Another Royal Bengal Tiger

Pench Tiger Reserve, Seoni District, Madhya Pradesh

Taken 23 April 2016

Happy International Tiger Day!

Are you visiting more than one tiger park? If so, do you have a sense of which one is best for reliable tiger sightings?

I was supposed to visit Gir National Forest (where the last Asiatic lions live), but the logistics proved daunting and I opted to remain in one place due to a limited amount of time. That said, I did a stupid amount of research in order to improve my chances but I still think it boils down to plain luck. Another couple who stayed at the same resort went on almost the same number of game drives, but managed to go home without seeing a tiger. Yet, I happened to see four tigers and the lone leopard.

I'll be visiting a couple of other parks next year, but I'll primarily be looking for a melanistic leopard.

Otherwise, my brief thoughts on tiger parks after researching:

1.) When you go is more important than where you go. Going in the summer months when water is scarce will increase your chances of spotting a tiger.
2.) Decide on the type of experience you want. Each park has different offerings and/or activities based on the area. Do you want to go canoeing or kayaking? Hiking (yes, some places will let you walk through tiger territory)? Visit a local village and/or temple?
3.) The northern parks are relatively easy to get it and are heavily frequented by tourists, the southerly parks less so.
4.) Do you want to see wild elephants? They're only in a few parks. Ditto on crocodiles, dhole, etc.
5.) How many amenities can you do without? Several places offer non-air conditioned tents for example.

TOFT - Travel Operators for Tigers is a valuable resource.

With all that said, my top five parks were:

Pench
Tadoba
Kanha
Jim Corbett
Bandhavgarh

Tadoba has the highest number of tigers (~100), but I went with Pench (~50) because it was the setting for Kipling's The Jungle Book. And except for wolves it didn't disappoint.


If I can be of any further assistance please let me know!

Is it true that India is best avoided in June, July, and August? I've heard people say that but have seen tour operators have tours on those dates. Is the monsoon too intense usually?

The entire country? Or just the tiger parks? Several of them remain open during the monsoon and it's supposed to be an amazing experience. The rains otherwise vary in intensity from year to year, and don't hit all of India.

Should you avoid India during the monsoon? Not necessarily. I'd experience it at least once, but realize what you're getting yourself into.

I was referring to the tiger parks. Those are okay during the monsoon?

@Buldeo - thanks for such an informative response.