Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas , whether or not you get to see the tiger at the Jim Corbett National Park depends both on luck and on your guide. This is one of the less densely populated tiger reserves in India, but one of the most popular national parks. The park has a dusty atmosphere but at the same time is known for its large wild elephant population that can be seen roaming near the Ramganga river. The park has a wide variety of terrain, from marshes to sal forests, and many varieties of mammals like the Sambhar, langur, macaque, Chittal, and birds.

Special attraction: The park has huge grasslands and watch towers (Dhikal area) where you can stand for hours and observe the wildlife around you.

Best time to visit: April to June

Likelihood of spotting tiger during wildlife tours India: Good

The 1,443 square kilometer sanctuary of Ranthambore perhaps one of the most famous Royal Bengal Tiger reserves in India. If you have seen a picture of a tiger in India tourism ads, it’s most likely to have been shot here, in Ranthambore. Apart from Royal Bengal tigers, it is also home to wild cats, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, Indian foxes.

Special attraction: There are three lakes enclosed inside the sanctuary, Padam talao, Raj talao and Milak talao, where the wildlife tends to congregate. One can often spot tigresses and cubs in the densely forested Bakaula area.

Best time to visit: Even though February and March have a pleasant climate and the park is open throughout. The best months to spot a tiger is during the months of April and May.

Likelihood of spotting tiger: High

Located in God’s own country, Periyar National Park is one of the best parks in Kerala. It’s notable for its rich biodiversity and scenic location, which attracts travellers from all over the country and abroad as well. There have been reports of an increase in tiger population in this tiger reserve of India. Elephants are the other main attraction here.

Special Attraction: Boat cruises, which make the best option for checking out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.

Best time to visit: October to June

Likelihood of spotting tigers: Low

An ideal weekend getaway from Bangalore and Mysore, Bandipur also houses one of the best Tiger Reserves in South India. Its dense forests offer a perfect shelter for the tigers residing there. There are good chances of spotting a tiger here due to their relatively large population. Apart from tigers, one also comes across animals like the leopard, elephant, gaur, etc in this wildlife tours India.

Special Attraction: Lots of Elephants to be seen here

Best time to Visit: Winters are pleasant here, but the greatest chances of wildlife sightings are in March or April.

Likelihood of spotting tigers tiger safari holidays: Good

The Bandhavgarh sanctuary has the highest density of tigers in the area, 63 at the last count.It is one of the best and most famous tiger reserves in India. It is one of the best wildlife tours India Located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. In the year 1986 Bandhavgarh was declared a national park. Its name literally means ‘Brother’s Fort’. The best area to spot the tiger is the Tata zone 1 and tickets for here must be booked well in advance. Other animals that you can spot here include the Chittal and Sambhar deer, leopard, wild dog, and about 242 species of birds.

Special attraction: You can hire a car and take a trip to the Bandhavgarh fort, 600 m from sea level, on a cliff overlooking the Vindhya mountains.

Best time to visit: Even though the park is open through the months of October to June, the best time to spot tigers will be from April to June.

Likelihood of spotting tiger during tiger safari holidays: High

Nagarhole Tiger reserve in India is home to the largest number of Asian elephants in the world. One can also find tigers, leopards and the Indian wild dog (dhole) in the reserve situated in the western ghats.

Best time to visit: April to May

Likelihood of spotting tiger: Good

Picturesque and huge, the Kanha national park looks most like Mowgli’s stomping ground. The sanctuary is home to the Royal Bengal tiger ,Barasingha deer, an endangered species found only here. Other animals regularly sighted are the chital, gaur, three-striped palm squirrel, common langure, etc. When you travel to the reserve, you will most likely be paying for a tiger show where elephants are trained to block tigers so as the tourists can have a good look at them. Our suggestion would be instead, to just ask for a safari so you can see the animals in their natural posture and splendour. Kanha is regarded as one of the most amazing Royal Bengal tiger reserves in India.

Special attraction: Large open meadows where the animals freely roam.

Best time to visit: April to June.

Likelihood of spotting tiger tiger safari holidays: High

Panna Tiger Reserve is located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh and is the twenty-second tiger reserve in India. It was awarded the Award of Excellence in 2007 as the best maintained national park of India by the Ministry of Tourism. Unfortunately, in 2009, due to poaching after collusion with forest department officials, the entire tiger population had been eliminated. Currently, thanks to relocation initiatives taken by the forest department, there are 4 tigers and 10 cubs settled in the Panna Tiger Reserve who are constantly being monitored. The park remains open from the 15th of October to the 30th of June. The park entry fees are INR 250 for a family car. Opting for a guide will cost a further INR 360 extra.

Special Attraction: There are a number of beautiful waterfalls inside the reserve

Best Time for tiger safari holidays: January to March

Likelihood of spotting tigers: Good

There are 32 mammal species here, including the tiger, living in these deciduous forests among meadows and lakes. The tiger population here is slightly more elusive. It includes the tigress Collarwali who raised five cubs and whose mother was part of the BBC’s Spy in the jungle series.

Special attraction: Pench Jungle camp offers safari tents and a well-stocked library among other amenities.

Best time to visit: Summer months of April to June.

Likelihood of spotting a tiger in wildlife tiger tours India: High

Among the relatively new Tiger reserves in India, the Tadoba – Andhari reserve boasts of a booming population of tigers. A whopping seventy, along with leopards and sloths. There are excellent bird watching opportunities too with about 200 species of birds including the crested serpent eagle, the grey-headed fish eagle and the changeable hawk eagle.

Special attractions: A good look into the jungles of central India

Best time to visit: Summer months.

Likelihood of spotting tiger: High