International Tiger Day: Spot The Big Cat At These National Parks In India
India is now home to 3,167 tigers, and these are the best national parks where you can head to spot these big cats in their natural element
50 years ago, ‘Project Tiger’ was launched to save the dwindling population of India’s tiger population. One of the country’s most significant wildlife conservation programs, the project, which was launched in 1973, worked to protect tigers and their habitats and create awareness about the animal’s protection in order to increase their population.
In what marks a big achievement for the project, Prime Minister Modi had announced that India’s tiger population had risen by 6.74 per cent from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,167 in 2022, as per India’s latest Tiger Census. PM Modi also launched the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA), which will aim to work towards the conservation of seven major big cats of the world, including tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar and cheetah.
The number of tigers in India has increased by 6.74 per cent from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,167 in 2022. Picture: Shutterstock
As we celebrate 75 years of Independence and are home to 75% of the world’s tiger population, there is no better time than now to explore the diverse range of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which provide a safe haven for the majestic tigers to roam freely. If you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast, here is where you should be heading:
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Located at the foothills of Himalayas, near Nainital, the park in itself is legendary; it was the first national park in India and it is here that Project Tiger was launched. While sightings are often a task here, owing to dense grass and forests, each safari at this national park is exhilarating and thrilling. The best way to experience Corbett is to stay inside the park at one of the few government accommodations and wake up to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Located in the the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the best places to spot tigers in their natural habitat. It has the highest density of Bengal tigers in India, and visitors have a high chance of spotting them during their safari. The rocky terrain also makes for an ideal spot for tigers to lounge and summers are a great time to spot these big cats near various watering holes in the park.
India is home to 75% of the world’s tiger population. Picture: Shutterstock
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Also located in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is another great option for tiger sightings. The park is famous for its picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife, including the stunning Bengal tiger. The dense maroons of forests and wide rich meadows, interspersed with crystal clear streams make this park a heaven for wildlife, both flora and fauna.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park was once the hunting ground for the maharajas of Jaipur. Today, it is one of the most popular national parks in India. The park has a large tiger population, and visitors can spot them roaming freely in their natural habitat with relative ease. Its diverse terrain and water bodies also makes Ranthambore a great birding destination as well.
Sunderban National Park, West Bengal
At a distance of 110 km from the capital city Kolkata, Sunderban National Park is a biosphere reserve, national park and tiger reserve. It is also famed for the Sunderban Delta, which is the largest mangrove ecosystem in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. The national park is famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger, and other wildlife which includes fishing cats, macaques, leopard cats, Indian grey mongoose, wild boar, flying fox, pangolin, and Indian grey mongoose.
Today, there are 54 tiger reserves across India, spanning 75,000 sq km
