The most famous tiger in India, the Bengal Tiger, is not just another animal in India’s Jungles. It’s a representation of our country’s charm for the people here and abroad, who passionately plan their trips to spot the giant beast in the wilderness. Top Tiger Safari Destinations in India 2026 are dominated by contenders like Jim Corbett, Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Sariska, Kabini, Pilibhit, Tadoba, and Ranthambore.
They are not just places to explore the natural beauty of India, but prime destinations in 2026 where you can plan your personalized tiger Safari with experienced specialists for a lifetime of memories and stories. Filled with beautiful landscapes, dense & wild jungles, and comprehensive biodiversity, they are perfect spots for tiger sightings and tiger photography in 2026.
In this blog, I will walk you through each of these best national parks for tiger safari in India and why they should be on your bucket list in 2026.
(Bengal Tiger Walking through the Grasslands of Jim Corbett)
I have a YouTube Channel also, where I publish my Tiger Safari experiences across India’s popular National Parks and Tiger Reserves. Don’t forget to check it out and experience amazing virtual wildlife safaris through my lens.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Must-Visit Tiger Safari Destinations in India 2026
If you are a wildlife enthusiast looking for the perfect destination for a jungle safari in India to spot the Bengal Tiger, then you must visit these 10 National Parks in 2026 without any doubt.
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
- Kanha Tiger Reserve
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Pench National Park
- Satpura Tiger Reserve
- Kabini National Park
- Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
- Tadoba National Park
- Sariska Tiger Reserve
Let’s explore each of them in detail. But before that, here are some:
Quick Facts about Tigers in India:
- In India, you will mainly find Bengal Tigers across all the National Parks and Tiger Reserves.
- The average lifespan of a Bengal tiger is up to 14 years in the wild and 20 years when kept in captivity.
- Post the 10 year mark, they start becoming weak and get displaced from their habitat by younger and stronger ones.
- The Bengal Tiger can have 2 to 5 cubs in a single litter. They undergo a pregnancy of about 105 days.
- The term ‘Bengal Tiger’ and ‘Asian Tiger’ are synonymous to each other and often used interchangeably.
- Male tigers are more territorial than female ones. Female tigers mainly stay near the mother tiger’s range.
- Female Bengal Tigers live longer than males.
- Bengal Tigers are majorly found in South Asian countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan.
- Bengal Tigers have a Yellow / Orange fur coat with dark stripes that perfectly blend with their body.
- Male Bengal Tigers are up to 3 metres long and weigh up to 550+ pounds. Females are up to 2.5 metres in length and weigh up to 350 pounds.
- Bengal Tigers are the most aggressive of all tiger species. They are termed as endangered species.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand: Best Tiger Safari In India
Also, termed as the first Tiger Reserve of India, and named after the legendary hunter Edward James Corbett, the Jim Corbett National Park is India’s crown jewel when it comes to spotting the Bengal Tiger.
It’s one of the top tiger reserves in India that have a significant number of Bengal Tigers spread across its major zones like Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Garjia, and other buffer zones.
(Early Morning Beautiful Landscape in Corbett Tiger Reserve)
I have personally visited Jim Corbett multiple times and spotted some of the most famous tigers like Ped Wali and Paar Wali, along with their cubs roaming freely near the Ram Ganga River.
I also spotted my first ever Male Bengal Tiger back in the day in Corbett’s Jhirna Zone.
Where is Jim Corbett Located?
Jim Corbett is located near the town of Ramnagar in Uttarakhand’s Nainital District. You can first reach Delhi NCR and then get to Ramnagar via road, rail, or air, depending on your preference. You should explore the complete guide to reach Jim Corbett from Delhi NCR with comprehensive details about distances, routes, and much more.
Why Jim Corbett is one of the Best Places for Tiger Safari in India?
Corbett Tiger Reserve in India has the highest population of Bengal Tigers across all National Parks. Hands down, it’s one of the best places to go on a wildlife safari in India for tiger spotting and get some amazing photos and videos for lifelong memories. It’s the first national park that has made wildlife tourism in India mainstream and promoted tiger conservation sincerely since it became part of Project Tiger, launched by the Indian Government back in the 1970s.
What is the Difference Between Jim Corbett Core vs Buffer Zones?
Jim Corbett Core Safari Zones and Buffer Zones differ from each other in the sense that core zones are the primary areas present in the central region of Jim Corbett. On the other hand, the buffer zones form the extension area that expands the geographical presence of the tiger reserve.
The main core zones are often referred to as the Corbett National Park, and the buffer zones form the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The core zones provide the maximum tiger spotting chances to tourists, while the buffer zones are best suited for a peaceful jungle safari experience.
How to Plan the Perfect Tiger Safari in India across Jim Corbett?
Partnering with experienced wildlife travel planning specialists can be your best decision if you are looking to plan a personalized and unforgettable tiger safari experience in India. Not only can they take care of your entire tiger safari planning requirements end-to-end, but also help you in curating personalized experiences according to your comfort and preferences.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, India
Another destination to have the best tiger safari in India is Ranthambore. It dominates the wildlife exploration scenario in Rajasthan and is famous for tigers like Arrowhead and Machhli that were once part of this amazing tiger reserve in India.
As a tiger lover, there are many interesting facts about Ranthambore that you must know.
- It’s one of the top tiger reserves in India, whose history dates back to the Jaipur Royal Family in the 1950s. Earlier, it was a hunting ground for hundreds of years and was originally set up as the Swai Madhopar Game Sanctuary in 1955. Later, under Project Tiger, it was set up as a proper wildlife National Park in 1973.
- Machhli and Arrowhead are some of the famous tigers of Ranthambore that are popular amongst the wildlife explorers in India. Machhli was referred to as the Queen of Ranthambore due to her fearlessness and hunting skills. Arrowhead was the descendant of Machhli and was equally fearless and strong in her conduct. She had a strong grip over multiple zones of Ranthambore and was the most photographed tigress in the region.
- Ranthambore’s biodiversity is exceptional, with a comprehensive composition of mammals such as leopards, sloth bears, tigers, hyenas, wild boars, and many more. It also has 300+ species of birds, including resident and migratory ones.
Is Ranthambore a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, Ranthambore has been termed a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its strategic location and rich history. Every year, thousands of wildlife enthusiasts visit this place for a memorable and unique Bengal Tiger Safari experience.
How many Zones are there in Ranthambore?
Ranthambore is one of the best places for tiger safari in India due to the presence of 10 different zones. Zones 1-5 are core zones, while 6-10 are buffer zones. Core Zones are open throughout the year except during the monsoon. Buffer zones may partially remain open during the monsoon and are open fully for the rest of the year. Plan your next trip to one of the best sought-after tiger safari destinations in India with an experienced wildlife travel specialist like Jungle Revives.
(Bengal Tiger Spotted near Gypsy in Ranthambore National Park)
Kanha in MP: One of the Best National Parks For Tiger Safari In India
Kanha Tiger Reserve is another of the top and premier tiger safari destinations in India that you can visit on your next wildlife adventure trip. It has been known for consistent tiger sightings and is therefore highly preferred by wildlife photographers for frequent tiger safari expeditions.
Kanha features some of the most amazing biodiversity, scenic landscapes, lush green sal forests, and beautiful wilderness that is extremely peaceful yet exciting. It’s one of the most well-maintained tiger reserves of India, and spans an area of 362 sq. miles.
There are 43 mammal species found in Kanha National Park. Also, it has more than 80 Bengal Tigers and each of them weighs up to 500 lbs. Therefore, it’s one of the best tiger spotting places in India, and you should not miss an opportunity to go here on a wildlife safari.
How many Zones are there in Kanha?
There are 4 main zones in Kanha National Park, which are Kanha Zone, Mukki Zone, Kisli Zone, and Sarhi Zone. Each of these zones has different entry gates.
What is the Best Time to Visit Kanha?
November to March is the best time to visit Kanha National Park because the temperature is calm and moderate, occasional rain occurs, and the weather remains suitable for a tiger safari. Also, most of the tiger spottings happen during this time of the season. Avoid going in the summer due to extreme heat in this part of the country.
What to Carry at Kanha National Park?
Since winter is the most favourable time to explore Kanha in India on a tiger safari, carry all your essentials like warm clothing, good quality footwear, shades, binoculars, and a good quality camera. Learn more about how to curate the perfect Tiger Safari Gear Checklist for exploring Indian jungles.
(Tiger Spotted in Kanha National Park)
Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India
Moving forward, Bandhavgarh cannot be excluded from the best places for tiger safari in India. It is indeed a great place to visit if you want to spot and photograph some of the amazing tiger moments.
It has one of the highest densities of Bengal Tigers, and every wildlife enthusiast comes across tiger sightings that are hard to put into words. You have to be present in the moment to understand the true beauty of spotting a majestic tiger, whether it’s a male or female.
What is the History of Bandhavgarh?
Bandhavgarh is full of nature and cultural heritage. It has such a rich history, and that, combined with an ecosystem of tigers, makes it one of the perfect Tiger Safari Destinations in India. It was a famous hunting ground of the Maharajas of the past dynasties, and then eventually converted to a tiger reserve in 1968.
What type of Tiger Safaris are offered in Bandhavgarh?
You get the option of both Jeep Safari and Canter Safari in Bandhavgarh. If you are short on time and want to have a day safari, go for the canter option. Pick the jeep safari if you want to have a personalized safari experience with a dedicated guide assigned to you for the entire trip. Jeep and canter safari options are available for both morning and afternoon sessions.
How many Zones are there in Bandhavgarh?
There are a total of 3 Zones in Bandhavgarh, which are called Tala, Maghdi, and Khitauli. Each of these is excellent for tiger sightings, with great landscapes and breathtaking scenery covered with dense forest.
(Tigress Spotted in Bandhavgarh)
Pench National Park Intersecting Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra in India
Pench has steadily gained momentum and significant recognition as one of the most preferred tiger safari places in India. It has been known for frequent tiger spottings, and that makes it a perfect option to have on your list of wildlife parks to explore in India.
The forests in Pench Tiger Reserve are spread across large areas and mostly covered with teak and bamboo. Frequent sightings of tigers happen here, and over time, the net tiger population has also increased. With a perfect combination of tiger sightings and serene landscapes, Pench ensures that wildlife tourists have the best safari experience.
For the perfect and end-to-end curation of a personalized Pench tiger safari travel guide in India, you should connect with reliable travel planners to ensure seamless safari operations. Going to Pench will be one of your best decisions. It offers a perfect combination of nature sighting and tiger spotting.
A place to experience adventure and peace together, where the thrill of tiger sighting perfectly balances the calm beauty of tall mountains, riverine belts, and beautiful wilderness. Pench is best for those seeking a peaceful jungle safari experience.
What are some Interesting Facts about Pench Tiger Reserve?
- It is the only National Park in India that is intersecting two states: the majority in Madhya Pradesh and a small section in Maharashtra.
- It has a total area of 1,179.632 sq. km under the Madhya Pradesh Section, and 257 sq. km under the Maharashtra area.
- In 1977, it was announced as a wildlife sanctuary.
- In 1983, it became Pench National Park.
- In 1992, it became the 19th entry under Project Tiger, expanding India’s wildlife footprint.
How many Zones are there in Pench?
Overall, the zones in Pench are referred to as the Core Zone and Buffer Zone.
The Madhya Pradesh part of Pench has 7 entry gates (3 for the core zone and 4 for the buffer zone), and a total of 159 jeeps can be rolled out. On the other hand, the Maharashtra side of the park has 3 entry gates for the core zone and 4 entry gates to the buffer zone.
How many types of Safaris are available in Pench?
Day Jeep Safari, Night Jeep Safari, Full Day Jeep Safari, and Half Day Jeep Safari are available in Pench Tiger Reserve.
(Beautiful Landscape in Pench Tiger Reserve)
Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India
Last, but not least, Satpura National Park is another addition to the best tiger safari destinations in India that you must not miss. It is rich in biodiversity and known for innumerable tiger sightings every now and then. You get multiple safari options like jeep safari, foot safari, Canoe Safari, and night safari.
Satpura is one of the less crowded tiger reserves of India, as compared to mainstream ones like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, Sariska, and Bandhavgarh. It’s not just a perfect place to go on a tiger safari, but also explore nature like never before.
Satpura Tiger Safari Travel Guide in India: What to know?
- It is home to seven of the highest peaks in central India. Also, this makes it a great tiger spotting location due to the geographical landscape.
- Satpura is the biggest tiger reserve in Central India and covers a total area of 2200 sq. km.
- It has been nominated for UNESCO’s Natural World Heritage Site.
- Vegetation consists of teak forests; the terrain is rocky, has beautiful backwaters, multiple meadow patches, and large grassland areas. All of these are favourable for tiger sightings.
- Options for both day and night tiger safaris are available.
Kabini National Park in Karnataka, India
Also known as the Kabini Forest Reserve, It’s a popular tiger reserve in Karnataka and a very popular wildlife safari destination for tourists. It’s a part of Karnataka’s Nagarhole National Park and you get the option to explore it via both jeep and canter safari.
The vegetation cover is highly rich, it has plenty of water bodies, and offers high chances of spotting tigers on safaris in the morning and afternoon sessions.
It’s 80 KM from Mysore and 205 KM from Bengaluru. Highly accessible for those in Karnataka and Kerala. The best time to visit Kabini tiger reserve is between October to February due to pleasant weather conditions.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, India
Pilibhit is one of the best national parks for tiger safari in India, located in Pilibhit district, Lakhimpur Kheri District and Bahraich District of Uttar Pradesh.
It was established in the year 2008 and is India’s 45th Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger. The habitat is mainly sal trees, tall grasslands, and swamp maintained by periodic flooding of nearby rivers.
Approximately, there are 65 tigers in Pilibhit and you can spot them during the morning and afternoon safaris that happen here.
There are in total 7 Forest Rest Houses in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve which are Mahof, Mustafabad, Mala, Barahi, Aranya Kuteer, Garah, and Haripur Forest House.
Tadoba National Park in Maharashtra, India
Tadoba is the oldest National Park / Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra along with being a protected forest area. It provides the best off-beat tiger safari experience in India in the state of Maharashtra and has seen a rising tiger population in recent years.
The vegetation is mainly teak and bamboo, paired with patches of grasslands and dry forests. Such a forest cover provides the perfect habitat to spot tigers during wildlife safaris with experienced guides. It also has multiple man-made water holes that act as a source of water consumption for these tigers.
How big is Tadoba Tiger Reserve?
The entire Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve spans around 625 sq. km. with the core area being 166 sq. km. in size.
How many tigers are there in Tadoba?
There are in total 60-70 tigers here and with the perfect combination of luck, patience and persistence you will end up spotting one for yourself. Wildlife enthusiasts consider it as one of the premier tiger safari destinations in India for spotting and capturing amazing tiger moments.
How many Zones are in Tadoba National Park?
There are a total 3 Zones in Tadoba with the names of Kolsa, Moharli and Tadoba.
Sariska in Rajasthan is Amongst Top Tiger Reserves In India
Whether it’s visiting the Zone 1 in Sariska for a Morning Tiger Safari. Or going into the Zone 2 for an afternoon Safari session. You can expect not just some of the breathtaking sceneries and landscapes. But also the opportunity to spot some of the famous tigers here. Those include ST7, ST9, ST2, ST15, and many others.
Sariska is one of the best national parks for tiger safari in India, in the state of Rajasthan. Here’s something interesting that you probably didn’t know about it. The tiger population here once nearly reached zero. To combat that crisis, authorities brought in two tigers from Ranthambore to restore the species. Those were ST1 and ST2 tigers, one male and the other female.
How Sariska Offers the Best Tiger Safari in India?
Visiting Sariska will be an excellent choice for you to spot tigers. That’s because its overall size is manageable. Also, not as widespread as compared to parks like Jim Corbett and Ranthambore.
Also, the landscape of Sariska is very unique as it keeps changing every few minutes. It’s has Aravalli on all sides and also numerous lakes. At times, you will feel like you are not in Rajasthan but in some region of Kerala. That’s due to its vegetation cover and tall trees that surround you everywhere.
Dense forests, rugged hills, and water bodies. These provide the perfect habitat for tigers to roam around freely in search of food and water. This maximizes the chances of Bengal Tiger sighting amidst the lap of nature. That too with a perfect combination of luck, patience, and persistence.
So, don’t hesitate to plan your next wildlife trip to Sariska. Enjoy one of the best tiger safari experiences of your lifetime in India.
(Beautiful Hills and Camp in Sariska Tiger Reserve)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the Best Tiger Safari Travel Guide in India?
Jungle Revives is a team of experienced tiger safari planners and wildlife travel experts in India. We have 10+ years of Industry experience in curating personalized tiger safaris across India. Get in touch with Shishir and the team today to plan your next tiger safari.
What are the top tiger safari destinations in India?
Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, Sariska, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Tadoba, Philibhit, Kabini and Satpura. These are some of the top tiger reserves in India that you can explore in 2026 and beyond.
Which is Best: Morning vs Evening Safari in Tiger Reserves?
Both of them are great options to choose from if you are looking to spot some tigers across India. That too through personalized wildlife safaris. Go for the morning safari if you are looking for high wildlife activity. Pick the evening safari for exceptional sunset tiger photography. Also, if you want to have a relaxed start to your trip activities.
Should I Choose Gypsy Safari vs Canter Safari?
If you are short on time, have budget constraints, and want to opt for the day safari, then pick Canter. On the other hand, go for the Gypsy Safari for three Reasons. If you are staying at the Forest Rest House. You have no budget constraints. And you want to have a personalized tiger safari experience.
