tiger Reserves
 
  • To know about Ecotourism in these tiger reserves please visit below listed official websites of the Tiger reserves of the country.

Sl No

Tiger Reserve

State

Website

1

Achanakmar

Chhattisgarh

http://www.tigersofachanakmar.org/

2

Amrabad

Telangana

http://www.amrabadtigerreserve.com

3

Anamalai

Tamil Nadu

http://www.atrpollachi.com

4

Bandhavgarh

Madhya Pradesh

http://www.bandhavgarhtigerreserve.org

5

Bandipur

Karnataka

http://bandipurtigerreserve.org/

6

Corbett

Uttarakhand

http://www.corbettonline.uk.gov.in

7

Dampa

Mizoram

http://forest.mizoram.gov.in

8

Kali

Karnataka

http://kalitigerreserve.org

9

Kanha

Madhya Pradesh

http://www.kanhatigerreserve.org

10

Kaziranga

Assam

http://www.kaziranga.assam.gov.in/

11

Manas

Assam

http://www.manasnptr.in/user/index/

12

Melghat

Maharashtra

http://www.magicalmelghat.com

13

Mudumalai

Tamil Nadu

http://www.mudumalaitigerreserve.com

14

Nagarjunsgar Srisailam

Andhra Pradesh

http://www.nstr.co.in/booking

15

Nagarhole

Karnataka

http://nagaraholetigerreserve.com

16

Nameri

Assam

http://www.namerinptr.in/user/index/

17

Namdapha

Arunachal Pradesh

http://www.namdaphatigerreserve.org

18

Nawegaon Nagzira

Maharashtra

http://www.nawegaonnagzira.com

19

Pakke

Arunachal Pradesh

http://www.pakketigerreserve.in/

20

Palamau

Jharkhand

http://www.palamautigerreserve.in/

21

Panna

Madhya Pradesh

http://www.pannatigerreserve.in

22

Parambikulam

Kerala

http://www.parambikulam.org

23

Pench

Madhya Pradesh

http://www.penchtiger.org

24

Pench

Maharashtra

http://www.penchtigerreserve.maharashtra.gov.in

25

Periyar

Kerala

http://www.periyartigerreserve.org

26

Rajaji

Uttarakhand

http://www.rajajitigerreserve.uk.gov.in

27

Sahyadri

Maharashtra

http://www.sahyadritigers.org

28

Sanjay

Madhya Pradesh

http://www.sanjaytigerreserve.org

29

Sariska

Rajasthan

http://sariskatigerreserve.org/

30

Satkosia

Odisha

http://www.satkosia.org

31

Satpura

Madhya Pradesh

http://www.satpuratigerreserve.org

32

Similipal

Odisha

http://www.similipal.org

33

Sundarban

West Bengal

http://www.sundarbantigerreserve.org

34

Tadoba-Andhari

Maharashtra

http://www.tadobanationalpark.in

35

USTR

Chhattisgarh

http://www.udantisitanaditigerreserve.in /

36

Valmiki

Bihar

http://www.valmikitigerreserve.com