Location : Ranthambhore, Kanha , Bandhavgarh, Corbett, Kaziranga and
Sariska.
Best Time : October to June.
Safaris You can Take : Jeep and Elephant.
What is Tiger Safari
Tiger Safaris are tours to the wilds to see, observe and photogarph tigers.
In India there is ample opportunity to view tigers. Tigers can be found
stalking prey in the National Parks of India and Nepal by elephant or jeep
safari. Tigers are found throughout India and Nepal, offering best bet of
tracking these elusive big cats. Tigers can be observed and photographed
amongst ancient temples and forts. There are several places in India where
you can hunt for tigers. These parks encompass some prime wilderness areas
where biodiversity is at it's peak.
The Safaris
Several of India's National Parks allow you to walk inside the park to
really get close to the wildlife. But, if you need to go to the remote areas
of the park and when it comes to tiger viewing, then it would be advisable
that you take a jeep safari or an elephant safari. Both jeep and elephant
safari are ideal way to meddle into the wilds.
Jeep
Safari
A jeep, or 'gypsy', safari allows viewing of several different areas of the
park, thus affording the visitor the best chance of entering the diversity
of fauna and flora on offer. Jeeps are the fastest and the most comfortable
means to traverse in the wilds.
Elephant Safari
It is also possible in some of the parks, like in Bandhavgarh and Kanha, to
take an elephant safari into the core areas, which can result in some
interesting encounters with resident tigers. Elephant safari is the best
option of all the safaris to view tigers in the dense and remote forest
areas. Tigers are best viewed from the back of the elephants, as it is
higher
and
safer place as compared to other options available. The elephants also have
the option of going to the remote and dense parts, where even the jeep can't
go. Though much slower than the jeep safari, it is the most unique and
thrilling way to explore the wilds.
Tiger Safari Sites in India
Within the periphery of India's National Parks is some of the best bengal
tiger reserves in the world. Some of the reserves providing opportunities to
see tigers in the wild are - Ranthambhore, Kanha , Bandhavgarh, Corbett,
Kaziranga and Sariska. More importantly these reserves enable us to learn
about the plight of the Bengal tiger. Observing a first wild tiger is a
truly an unforgettable experience, you will feel privileged to be viewing
them in their natural habitat. Besides, you can also view other wildlife
wandering around the thickets of forest.
Bandhavgarh
National Park
Although this is a relatively small park, and not part of the Project Tiger
initiative, in the last few years it has become one of India's most
prominent national parks. The major reason for all the interest is
Bandhavgarh's high density of tigers which roam around the mixed forests of
sal and bamboo in search of an easy prey. As in Bandhavgarh elephants are
also used to view tigers that have been tracked inside the forest or dense
meadow vegetation. You can visit this park between the months of November
and June.
Kanha
National Park
This is without a doubt one of India's most spectacular and exciting parks.
The tigers amidst the dense sal forests, bamboo thickets and Mekal river
provide an amazing scene for the tourists. The park is situated in the
Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, its interesting mix of river valleys and
steep rocky escarpments provide a diverse ambience for all manner of
indigenous wildlife. Jeep safaris enable you to move to the larger areas of
this vast park, and offer the mobility to track tigers by following fresh
pugmarks and alarm calls. At nearly 2000 sq km Kanha is one of India's
largest parks, and after Sunderbans, home to the second largest population
of tigers. The park is open between 1st November and 30th June.
Corbett
National Park
Corbett is an ideal habitat for tigers with its abundant prey species and
dense cover. Although Corbett has a significant tiger population, sustained
by the abundance of prey, sightings are less common due to the dense
habitat. Because this National Park has been around for such a long time
both the accommodation and safaris are well organised. The safaris you can
take here are - Jeep safari and Elephant Safari. You can visit this park
between November and June.
Sariska
National Park
The park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle
Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance of prey species
such as Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Situated
close to Jaipur and Ranthambhore, Sariska has its own unique history,
geography and wildlife. The park is open almost year-round, but for wildlife
viewing and your comfort it is best to visit from October to April, safaris
are provided by jeep.
Kaziranga
National Park
There are two ways to view wildlife inside the park. Elephant safaris
depart early in the morning from the central range and head off into the
tall grass named after them. This is ideal for viewing and photographing
rhino and it is common to come across quite large groups grazing together.
From your high vantage point you will also get good views of hog deer,
barasingha and wild buffalo, and if extremely lucky a glimpse of the elusive
tiger.
Jeep safaris allow you to cover a much larger area of the park, thus
increasing your chances of wildlife encounters. There are three main ranges
in which you can travel. The central range has the more regular tiger
sightings.
Few Suggestions
» Get the permits to enter the Park area.
» Don't disturb the animals, birds and trees.
» Behave in a responsible manner when watching and photographing
resident wildlife.
» Don't leave your group, while travelling in the wilds.
» Don't engage in any illegal trade of animals and birds.
» Don't litter the park area.
» Throw all the wastes in the proper litter zones.
