What are the Top Tiger Photography Destinations and Best National Parks in India?

Determining the “best” places for tiger photography and seeing tigers in the wild is subjective and depends on individual preferences and priorities and what one considers as the defining factor. Some may seek the most picturesque location to capture tiger sightings, while others prioritize the frequency of tiger encounters and the highest likelihood of tiger sightings.

With over 2 decades of experience in conducting tiger safaris across all of India’s renowned tiger reserves and extensive knowledge of each reserve, we present our personal ranking based on these two criteria:

PLACES WITH THE HIGHEST CHANCES OF SEEING TIGERS IN THE WILD

1. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, located in the desert state of Rajasthan, Western India is renowned as a tiger heaven and holds the status of India’s premier and most iconic tiger reserve. It boasts a healthy population of these majestic cats, offering excellent opportunities for sightings. It is a dry deciduous forest with an arid habitat, receiving the least amount of rainfall among all tiger reserves in India. This results in fewer patches of tall grass, along with an excellent network of forest tracks, contributing to exceptional tiger sightings.

Pros : Tiger sightings at their best thanks to a healthy population of big cats and great visibility.

Cons : Due to its popularity and central location in Rajasthan, it can become crowded during peak tourist seasons. However if you can look past the sometimes crowded sightings you will find an experience in Ranthambhore unlike any other. It is the land of tigers and is an intoxicating mix of nature, history and wildlife.

How to reach Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore is very well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Rajasthan and neighbouring states and is one of the most accessible national parks for a tiger safari tour. To reach Ranthambore National Park, you can use various modes of transportation depending on your starting point.

Thanks to the newly built Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, the journey from Delhi Airport to Ranthambore now only takes approximately 3.30 to 4 hours by road.

If you are touring Rajasthan and have Ranthambore National Park on your itinerary, the best option for traveling there is by train to the city of Sawai Madhopur which is just 10 mins away from Ranthambhore.

2. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its high density of tigers and ranks among the best places to see tigers in the wild. It is is often referred to as “The Temple of the Tiger” by veterans and “The Tiger Paradise” by photographers. The landscape of Bandhavgarh is captivating, with its sal forests, rolling hills, and ancient fort perched atop a hill. The picturesque surroundings provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography. Bandhavgarh is also known for its passionate guides and drivers who exhibit unparalleled dedication to tracking tigers.

Pros : Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve offers an exceptional opportunity to witness tigers in their natural habitat and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.

Cons : Bandhavgarh’s popularity among wildlife enthusiasts and photographers means that the park can become crowded, especially during peak seasons. Also its not as easily accessible as Ranthambhore due to its remote location.

How to reach Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh, known as the heartbeat of India, being situated in the heartland of the country (Central India). Reaching Bandhavgarh may not be as straightforward as reaching Ranthambhore or Corbett, which are just a short drive away from Delhi Airport. However, it is still easily accessible from major cities of India, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. To reach Bandhavgarh, you have several options:

Umaria: From Delhi and Mumbai, you can take direct overnight trains to Umaria, which is just 32 km away from Bandhavgarh. From Umaria, you can take a taxi, and it will take around 35 minutes to reach Bandhavgarh Jabalpur Airport: Located 175 km from Bandhavgarh, Jabalpur Airport offers daily flights from Delhi (Indigo and Alliance Air), as well as direct flights from Mumbai and Hyderabad. The drive from Jabalpur to Bandhavgarh takes around 3.30 to 4 hours.

Khajuraho Airport: If you are flying in, Khajuraho Airport is 225 km away. There is one daily flight from Delhi to Khajuraho. If you plan to visit Panna National Park as well, combining both parks could be a good option as Panna is just 15 mins from the Khajuraho Airport.

Choose the most convenient option for your journey to explore the wonders of Bandhavgarh National Park.

MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO SEE TIGERS IN THE WILD

1. Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand, Northern India): Situated in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, Corbett Tiger Reserve in Northern India is India’s first national park and holds a captivating charm that sets it apart. For an authentic Corbett experience, one must stay in Dhikala, situated 30 kilometers from the main park entrance gate, deep within the heart of the forest. Here, in Dhikala, you will find around 25 cozy rooms known as FRH (forest rest houses). Managed by the state government of Uttarakhand, these rustic forest rest houses offer a truly immersive wildlife experience. Imagine staying in these tranquil cottages, surrounded by the echoes of trumpeting elephants and the distant roars of tigers – an experience like no other.

Obtaining a permit for Dhikala is akin to winning a lottery due to the overwhelming demand for a limited supply. Permits are often sold out within minutes. Without staying in Dhikala, one cannot truly experience the essence of Corbett. If you haven’t secured a stay in Dhikala you will not be allowed to visit Dhikala as only guests staying within the campus are allowed entry. While day safaris are available in other parts of Corbett, they do not compare to the unique experience of staying in Dhikala and embarking on safaris from the core of the forest. The unparalleled wildlife encounters and the raw beauty of the surroundings make this experience incomparable. The Ramganga river, weaving through the Dhikala zone, serves as the lifeline of Corbett. The expansive grasslands of Dhikala are home to large herds of elephants, making it one of the best places in India to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Birdwatching in Corbett is an absolute delight, as it presents some of the finest birdwatching experiences in Asia, with the added thrill of spotting magnificent mammals like the Asian Elephant and Tiger.

Obtaining a permit for Dhikala is akin to winning a lottery due to the overwhelming demand for a limited supply. Permits are often sold out within minutes. Without staying in Dhikala, one cannot truly experience the essence of Corbett. If you haven’t secured a stay in Dhikala you will not be allowed to visit Dhikala as only guests staying within the campus are allowed entry. While day safaris are available in other parts of Corbett, they do not compare to the unique experience of staying in Dhikala and embarking on safaris from the core of the forest. The unparalleled wildlife encounters and the raw beauty of the surroundings make this experience incomparable. The Ramganga river, weaving through the Dhikala zone, serves as the lifeline of Corbett. The expansive grasslands of Dhikala are home to large herds of elephants, making it one of the best places in India to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Birdwatching in Corbett is an absolute delight, as it presents some of the finest birdwatching experiences in Asia, with the added thrill of spotting magnificent mammals like the Asian Elephant and Tiger.

How to reach Corbett National Park

Reaching Corbett National Park is most conveniently done by road from Delhi, which typically takes around 5 hours, covering a distance of approximately 275 kilometers from Delhi Airport. For those traveling by train, the nearest railway station to Corbett is Ramnagar, situated around 18 kilometers from the Dhangari Gate, which serves as the main entrance to the Dhikala zone.

2. Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh, Central India): Known for its vast meadows, majestic Sal forests, and an impressive array of wildlife. It is a paradise for serious wildlife enthusiasts, with a healthy tiger population and an abundance of other mammals and birds. The stunning landscapes make every corner of the park an ideal backdrop for wildlife photography. Kanha is one of the most biodiverse national parks in India, providing an opportunity to spot a wide variety of wildlife. In addition to tigers, Kanha is home to the iconic hard ground Barasingha deer, wild dogs, sloth bears, leopards, and a variety of other wildlife species.

How to reach Kanha National Park

To reach Kanha National Park, you can take the following routes from nearby cities:

• From Nagpur: It is approximately 250 kilometers away and takes around 6 hours to drive to Kanha. Nagpur boasts excellent connectivity to the rest of India, with multiple flight options from Delhi and Mumbai. The city serves as a major air hub, making it convenient for travelers to reach Nagpur from major cities.

• From Jabalpur: It is approximately 165 kilometers away and takes around 4 hours to drive to Kanha. Jabalpur, although with a relatively smaller airport, still provides good flight options. There are a couple of daily flights from Delhi, as well as a flight from Mumbai and Hyderabad to Jabalpur, offering accessible travel options for visitors.

• From Bandhavgarh National Park: It is approximately 250 kilometers away and takes around 5 hours to drive to Kanha.

These routes offer scenic drives and the opportunity to witness the beautiful landscapes of central India on your way to the well-preserved Kanha National Park. Once you arrive, you can look forward to engaging tiger safari tour and a memorable wildlife experience.

Summing Up

Each of these tiger reserves offers distinct beauty, diverse landscapes, and exceptional opportunities to witness tigers in their natural habitat. While Ranthambhore and Bandhavgarh have higher chances of tiger sightings, Corbett and Kanha enchant with their picturesque landscapes and the overall richness of wildlife encounters. Whether you prioritize tiger sightings or stunning backdrops for photography, or a combination of both, these destinations promise unforgettable encounters with India’s majestic tigers and incredible wildlife.