10 national parks in India to spot tigers in their natural habitat

Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka – The park joined Project Tiger as early as 1974, and is known for its sizeable tiger and elephant population. The park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Stay in a jungle lodge here and go on a jeep safari. (Photo | http://bandipurtigerreserve.in/)

Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand – One of the older reserves and among the first to come under Project Tiger, Jim Corbett is home to a healthy tiger population with ample spotting opportunities. Wandertrails has various jungle stay options like Vanghat that is in close proximity of the reserve and combines the stay with safaris into the park. (Photo | Sumeet Moghe/Wikimedia Commons)

Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh - The park instills nostalgia because the landscape here is straight out of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’. The ‘Jungle Book’ was set here, which makes this park a stomping ground for Mowgli. The park has large open meadows where chances of spotting tigers, are high. The safari here is breathtaking, and as the Park has two entrances, you can drive from one side of the park to the other. The picturesque scenery make this place a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. (Photo | kanha-national-park.com/)

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve in Karnataka – Falling in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole also boasts of a healthy tiger population. Stay in the jungle and hear the growls and prowls of the wild as you sleep. (Photo | Yathin S Krishnappa/ Wikimedia Commons)

Pench in Maharashtra – Madhya Pradesh border: Home to the supermom tigress Collarwali (owing to her being the first tiger to be radio collared), who recently gave birth to the seventh litter of cubs. She has borne 26 cubs in 7 litters between 2008-2017. The tigers here can be slightly hard to pin down and hence you would need a bit of lady luck to spot these cats. (Photo - Collarwalli | mptourism.com/)

Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan – One of the most famous tiger reserves in India, Ranthambore has three lakes that exist within the sanctuary. Watering holes being a prime spot for catching a glimpse of tigers, especially in the summer, your safari would cover these. Do not be surprised to find a streak (group) of tigers satiating their thirst by the lake. (File Photo)

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala– Lesser known with virgin jungles and more known for its elephant population, you could spot tigers here. Incidents of tigers trespassing in the tribal colonies are also known here. (Photo | Wikimedia Commons)

Sundarbans Reserve Forest in West Bengal -Bangladesh border - This popular destination has a huge number of Bengal tigers - more than about two hundred. Here, you won’t be signing up for safaris in jeeps but in canoes, and that’s what makes this safari experience unique. Sunderbans is well-known for its man eating tigers and swamp tigers that have a unique characteristic of swimming in the saline waters and walking on mudflats. (Photo | Dibyendu Ash/Wikimedia Commons)

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam – Equally known for its tiger population and the one-horned rhinoceros, this is a must-visit. The beauty of Assam and the roar of the tigers blend into an eclectic ambrosia for you to feast on. (Photo | http://kaziranga.assam.gov.in/)

Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh – Visit the Bandhavgarh fort set on a cliff and then head towards the national park. Pug marks and distant growls will greet you as this is home to a large tiger population. Tata zone 1 would be your best bet to spot these cats and marvel at them. A stay entwined with nature combined with a visit to the hills and the fort and a safari with a wildlife expert and enthusiast is in the offing. (Photo | mptourism.com/)