Discover the 5 Best Tiger Reserves in India 2024: Updated List!
India is rich in biodiversity, especially in its tiger reserves which are crucial for protecting these majestic animals. These top 5 best tiger reserves in India are havens for tigers and many other species. Let’s explore these amazing sanctuaries where nature’s beauty and conservation efforts come together.
List of the best tiger reserves in India
India is blessed with diverse wilderness where the majestic Bengal tiger roams. With 52 best tiger reserves in India across the country, these top 5 best tiger reserves in India are dedicated to protecting these magnificent creatures.
- Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
- Ranthambore Tiger Reserve: Rajasthan’s Royal Wilderness.
- Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve: Madhya Pradesh’s Tiger Gem.
- Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Kanha Tiger Reserve: Madya Pradesh’s Jungle Book.
Suggested Read: Rajaji National Park Tiger Reserve, Rishikesh Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand was India’s first national park focused on protecting tigers. It covers a vast area with dense forests, grasslands, and marshes, creating an ideal environment for numerous tigers. The park also shelters a diverse range of wildlife such as leopards, elephants, and more than 500 bird species.
Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, northern India
- Famous For: Known for its picturesque landscapes and being the first national park in India.
- Safari Price: Prices vary by zone and type of safari, ranging from approximately INR 4,000 to 8,000 per jeep safari.
- Tiger Spotting Zones: Popular zones include Dhikala, Bijrani, and Jhirna.
- Best Time to Visit: November to June is the best time to visit; the park closes during the monsoon season.
How to Reach Jim Corbett:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 50 km away.
- By Train: Ramnagar Railway Station, about 12 km from the park, is the nearest railway station.
- By Bus: Regular bus services are available from major nearby cities.
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Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
One of the best National Parks in India – this Tiger Safari Park is rightfully called the Land of the Tiger. Bandhavgarh National Park is truly deserving of its title as the Land of the Tiger. Come take a Tiger Safari in India with us at Bandhavgarh.
- Location: Situated in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, central India.
- Famous For: Renowned for its high tiger density and historic Bandhavgarh Fort.
- Safari Price: Jeep safari prices range from INR 4,000 to 8,000 per person.
- Tiger Spotting Zones: Popular zones include Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June is the best time to visit; the park closes during the monsoon season.
How to Reach Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport, approximately 164 km away.
- By Train: Umaria Railway Station, around 37 km from the reserve, is the closest railway station.
- By Bus: Regular buses connect Bandhavgarh to Umaria and nearby cities.
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park holds a significant status in India’s tourism sector with its unique charm and appeal. Although it is not one of the largest national parks in India, it is certainly the most famous.
Ranthambore forest covers an area of 1334 sq km, with 392 sq km designated as the national park. It is famous for its natural habitat that supports a significant number of Royal Bengal tigers. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is especially popular among wildlife enthusiasts for its diurnal tigers, making it easy for tourists to spot tigers during daytime safaris.
- Location: Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, northern India.
- Famous For: Renowned for its unique blend of wildlife and the historic Ranthambore Fort.
- Safari Price: Jeep safari prices range from INR 1,000 to 2,000 per person.
- Tiger Spotting Zones: Popular zones include Zone 1 to Zone 10.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June is the ideal time to visit; the park remains closed during the monsoon season.
How to Reach Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur Airport, approximately 180 km away.
- By Train: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, about 11 km from the park, is the nearest railway station.
- By Bus: Regular bus services run by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) connect Ranthambore to nearby towns and cities.
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The Pench Tiger Reserve
The Pench Tiger Reserve and its surrounding areas are the real-life inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s famous “The Jungle Book.” The character Mowgli was inspired by the pamphlet “An Account of Wolves Nurturing Children in Their Dens” by Sir William Henry Sleeman. In 1831, a report detailed the capture of a child raised by wolves in the village of Satbavadi near Seoni. Actual locations in Seoni district, such as the Vainganga River, where Sher Khan was killed, and the mountain ranges of villages like Kanhiwada and Seoni, are described in “The Jungle Book.”
History
The Pench Tiger Reserve has a rich history, celebrated for its natural beauty and biodiversity, as documented in historical texts like the Ain-i-Akbari and natural history books such as R.A. Sterndale’s “Seonee: Camp Life in the Satpura Hills,” James Forsyth’s “The Highlands of Central India,” and A.A. Dunbar Brander’s “Wild Animals of Central India.” Pench Tiger Reserve was recognized as the “Best Maintained Tourist-Friendly National Park” under the National Tourism Awards in 2006-07.
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Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a sanctuary for wildlife in Madhya Pradesh. Its enchanting landscape features lush green forests, expansive meadows, and serene freshwater lakes, providing an ideal habitat for a thriving tiger population. Kanha is famous for its Barasingha deer, commonly seen grazing in the meadows, adding to the park’s natural allure and biodiversity.
Location: Situated in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh, central India.
Safari Price: Jeep safari prices vary from INR 4,000 to 8,000 per person.
Tiger Spotting Zones: Key zones include Kanha, Mukki, and Kisli.
Best Time to Visit: October to June is the best time to visit; the park closes during the monsoon season.
How to Reach Kanha Tiger Reserve
By Air: The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport, approximately 160 km away.
By Train: Jabalpur Railway Station is the nearest major railway station, about 175 km from Kanha.
By Bus: Regular buses connect Kanha to nearby towns and cities.
FAQs about Tiger Reserves in India
Q. How many tiger reserves are there in India?
India has a total of 53 tiger reserves.
Q. Where is the largest tiger reserve in India located?
The largest tiger reserve in India is the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), situated in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Q. Which is the first tiger reserve in India?
The first tiger reserve in India is the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, formerly known as the Hailey National Park. Established in 1936, it is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.
Q. Which wildlife sanctuary is famous for Royal Bengal Tigers?
The wildlife sanctuary famous for its population of Royal Bengal Tigers is the Sundarbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the Sundarbans Delta in the southern part of West Bengal, India, and extends into Bangladesh.
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