Jim Corbett National Park to Bandhavgarh National Park – India’s premier tiger territories (2024)

Spanning across diverse landscapes and ecosystems, the tiger reserves in India offer a glimpse into the majestic world of the Royal Bengal Tiger and other iconic wildlife species. From the dense forests of the Himalayan foothills to the rugged terrain of central India, each reserve presents a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and power of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As visitors traverse through lush forests, meandering rivers, and ancient ruins, they are immersed in the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage that define India's tiger conservation efforts.

Here are some of the best tiger territories in India that you must experience at least once in your lifetime.

Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand: Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is India's oldest national park and a prime tiger conservation area. Named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, it spans across the Himalayan foothills and Terai regions. Corbett is not only famous for its tiger population but also for its diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, and bird species.

In an interesting turn of events, the Supreme Court recently issued a ruling prohibiting tiger safaris within the core areas of Jim Corbett National Park. The court's directive stipulated that such safaris would henceforth be restricted to the peripheral and buffer zones surrounding the park.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh: Situated in the Vindhya Range of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is renowned for its high density of tigers. It offers a mix of dense forests, grasslands, and rocky terrain, providing a suitable habitat for a variety of wildlife. Apart from tigers, visitors can spot leopards, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. The reserve also features historical attractions such as the Bandhavgarh Fort and ancient cave carvings.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan: Located near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is one of the most iconic tiger habitats in India. It is characterised by its rocky hills, lush forests, and ancient ruins, including the imposing Ranthambore Fort. The reserve is famous for its tiger sightings, as well as opportunities to spot other wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears, and marsh crocodiles.

Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh: Spread across the Maikal Hills in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of the largest and most well-preserved tiger habitats in India. Kanha is known for its dense forests, expansive grasslands, and diverse wildlife. Apart from tigers, the reserve is home to leopards, wild dogs, and the endangered barasingha (swamp deer).

Also read: 7 Indian places that require travel permits, even for Indians

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra: Situated in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is an unmissable gem in the tiger circuit. It is characterised by its rugged terrain, teak forests, and scenic landscapes. Tadoba is known for its relatively high tiger density, offering excellent opportunities for tiger sightings. Apart from tigers, the reserve is home to leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species.

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal: Located in the Sundarbans delta in West Bengal, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is one of the most unique tiger habitats in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forest in the world. Sundarbans is characterised by its dense mangrove forests, tidal rivers, and intricate network of waterways. The reserve is home to the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as other wildlife such as saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, and numerous bird species. Exploring Sundarbans by boat offers a thrilling experience, with opportunities to spot tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Also read: Supreme Court bans tiger safaris in Jim Corbett National Park’s core areas

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh: Situated in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is one of the least visited tiger reserves in India, but one that never disappoints. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2014 to protect its rich biodiversity, including tigers, elephants, and rare swamp deer. Pilibhit is characterised by its diverse habitats, including dense forests, marshy grasslands, and wetlands. The reserve offers unique opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to explore its pristine wilderness and spot a variety of flora and fauna.