Best guide for your next
India Tiger Safari Tour.
Top 05 National Parks for your India tiger safari tour.
India stands as a global leader in wildlife tourism, and particularly renowned for its exceptional tiger safaris. With a rich tapestry of biodiversity and some of the most well-managed conservation areas in the world, India offers nature enthusiasts a unique & best opportunity to witness the Royal Bengal Tiger in its native environment.
These protected national parks are not only critical strongholds for tiger conservation but also deliver unforgettable wildlife experiences, attracting travelers from across the globe for amazing game drives.
Your best India tiger safari tour depends on factors such as the density of tiger populations, quality of safari experiences, conservation success stories, and positive visitor feedback, certain national parks consistently rank among the finest destinations for India Tiger Safari Tour. Each of these reserves offers a distinct experience, whether it’s the dense sal forests of central India, the grasslands of the Terai, or the deciduous woodlands of the south.
If you’re planning a wildlife expedition, the India tiger safari tour experience begins with choosing the right destination which suits your checklist. Below, we highlight the top six national parks that stand out as must-visit locations for an unforgettable tiger safari in India:
1. Bandhavgarh National Park
Located in Madhya Pradesh, India, Bandhavgarh National Park is widely regarded as one of the best India tiger safari tour destinations, thanks to its high tiger density and rich heritage. The state leads in tiger conservation, hosting 785 wild tigers—the highest in India. Bandhavgarh plays a key role in supporting nearby reserves like Sanjay Dubri.
Bandhavgarh was once the royal hunting ground of the Maharaja of Rewa and holds a special place in history as the birthplace of the legendary White Tiger, Mohan. Found here in the 1950s, Mohan became the progenitor of all white tigers currently found in zoos around the world.
Today, Bandhavgarh remains a top choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable tiger safari experience in India’s heartland. Thanks to its reputation for frequent tiger sightings, several luxury hotel brands have established their presence in Bandhavgarh. Here is a tabular data about Bandhavgarh:
Location | Madhya Pradesh |
District | Umaria |
Area | 1536 sq kms |
Number of tigers | 135 (2022 census) |
Chances of tiger sighting on tiger safaris in India | Very high |
Closest Airport | Jabalpur- 200kms, Khajuraho-275kms |
Best time to visit | October-June |
Park closed | July – September, on festival of Holi, Diwali, and Wednesday afternoons |
Core tourism zones / entry gates | Magdhi, Tala, Khitauli |
Buffer tourism zones / entry gates | Dhamokhar, Johila, Panpatha |
2. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is India’s first national park and a best India tiger safari tour destination. Part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, it holds the world’s highest tiger population in a single protected area—260 tigers as per the 2022 census.
Beyond big cats, Corbett offers rich biodiversity, exceptional birdwatching with over 600 species, and a chance to stay at the historic Dhikala Forest Rest House. With scenic landscapes, the Ramganga River, and rare species like Asian Elephants, Himalayan black bears, Gharial and King Cobra, Corbett provides a truly immersive wildlife experience in northern India.
Location | Uttrakhand |
District | Ramnagar |
Area | 1100 sq kms |
Number of tigers | 260 (2022 census) |
Chances of tiger sighting on tiger safaris in India | Very Good |
Closest Airport | Jolly Grant, Dehradun |
Best time to visit | November-May |
Park closed | Mid-June till Mid November |
Core tourism zones | Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela |
Buffer tourism zones | Sitamani |
3. Kanha National Park
Kanha is another top luxury safari destination in India for 2025. Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is home to around 129 tigers out of the state’s 785, as per the 2022 census. Celebrated as one of the best India tiger safari tour destinations, Kanha is renowned for its successful conservation milestones which include the revival of the Hard Ground Barasingha and tiger conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
Its lush landscapes inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book and have drawn conservationists like George Schaller who did a pioneering scientific study on tigers and other wildlife of Kanha.
With rich biodiversity, thriving tiger sightings, and vibrant tribal culture, Kanha promises an unforgettable, immersive wildlife experience in India’s heartland. Owing to Kanha’s rich biodiversity and excellent tiger sightings, several luxury hospitality brands have set up properties in the area.
Location | Madhya Pradesh |
District | Mandla, Balaghat |
Area | 2100 sq kms |
Number of tigers | 88 (2018-2019) |
Chances of tiger sighting while on tiger safaris in India | High |
Closest Airport | Raipur, Jabalpur, Nagpur |
Best time to visit | October-June |
Park closed | July-Sept, festival of Holi, Diwali, and Wednesday afternoons. |
Core tourism zones | Mukki, Kisli, Kanha, Sarhi |
Buffer tourism zones | Khapa, Khatia, Phen Sijora |
4. Ranthambore National Park
Known as a place for great tiger photography opportunities, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is renowned as the “Land of the Tigers” and one of the best India tiger safari tour destinations. Its open terrain and sparse vegetation offer some of the most reliable tiger sightings.
Located just 10 km from Sawai Madhopur, it balances wilderness with accessibility. The historic Ranthambore Fort and sacred Ganesh Temple lie within the park, where human-tiger harmony continues peacefully.
Known for iconic tigers like Machli,Sundari,Ustad, Sultan, Arrowehead, as well as leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and migratory birds, Ranthambore offers a rich and immersive wildlife experience in northern India. Being a tiger reserve located within Rajastahan, a state known for its hospitality and heritage, there are several luxury hotels and resorts that have set up their base here.
Location | Rajasthan |
District | Sawai Madhopur |
Area | 1350 sq kms |
Number of tigers | 88 (2022 census) |
Chances of tiger sighting | Very high |
Closest Airport | Jaipur |
Best time to visit | October-June |
Park closed | Zone 1-5 July-September, zone 6-10 open round the year |
Core tourism zones | Zone 1-5 |
Buffer tourism zones | Zone 6-10 |
5. Pench National Park
Pench National Park is also celebrated as a best India tiger safari tour destination, known for its scenic beauty and thriving tiger population. Named after the Pench River, the park also shelters leopards, sloth bears, and occasionally, rare black leopards. Its core and buffer zones offer distinct safari experiences, with higher chances of tiger sightings.
The ideal time to visit is from November to March. Easily accessible via Nagpur, Pench is a favourite among wildlife photographers and nature lovers seeking a rewarding and picturesque tiger safari experience in central India.
Going for a game drive in these national parks will make your wildlife experience more memorable because you will witness some of the most magical tiger sightings.
Location | Madhya Pradesh |
District | Seoni and Chhindwara |
Area | 758.85 sq. Kms |
Number of tigers | Approximately 80 |
Chances of tiger sighting | Excellent |
Closest Airport | Nagpur Airport at a distance of 88 kms. |
Best time to visit | Winters (November – February) |
Park closed | July – September |
Core tourism zones | Turia, Karmajhiri |
Buffer tourism zones | Jamtara, Sillari |
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Testimonials and Experiences.
Christine FFebruary 10, 2025 Wonderful India The golden triangle and safari tour with Nature Safari India was an amazing experience. Don’t think twice, just book. From the time they picked us up at the New Delhi airport to the time that they dropped us off 17 days later, we were in safe hands and transported to all locations in utmost comfort. The vehicles used were spacious and all drivers magnificent. Tiger Safari’s-Our 3 nights each at Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks were superb with 5 star accommodations. The peaceful feeling at each location will never be forgotten. The food throughout our safari lodges was simply delicious, with each lodge having a flair of their own. The hospitality at each was exceptional. Special callout to the Treehouse Hideaway experience, the care of the staff was second to none, they worked very hard to ensure that we had a great time.Full day sightseeing in central Delhi and accommodations were fantastic. The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra, so unforgettable. Our trip to Jaipur and our elephant ride up to Amber Fort was incredible. All accommodations were fantastic throughout our stay in India but our favourite was Lalee in Jaipur. We could have stayed there a week, one of the best boutique hotels we have ever stayed in, so inviting.The attention to detail that Nature Safari India gave could not have been better. They went “above and beyond” our expectations. The best customer service! A shoutout to Mr Negi our driver from Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Delhi, he was amazing, as were all of our other drivers and guides, Subhash and Sailesh at Pench, Sanjay and Chhote at Kanha, Sanjay & Ajay at Bandhavgarh. Gulab Jaiswal our driver from Bandhavgarh to Jabalpur for flight to New Delhi was fantastic and managed to fix a flat tire in less than 10 minutes, kudos to him. Thanks to all other drivers as well.Protim was amazing and kept in touch with us the whole trip via WhatsApp. Thank you Nature Safari for our wonderful experience in India. If we are fortunate enough to visit again, you are definitely the company of our choice.Voyager01277960850February 7, 2025 Tiger Safari and Golden Triangle What a fabulous trip to central India to see tigers in 3 national parks and then on to view the wonders of the Indian Golden Triangle.From first contact with Nature Safari India we knew we were in good hands. Answers to queries concerning the itinerary, lodges to stay in, internal flights ,etc were answered swiftly and efficiently.Once in India everything was organised for us with seamless transitions from one place to the next.The tiger viewing was excellent with a number of incredibly close up viewings. Plenty of other animals are beautiful birds to see as well.The drivers and guides in the parks and at the monuments in the Golden Triangle were very helpful and very knowledgeable.All in all a fabulous trip.All we had to do was get ourselves to India, Nature Safari did the rest.Stan HFebruary 7, 2025 Our first magnificent Tiger Safari! Hard to express how great this experience was! We read about Tiger Safari through a Google search and contacted them to see if they could arrange a tiger safari between Jan 23-Feb 3, 2025. We were a little nervous having never gone to India before and not knowing what to expect. We were extremely pleased with what they provided. They arranged private safaris in Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks, our transportation from Delhi too and between each Park. Excellent accommodation and meals, phenomenal safaris, great and comfortable transportation between Parks and wonderful hosts and guides in each locations. Just an outstanding trip! Tiger sitings in all three Parks, leopards, deer, antelope, and the birds! Highly recommend them! Can't thank Ishana (who arranged the trip) and Pratim, our host who went out of his way to greet us and make us feel comfortable, enough. They made our first trip to India very memorable and we look forward to having them arrange a future trip for us. Bev & Stan Holmes, Vancouver Island, Canada.Voyager36885764502February 2, 2025 A Just Tigers safari with Nature Safari India I would like to thank most sincerely Nature Safari India for my recent group Just Tigers Safari. I am a female solo traveller and from the moment I was met at Delhi Airport to when I was taken back for my return flights home I was so well looked after. Excellent accommodation, great food, terrific guides and wonderful tigers and leopards in the national parks all combined to make an unforgettable experience. Thank you Ishana for your help in organising this for me - you were always there to answer my emails so promptly and professionally.ALAN MFebruary 1, 2025 5-star performance Having done the required research, rather than book a tiger watching package through a UK-based tour company, I opted to go with Nature Safari India, cutting out the middle man and the costs. I'm so glad I did; Nature Safari turned out to be the real deal - responsive, courteous, efficient, flexible and great value for money. My 10 night, three-centre tiger watch could not have gone better. The accommodation, transfers and, most importantly, the safaris, were first-class. The staff everywhere were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful and the round-the-clock back-up from the Delhi office most reassuring. All-in-all, they did a great job for me.kevin tarrantJanuary 30, 2025 An awesome tiger experience Went primarily to look for tigers. We chose to go to Corbett NP because we could stay in the park and would spend less time travelling to where the tigers were found. For first time visitors to India it was great to be picked up and taken to our overnight hotel in New Delhi. The safari experience was awesome with several amazing tiger viewings. I was also interested in the birds and this was accommodated well by our guide. We saw elephants as well. The accommodation was basic as described ! Everything worked like clockwork. Guides and drivers were excellent, and would have no hesitation to recommend .JohnPoncaCityJanuary 22, 2025 Awesome India trip It was an awesome trip. They worked with me on what I wanted to see and were flexible as conditions dictated. Great hotels. Diwali celebrations were much fun and the guides were awesome. I was even able to add a visit to the bird sanctuary in addition to seeing the tigershannaha768January 20, 2025 The only company to choose! What could we say to capture the magic that we experienced in India with Tiger Safari India! We had the most phenomenal time on our two week tour and it far exceeded our expectations. Deepkul was beyond amazing. We used to refer to him on the tour as Deepkul the magician- he was always able to create magic! Consistently responsive from our first email and throughout our trip until the end. My husband unfortunately miscalculated the rupiah and needed some extra money- sorted in a flash. He also needed a certain medication and Deepkul ensured this was found and despite feeling dreadful for being such a bother Deepkul made us feel like this was not a trouble at all (when we know it was!).Our accommodation was spectacular. Every single one. Permits seamlessly obtained and exactly what we wanted. Our naturalists were top notch and most definitely helped to ensure our encounters with the tigers. We can not recommend Deepkul and the team at Tiger Safari (Nature Safari India) any more highly. We will most definitely be using them again in the future. Thank you again Deepkul!!! Keep up the incredible work.Marian SJanuary 16, 2025 Tigers in Kanha We were thrilled to see tigers almost everyday of our trip and lots of other wonderful wildlife. Nature Safari could not have been more helpful in planning our holiday and when we arrived.Neil HJanuary 9, 2025 WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY PARADISE Wildlife Photography in abundance with beautiful backdrops and amazing people - one of the best experiences. The staff made us feel very welcome and went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable and had the best safari. The wildlife in Kanha was beyond my wildest dreams, sighting tigers and leopards with the assistance of our amazing guide Mahesh Gop who made sure we had the perfect angle with the perfect light. The accommodation at Meru Vann has been refurbished with the rooms and local cuisine to match the setting. You can expect a five star experience with staff greeting you when you first arrive then waving you off as you head to the jungle each day. The staff work tiresley before the sunrises and as you go to sleep they are still working hard preparing for the next day.The whole experience was amazing and professionally delivered to the highest of standardsTripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 308 reviews
What is the best time to go on a tiger safari in India?
The ideal time for a tiger safari in India is between November and April, when the weather is pleasant and tiger sightings are more frequent due to thinner forest cover. However, the hotter months of April to June offer the highest chance of sightings, as tigers often visit water bodies.
Which are the best national parks for tiger safaris in India?
How do I book a tiger safari in India?
How many days should I plan for a tiger safari tour in India?
Do I need a permit for a tiger safari in India?
Yes, a safari permit is mandatory and must be booked in advance. Permits are zone-specific and often get booked out quickly during peak seasons.