Get ready for the tiger safari season: 8 national parks in focus

With most national parks now slowly starting to reopen for the season, we can say that the much-awaited ‘tiger season’ is here. It's the perfect time to start planning your adventures. Do not limit yourself to just one national park a year to see tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat, India is blessed with so many incredible national parks, it’d be a shame to not explore as many as we can. Here are 8 national parks where you can have a thrilling tiger safari experience this season.

Ranthambore is one of the most famous national parks in India, a beautiful blend of history and wilderness, with the iconic Ranthambore Fort standing tall in the backdrop. When in Ranthambore, one must go for the open jeep safaris that take you deep into the heart of the park. Tigers are often spotted by water holes or lounging under the sun.

Bandhavgarh has one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers in India. Early morning safaris are the most popular ones, as most sightings of tigers in action have been reported from morning safaris. The park’s dense forests, rocky hills, and open meadows provide the perfect landscape for a thrilling safari.

Kanha is one of India’s largest and most scenic national parks. The park’s dense forest and meadows are home to tigers, leopards, and the endangered Barasingha (swamp deer). The park’s well-organised safaris are loved by all. Kanha is also rich in birdlife, so grab a binoculars on your way to the park.

Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park and a favourite among nature lovers. The park’s lush forests, riverine belts, and open grasslands are home to tigers, leopards, elephants and over 600 species of birds. Truth be told, tiger sightings can sometimes be tricky due to the park’s dense foliage.

Go offbeat this season with Sundarbans National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is known for its elusive and fierce Bengal tigers. It is common knowledge that the tigers of Sundarban are more aggressive than other tigers found in India. Is it because they always have to drink salt water?

Tadoba is fast becoming one of the best places in India for tiger sightings. If reports are to go by, the park has a very healthy population of these majestic cats. The park’s dense forests and open plains provide great opportunities for safari enthusiasts to spot tigers, sloth bears, and leopards.

Pench National Park is spread across the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The Maharashtra side of Pench is located very close to Nagpur city. It is easily one of the most beautiful forests and the meadow section of the park is very photogenic. The park offers visitors a chance to see tigers along with other animals like leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas.

Bandipur is a significant part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and offers a serene and scenic environment for a tiger safari. The park is known for its thriving tiger population and is one of the few places in southern India where tigers are often spotted.