India is also known as the Land of Tigers because it is home to the world’s largest population of tigers. These royal creatures are not only the pride of Indian forests but also have been a part of our traditional culture and mythology. There was a time when the number of tigers in India was in the millions, but due to hunting and deforestation, this number decreased significantly. Today, conservation efforts and schemes like Project Tiger have again raised hopes for the number of tigers.
If you want to feel the thrill of the real jungle and see a glimpse of tigers, then the Largest Tiger Reserves in India will give you a unique experience. The slow sound of the jeep on the forest tracks in the golden morning sunlight, the call of the peacock coming from a distance, and the royal tiger suddenly appearing from the bushes – this experience is remembered for a lifetime.
Below you will find the list of the top 5 Largest Tiger Reserves for Tiger Safari in India.
1. Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is one of the most lush and vibrant forests in Karnataka. It is located on the banks of the Kabini River and is famous for its dense forests, lakes, and rich wildlife. Here you get the opportunity to see tigers as well as leopards, elephants, wild dogs, and rare bird species. Herds of deer and black bears are also often seen during jungle safaris. Nagarhole is also called the “Big Cat Hotspot” of South India, as it has a good number of both tigers and leopards. This places is a perfect for a safari adventure tour in India.
Main attractions
Deciduous teak and sandalwood forests
Excellent safari experience along the Nagarhole and Kabini river banks
Active movement of elephant herds and tigers
Safari experience
Both open jeep safari and boat safari are available
Best Tiger Reserve for Photography
Important Information
- Location: Kodagu and Mysore districts, Karnataka
- Best time to visit: October to May
- Safari timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- Evening: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Safari fees:
- Jeep Safari: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 per jeep (6 people)
- Boat Safari: ₹300 – ₹400 per person
- Nearest airport: Mysore (94 km), Bangalore (220 km)
- Nearest railway station: Mysore Junction (89 km)
2. Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is India’s oldest national park and the origin of Project Tiger. It is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and covers an area of about 1,300 square kilometres.
Early mornings are magical as smoke covers the forest and sunlight filters through the trees. Apart from tigers, elephants, wild boars, deer, and over 600 species of birds can be seen.
The Corbett experience is extremely diverse, as there are different zones for safari – Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, and Durga Devi. Each zone has its own charm. Book your Jim Corbett tour package now and get ready for an exciting tiger safari adventure you’ll never forget.
Main attractions
A large number of tigers
Over 600 bird species
Beautiful confluence of mountain rivers and dense forests
Safari experience
The highest tiger sighting in the Dhikala zone
Jeep safari and canter safari are available.
Excellent birdwatching experience in winter.
Important Information
- Location: Nainital and Pauri districts, Uttarakhand
- Best time to visit: November to June (Dhikala zone open mid-Nov to mid-Jun)
- Safari timings:
- Morning: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Evening: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Safari fees:
- Jeep Safari: ₹4,000 – ₹5,500 per jeep (6 people)
- Canter Safari (Dhikala): ₹1,500 – ₹1,800 per person
- Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport (125 km)
- Nearest railway station: Ramnagar (12 km)
3. Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha Tiger Reserve is considered one of the most beautiful forests of India. Filled with dense sal and bamboo trees, open grasslands, and rivers, this reserve is spread over about 940 square kilometers.
Not only tigers but also rare deer are found here, which are called the “Jewel of the Jungle”. The forest of Kanha is so inspiring that it is said that Rudyard Kipling imagined his famous book, The Jungle Book, from here.
During the jeep safari, when the fragrance of scented flowers floats in the air and suddenly a herd of deer runs, the thrill is at its peak.
Main attractions
Barasingha (swamp deer), which is found only here
Vast grasslands and sal forests
Active presence of tigers
Safari experience
Kanha and Kisli zones are famous for tiger sightings.
Jeep safari takes place both in the morning and evening.
Great place for photography and documentary shooting
Important Information
- Location: Mandla and Balaghat districts, Madhya Pradesh
- Best time to visit: October to June (closed during monsoon)
- Safari timings:
- Morning: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- Evening: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Safari fees:
- Jeep Safari: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per person (sharing)
- Full Jeep Booking: ₹6,500 – ₹7,500 per jeep
- Nearest airport: Jabalpur (160 km), Nagpur (250 km)
- Nearest railway station: Gondia (145 km), Jabalpur (160 km)
4. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is also located in Karnataka and is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This reserve used to be the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Mysore, but today it is counted among the major tiger reserves of India.
Apart from tigers, elephants, gaur (Indian bison), sambar, bears, and more than 200 bird species are found here. This is one of the beautiful tourist spot to visit in India is a paradise for wildlife lovers and nature photographers.
Main attractions
Area surrounded by the Nilgiri and Cauvery rivers
A large number of tigers as well as elephants, gaur, and deer
Also famous for bird watching
Safari experience
Open jeep and bus safaris are available
The forest looks lush green and extremely beautiful after the monsoon.
Important Information
- Location: Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka
- Best time to visit: October to May
- Safari timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Evening: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Safari fees:
- Bus Safari: ₹350 – ₹450 per person
- Jeep Safari: ₹3,000 – ₹3,500 per jeep (6 people)
- Nearest airport: Mysore (80 km), Bangalore (220 km)
- Nearest railway station: Mysore Junction (80 km)
5. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is considered to be the oldest and largest tiger reserve in Maharashtra. It is also called the “Jewel of Vidarbha” by the locals. The number of tigers here is quite good, so it is the first choice of tourists for a tiger safari. It is a unique experience to see tigers walking among the sal and bamboo trees in the forest.
Apart from tigers, sloth bears, wild dogs, panthers, chital, and more than 200 bird species are also seen here. This reserve really offers an exciting safari experience.
Main attractions
Tadoba Lake and Andhari River
Presence of leopards, sloth bears, and wild dog,s along with tigers
Most tiger sightings in winter
Safari experience
Tours in both the open jeep safari and the core buffer zone
Enjoy birdwatching at Tadoba Lake.
An excellent place where the chances of tiger sighting are highest
Important Information
- Location: Chandrapur district, Maharashtra
- Best time to visit: February to May (best for tiger sightings)
- Safari timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Evening: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Safari fees:
- Jeep Safari (core zone): ₹4,000 – ₹5,500 per jeep (6 people)
- Jeep Safari (buffer zone): ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 per jeep
- Nearest airport: Nagpur (140 km)
- Nearest railway station: Chandrapur (45 km), Nagpur (140 km)
Conclusion
These tiger reserves in India not only give you a chance to see tigers but also let you experience the depth and thrill of nature. Each reserve has its own special atmosphere, culture as well as experience. If you want to enjoy a real wildlife safari, then definitely include these tiger reserves in your travel list.