Overview :
With a large population of the majestic big cat, we can find some of the best national parks or tiger reserves in India. Our country nests around half of the world’s wild tiger population. It is no wonder then that the tiger is our national animal.
With the increasing population of tigers in our country, the chances of spotting a Bengal tiger are quite high. So, which national parks or tiger reserves should you visit to increase your chances of seeing a tiger in India? In this blog, I will talk about things to consider before visiting a national park. In the next two blogs I would talk about the top two tiger reserves in India I visited which have a good tiger population and sighting probability.
Things to consider while planning a tiger safari :
- There are various factors that play a role in the probability of spotting an Indian tiger, such as the landscape, the season, and the size of the tiger population. While winter offers more comfortable temperatures for jeep safaris, the chances of spotting the big cats are much higher during summer, especially April and May. This is because many water sources dry up, which means the tigers gather at the few remaining large waterholes. Plus, the vegetation is not as dense in summer as it is after monsoon season.
- Important note: Most national parks in India are closed from June to early or mid October. The exact dates depend on the severity of monsoons. Try to plan your national park trip after October, just to be on the safe side.
- Tiger reserves are usually located in extremely remote areas, making them difficult to reach. From the nearest train station or airport, it takes at least a four-hour drive to reach a park. There are quite limited accommodation facilities available due to location. So if you want to see a Bengal tiger in its natural habitat, you will need to budget time and money.
- Safaris take place in the morning, usually from 6 am, or in the afternoon, from 2 pm. It lasts for 2 to 3 hours. Wear muted colored clothing so as not to stand out and cover up to protect yourself from the sun and insects.
- Tiger hunting, poaching, and reduction of tiger habitats due to human encroachment remain a problem in India. However, government has prioritized tiger conservation in the last few decades. It has resulted in a steady rise in the tiger population in India.