Ultimate Madhya Pradesh Tiger Safari
Journey through the heart of tiger country in search of this majestic big cat, travelling to some of the best regions in India for wildlife encounters, including Tadoba, Pench and Kanha National Parks.
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Bengal Tiger Safaris
WILDLIFE
Everything you need to know about a Bengal Tiger Safari in India
The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the largest of all big cats, growing up to 3 metres in length and weighing around 300kg. With their iconic orange coats and unique black stripes — no two tigers have the same pattern — they are perfectly camouflaged hunters, stalking deer, buffalo, and wild pigs through India’s forests and grasslands. Solitary by nature, tigers are also powerful swimmers, often cooling off or resting in rivers and pools, while females raise litters of 2–6 cubs for up to three years before they venture off to claim their own territories.
Once widespread across Asia, Bengal tigers are now classified as Endangered, with fewer than 3,200 left in the wild. India is home to over 70% of the global population, protected in more than 50 reserves. Conservation efforts like Project Tiger, launched in 1973, have been vital in halting their decline, creating safe habitats where travellers can still witness these magnificent predators in the wild. A Bengal tiger safari offers not only a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter but also supports the ongoing survival of one of the world’s most iconic animals.
The Best Parks in India to see Bengal Tigers
1. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh: Formally the wildlife reserve of the Maharajas, Bandhavgarh has one of India’s highest tiger populations. Home to around 60 tigers despite its smaller size, there is a good chance of seeing a tiger on safari here alongside the beautiful forests and hills. Here you can also see leopards, 250 different bird species and a huge variety of butterflies and reptiles. You can reach Bandhavgarh with a 2-hour flight from Delhi plus a 4-hour drive, and we would recommend staying in Samode Safari Lodge. If you are less focused on tigers and want an all-round Indian wildlife experience, head further south to Kanha and Satpura National Parks.
2. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh: One of the best kept national parks and the home of around 500 tigers, Kanha National Park is one of the best places to see tigers and has more of the feel of a traditional African safari park rather than a smaller Indian reserve. Also known as Kanha Tiger Reserve, the park is famous for its dry-land swamp deer and abundance of large prey. Other wildlife such as sloth bears, Indian elephants, bison, leopards, and hyenas can be found here amongst the rolling grasslands, bamboo forests, meadows and streams. You can reach Kanha with a 2-hour flight from Delhi plus a 4-hour drive, and we would recommend staying in Banjaar Tola.
3. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan: One of the most famous tiger safari national parks, the centre of Ranthambore is home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ranthambore Fort. This park is the closest to Delhi so can be part of a golden triangle tour or Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur. Because of this, the park can get very busy, so be sure to book in advance and be aware it can feel more touristy than other parks. Ranthambore does however offer the lucky few, sightings of tigers to the backdrop of temples and dramatic lakes, offering the wildlife photographer some truly unique opportunities. Sujan Sher Bagh Camp offers luxury and proximity to Ranthambore National Park.
When is the Best Time to see Bengal Tigers in India?
The ideal months for observing tigers in India are October through to April, with the prime months being, February, March, and April, as temperatures start to rise. As the temperature climbs, the land becomes drier and dustier, with reduced foliage. With diminishing water sources, wildlife tends to gather around the remaining waterholes, creating a prime opportunity for observing and capturing the park's fauna. Our skilled guides are well-versed in tracking India's magnificent tigers within these parks, and you can elevate your tiger-watching adventure by staying at distinctive and picturesque lodges.
The Bengal Tiger
India is home to more than 50 tiger reserves, but a handful offer the best opportunities for sightings:
- Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh – Once the hunting reserve of the Maharajas, Bandhavgarh is now one of India’s best parks for tiger sightings, with a high density of around 60 tigers. Leopards, over 250 bird species, and countless butterflies also thrive here.
- Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh – Home to around 500 tigers, Kanha offers vast grasslands and forests reminiscent of African reserves. It is also famous for swamp deer, sloth bears, leopards, and wild dogs.
- Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan – One of India’s most famous reserves, known for its tigers roaming among temples and lakes beneath the ruins of Ranthambore Fort. Popular and busier than other parks, but offers iconic photo opportunities.
- Tadoba Tiger Reserve – with a thriving tiger population, Tadoba offers a fantastic tiger safari experience, less busy than other tiger parks and providing some unique and comfortable lodging.
- Corbett National Park – located in the northeast of India, Corbett National Park is India’s oldest and most prestigious national park and has a healthy population of tigers. Again, Corbett takes you away from the busier parks listed above and provides a wilder more natural world experience.
Our Top Tiger Safaris
From 14000 per person
Siberian Tiger Camera Trap Safari with Alexander Batalov
Embark on a safari with a difference and venture deep into the remote Durminskoye Reserve in Russia’s Far East, home to the endangered Siberian tiger. Alongside conservationist Alexander Batalov, you’ll track the big cats and set camera traps on a unique adventure that truly puts you on the front line of wildlife conservation.
“After a couple of hours we enter the boundary of the forest for the first time. There is snow on the ground but it doesn’t look too deep. Some way into the drive, Alexander stops the vehicle just over a bridge. Tiger tracks are all around; these are very fresh, as in minutes old. We are allowed out of the jeep but told to be careful as the tiger is likely to be close. It is now pitch black but the excitement level goes up. Alexander is convinced these are the tracks of a female he knows and she is watching us close by. We will find out how close she was tomorrow…”
Leopard & Tiger Safari
Feel like Mowgli in ‘Jungle Book’, as you explore the meadows and forests of India’s national parks full of sloth bears, snakes, wolves, monkeys, & deer.
Best Places to See Bengal Tigers
WHY BOOK YOUR BENGAL TIGER SAFARI WITH NWS
Working closely with conservationists, we can offer the change to join habituation safaris and more. Our exclusive network on the ground links us to all the best lodges in the region and we are often able to add that little NWS twist to your trip, transforming it into something really special.