The modern world hasn’t been kind to tigers. Three of the nine tiger subspecies became extinct within the last century, and the remaining six are endangered, some critically, with ongoing threats to survival ranging from habitat loss to illegal poaching. But there is some good news, with wild Bengal and Siberian tiger numbers both increasing in recent years, and continually improving tourism infrastructure in key tiger habitats offering visitors a good shot at spotting one with minimal impact on the animals. Here are the best spots to try your luck.
Madhya Pradesh, India
- How safaris work: With the exception of Satpura in Madhya Pradesh, which is the only reserve offering walking safaris, safaris are conducted in Maruti Suzuki Gypsies which can be booked for morning, afternoon, and sometimes night drives with a local guide. Aim for at least four drives for the best chance of spotting a tiger.
- What else is there to see: Other wildlife you’re most likely to spot include deer – particularly sambar, spotted and swamp deer – raptors (owls and eagles), gaur, langurs, macaques, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a sloth bear or a jungle cat.
- When to go: Most tiger reserves close during the July-September monsoon season. While tigers can be spotted year-round, the hot, pre-monsoon months of April and May tend to offer the best sightings (typically at waterholes).
- Make it happen: The remoteness of reserves makes organised tours an attractive option. PureQuest Adventures offers a 13-day ‘Jungle Book Adventure’ taking in Satpura, and Kanha Tiger Reserves. If you’d prefer to stay in one spot, Forsyth Lodge operates in Satpura, which works with the local community to provide transfers to Bhopal’s airport, a four-hour drive away.
Bardia National Park, Nepal
- What else is there to see: Look out for Bardia’s 30-odd greater one-horned rhino, as well as otter, crocodiles, wild elephants, five species of deer, and more. At the very least you’ll meet Vikram the rhino, a victim of human-wildlife conflict living out his days in an enclosure near the park entrance.
- When to go: Bardia is open year-round, but similarly to India, it’s generally easiest to spot tigers in the hot season when tigers (and rhino) can often be seen cooling off in the Girwa River.
- Make it happen: Of the several dozen safari lodges in or near the village of Thakurdwara, near the park entrance, Bardia Ecolodge is a standout for its superb meals and local guide Madhu, who knows the park like the back of his hand. For more comfort, consider the luxurious Karnali Lodge run by responsible tourism pioneer TigerTops. All good lodges can arrange transport from the local bus stop, or from , the closest airport.
The Sundarbans, Bangladesh
- How safaris work: Safaris consist of a multi-day boat tour from the southwestern city of , or nearby. You'll eat and sleep onboard your main tour boat, but during the day you’ll break into smaller groups and track tigers, either on foot (accompanied by armed forest guards) or on smaller boats (along narrower river channels).
- What else is there to see: The Sundarbans is home to a wealth of wildlife – you can expect to spot saltwater crocodiles, wild boar, langurs and many of the region’s 260 bird species.
- When to go: The cooler season from October to March – when you may spot tigers sunning themselves on river banks – is the most comfortable time to visit, but you’re more likely to see them in the water during the hotter months of April and May.
- Make it happen: UK-based Responsible Travel offers an eight-day tiger safari in the Sundarbans with a zoologist guide. Reputable Khulna-based operators offering a three-day boat tour include and , both of which offer three-day tours.
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