India is home to more than 3,000 wild tigers across 53 tiger reserves (according to the All-India Tiger Census 2022), making it the best country in the world for tiger safaris. If you’re searching for the best tiger safaris in India, the top choices include Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Tadoba, and Nagarhole in South India.
At YoYo Trips India, our travel experts have curated and guided hundreds of successful wildlife safari tours. With first-hand knowledge of safari zones, permits, and seasonal spotting trends, we help travelers maximize their chances of spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger while enjoying a safe and ethical wildlife experience.
This guide highlights the Top 10 tiger safaris in India, complete with safari costs, best times to visit, insider tips, and unique wildlife experiences.
1. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
One of the most iconic safari destinations, Ranthambore offers excellent tiger sightings along with the charm of historic forts. Many travelers report a 70–80% chance of tiger sightings during summer safaris here.
- Best time for Tiger Spoting: October – June
- Nearest airport: Jaipur (160 km)
- Safari Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹7,500 per jeep (6 people)
- Safari timings: Morning 6:00–9:30 • Evening 15:00–18:00.
- Insider Tip: Zone 3 and Zone 4 have some of the highest sighting records.
- Why Visit: Famous for its historic Ranthambore Fort and high tiger sighting chances.
Suggested Tour : 7 Days – Golden Triangle with Ranthambore
2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
India’s oldest national park, Jim Corbett, is also the first reserve under Project Tiger (1973). Beyond tigers, Corbett is ideal for birdwatchers, with over 600 species recorded.
- Best time for Tiger Spoting: November – June
- Nearest airport: Pantnagar (50 km)
- Safari Cost: ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 per jeep
- Safari timings: Morning 6:00–10:00 • Evening 15:00–18:00.
- Insider Tip: Choose the Dhikala zone for the best chances of spotting tigers.
- Why go: Consistently among the best sighting parks in India.
Suggested Tour : 4 Days -Nainital and Corbett tour
3. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh is renowned for having the highest density of tigers in India. Wildlife photographers often favor this park because of frequent and close-range sightings.
- Best time for Tiger Spoting: October – June
- Nearest airport: Jabalpur (200 km)
- Safari Cost: ₹4,500 – ₹8,000 per jeep
- Insider Tip: Morning safaris in Tala zone are especially rewarding.
- Safari timings: Morning 6:00–11:00 • Evening 15:00–18:00.
- Why go: High sighting reputation and relatively budget-friendly.
Suggested Tour : 5 Days – Wildlife Tour Package Madhya Pradesh
4. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Famous as the inspiration behind Kipling’s Jungle Book, Kanha is known for its lush sal forests and conservation of the hard-ground barasingha.
- Best time for Tiger Spoting: October – June
- Nearest airport: Jabalpur (165 km)
- Safari Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 per jeep
- Safari timings: Morning 6:30–11:00 • Evening 15:00–18:00.
- Why go: Teak forests, classic Jungle Book feel, reliable big-cat country.
- Insider Tip: Luxury lodges around Kanha offer guided night safaris and nature walks.
Suggested Tour : 5 Days – Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Tour
5. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
A favorite among budget travelers, Tadoba is often regarded as the cheapest tiger safari in India while still offering a high chance of sightings.
- Best time for Tiger Spoting: October – June
- Nearest airport: Nagpur (140 km)
- Safari Cost: ₹3,500 – ₹5,500 per jeep
- Safari timings: Morning 6:00–11:00 • Evening 15:00–18:00.
- Why go: High sighting reputation and relatively budget-friendly.
- Insider Tip: Tadoba’s Moharli zone records consistent tiger activity near lakes.
6. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Known for thrilling jeep safaris, Pench also inspired Kipling’s stories. Its teak forests and grasslands are rich with wildlife beyond tigers.
- Best time for Tiger Spoting: November – May
- Nearest airport: Nagpur (88 km)
- Safari Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹6,500 per jeep
- Safari timings: Morning 6:30–11:00 • Evening 15:00–18:00.
- Why go: Teak forests, classic Jungle Book feel, reliable big-cat country.
- Insider Tip: Early summer safaris increase your chances of spotting tigers near waterholes.
Suggested Tour : 5 Days – Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Tour Package
7. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
The only mangrove ecosystem in the world where you can find Royal Bengal Tigers, Sundarbans offers a unique boat safari experience.
- Best time for Tiger Spoting: October – March
- Nearest airport: Kolkata (110 km)
- Safari Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 per boat (shared)
- Safari timings (boat): Typically 08:30–16:00; full-day cruises recommended.
- Why go: The world’s only mangrove tiger habitat and unique boat safaris.
- Insider Tip: Look for tiger paw marks on muddy riverbanks – often the only sign before a rare sighting.
Suggested Tour : 5 Days – Sundarban cruise tour
8. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is best known for the one-horned rhino but also shelters a healthy tiger population.
- Best time for Tiger Spoting: November to April
- Nearest airport: Guwahati (200 km)
- Safari Cost: ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 per jeep
- Safari timings: Morning 7:00–9:30 • Afternoon 14:00–16:30 (elephant safaris have separate slots).
- Why go: UNESCO site, famed for one-horned rhinos—and a healthy tiger population.
- Insider Tip: Club your visit with Meghalaya for a diverse wildlife experience.
Suggested Tour : 7 Days – Kaziranga with Meghalaya Tour
9. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
A park for true adventurers, Satpura allows walking and boat safaris in addition to jeep rides, promoting eco-tourism and conservation-based travel.
- Best time for Tiger Spoting: October to April
- Nearest airport: Bhopal (140 km)
- Safari Cost: ₹3,500 – ₹5,500 per jeep
- Safari timings: Morning 6:00–11:00 • Evening 15:00–17:30 (walking/boat slots vary).
- Why go: India’s most experiential tiger landscape—walking, boating, canoeing, and Jeep safaris.
- Insider Tip: Walking safaris give an unmatched close-up feel of the forest.
10. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Recognized as one of the best tiger safaris in South India, Nagarhole is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a hotspot of biodiversity.
- Best time for Tiger Spoting: October – May
- Nearest airport: Mysore (98 km)
- Safari Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹6,500 per jeep
- Safari timings: Morning 6:00–9:00 • Evening 15:00–18:00.
- Why go: One of South India’s best for tigers and legendary Kabini leopard (and black panther) encounters.
- Insider Tip: Combine with Kabini for a complete South India wildlife circuit.
Safari Cost & Comparison Table: Best Tiger Safaris in India
National Park | Location | Best Time | Cost Range (Jeep) | Unique Feature |
Ranthambore | Rajasthan | Oct–Jun | ₹4,000–₹7,500 | Tigers + forts |
Jim Corbett | Uttarakhand | Nov–Jun | ₹3,500–₹6,000 | Oldest park |
Bandhavgarh | Madhya Pradesh | Oct–Jun | ₹4,500–₹8,000 | Highest tiger density |
Kanha | Madhya Pradesh | Oct–Jun | ₹5,000–₹8,000 | Jungle Book inspiration |
Tadoba | Maharashtra | Oct–Jun | ₹3,500–₹5,500 | Budget-friendly |
Pench | Madhya Pradesh | Nov–May | ₹4,000–₹6,500 | Dense forests |
Sundarbans | West Bengal | Oct–Mar | ₹4,000–₹7,000 | Mangrove ecosystem |
Kaziranga | Assam | Nov–Apr | ₹3,500–₹6,000 | Rhinos + tigers |
Satpura | Madhya Pradesh | Oct–Apr | ₹3,500–₹5,500 | Walking safaris |
Nagarhole | Karnataka | Oct–May | ₹4,000–₹6,500 | Best in South India |
Best Time to See Tigers in India
- Summer (March – June): Tigers often gather near waterholes → highest spotting chances.
- Winter (October – February): Comfortable weather, better for families & photography.
FAQs on Tiger Safaris in India
Q1. Which is the best tiger safari in India?
A: Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, and Kanha are considered the best for tiger sightings.
Q2. Which is the best tiger safari in South India?
A: Nagarhole and Kabini in Karnataka are top choices in South India.
Q3. What is the cost of a tiger safari in India?
A: Standard jeep safaris cost ₹3,500–₹8,000, while luxury packages may go higher.
Q4. Which park has the highest tiger density in India?
A: Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
Q5. What other wildlife can I spot during tiger safaris?
A: Leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, barasinghas, elephants, and migratory birds.
Q6. How to book tiger safaris in India?
A: Safaris must be booked through official government portals or certified travel agencies like YoYo Trips India.
Plan Your Tiger Safari with Experts You Can Trust
At YoYo Trips India, we combine 7+ years of experience in wildlife tour planning with deep local knowledge of tiger reserves. Our packages include:
- Government-approved safari permits
- Experienced naturalist guides
- Handpicked lodges (from luxury to budget)
- Seamless travel & transfers
We are committed to responsible tourism and support conservation efforts to protect India’s wildlife heritage.
👉 Book your tiger safari in India today with YoYo Trips India, the best travel agency in Delhi, NCR. Permits are limited—reserve early to secure your safari dates
