Largest tiger reserves in India

India is home to numerous tiger reserves. Here we have the largest tiger reserves by size. These reserves play a crucial role in the conservation of tigers and other wildlife, providing a sanctuary for various species in diverse habitats. These reserves feature a mix of terrains, including dense forests, grasslands, hills, and riverine ecosystems. If you love tigers, these reserves are great places to visit.

The largest tiger reserve in India, encompassing the Nallamala Hills, the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (3,728 sq km) is spread across the two states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Krishna River runs through the reserve, which is home to a rich biodiversity, including leopards, sloth bears, and several species of birds. It also contains the ancient Srisailam temple. The reserve is home to around 58 tigers.

Spread across an area of 2,750 sq km, Simlipal Tiger Reserves is named after the Simul (red silk cotton) tree. This reserve is part of the Eastern Ghats. The tiger reserve features lush forests, waterfalls, and a variety of flora and fauna, including elephants and gaur. It's also home to the Khairi river and several tribal communities. As per reports, there are 27 tigers in the reserve.

Amrabad Tiger Reserve (2,611.4 sq km) was formerly part of the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam reserve, it became a separate reserve after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. It spans the Nallamala Hills and offers a mix of dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests. The reserve is also home to the Chenchu tribe. It is estimated that there are 23 tigers in the reserve.

Spread across an area of 2,015.44 sq km, Kawal Tiger Reserve is located in the northern part of Telangana. This reserve features dry deciduous forests and is part of the Eastern Ghats. It is a critical habitat for tigers, leopards, and Indian bison (gaur). It is reported that around 21 tigers are currently present in the reserve.

Covering an area of 1,985.23 sq km in the eastern Himalayas, Namdapha is known for its rich biodiversity and varied elevation. The reserve includes tropical and subtropical forests and is home to the Hoolock gibbon, snow leopards, and a diverse bird population. One tiger was spotted in Namdapha after a long time of no tigers recorded in the wild.

With a total of 1,677 sq km, Melghat Tiger Reserve, located in the Satpura Range, is characterised by rugged terrain and dense forests. It is home to several endangered species, including the Indian giant squirrel and the forest owlet. The reserve is home to around 80 tigers.

Spread across an area of 1,536 sq km, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is known for having one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers in India. The tiger reserve also features historic ruins and a hilltop fort. The terrain includes a mix of grasslands and forested areas. There are approximately 165 tigers in this reserve.

Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (1,501.89 sq km) is one of the most recent additions to India's tiger reserves. It is located in the Bundi district. The landscape includes semi-arid vegetation, and it serves as a crucial corridor between Ranthambore and Mukundra Hill reserves. Tigers from both Ranthambore and Mukundra roam this reserve.

Covering an area of 1,334 sq km, Ranthambore is one of the most famous tiger reserves in India, also known for its historic Ranthambore Fort and picturesque lakes. The reserve features dry deciduous forests and a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and marsh crocodiles. More than 80 tigers are currently present in the reserve.

Spread across an area of 1,330.10 sq km, the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is a part of the largest delta in the world, and is famous for its mangrove forests and the Royal Bengal tiger. The reserve is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also harbours a rich diversity of aquatic life. There are approximately 101 tigers in this reserve.