11 Must Visit Tiger Reserves in India

India is home to a noteworthy portion of the world’s wild tiger population. This is possible due to its widespread network of tiger reserves. These protected areas not only serve as safe havens for tigers but also provide a home to a variety of other wildlife species and rich flora. In this post, Navita Deshpande will take you on a virtual safari of some of the most remarkable tiger reserves in India that you need to visit.

What You Need to Know About Project Tiger of India

India’s tiger population reached an alarming decline in the mid-20th century owing to excessive hunting, habitat loss, and poaching. These conditions pushed the majestic big cats to the brink of extinction. In response, in 1973, the Indian government launched ‘Project Tiger’, a ground-breaking initiative for conserving its national animal, the tiger. This project established a network of protected areas, or tiger reserves, to provide a natural habitat where tigers could thrive and targeted at reversing the declining tiger population.

With the aim of creating strict measures to curb poaching and protect habitats, the first nine tiger reserves were established across the country. Thanks to the success of these early efforts, more reserves have been added over the years. Project Tiger is playing a crucial role in stabilizing and increasing the tiger population in India and is considered one of the most successful wildlife conservation programs in the world. To know more about Project Tiger under National Tiger Conservation Authority of India, read here.

Which are the Must-Visit Tiger Reserves in India?

1. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is located in central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is renowned for having one of the highest tiger densities in India and was designated a tiger reserve in 1993-94.

Bandhavgarh’s terrain comprises dense forests, rugged hills, and open grasslands. In addition to tigers, this reserve is home to leopards, wild boars, and numerous species of deer. The rich and diverse birdlife in the park includes species such as the Malabar pied hornbill and white-rumped vulture. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve’s wide-ranging terrain and extensive prey base create a favourable environment for tigers to thrive. To plan a trip and know more about Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, read here.

2. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka

Bandipur Tiger Reserve is located in southern India in the state of Karnataka. As part of Nilgiri Biosphere, this forest was designated a tiger reserve in 1973-74.

Bandipur Tiger Reserve is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is recognized for its diverse habitats, which include dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, and scrublands. In addition to tigers, Bandipur is also home to elephants, Indian gaur, chital, sambar, and a variety of bird species. The tiger population has significantly grown in Bandipur owing to its effective anti-poaching measures. To plan a trip and know more about Bandipur Tiger Reserve, read here.

3. Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett, or Corbett Tiger Reserve, is the oldest national park in India, and it is located in the northern state of Uttarakhand. Established as a tiger reserve in 1973-74, Corbett was the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative.

Corbett is identified for its picturesque landscapes. The reserve’s diverse habitat, including hills, grasslands, riverine belts, and dense forests, provides an ideal environment for tigers. Hence, this reserve is a habitat for a significant tiger population along with other wildlife such as leopards and elephants. Corbett National Park is also rich in diverse birdlife. Corbett’s rich prey base supports a healthy and growing tiger population. To plan a trip and know more about Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, read here.

4. Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Kanha Tiger Reserve is situated in central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the largest and most well-maintained reserves in India and was designated a tiger reserve in 1973-74.

Kanha Tiger Reserve is acknowledged for its plush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows, and winding streams. Along with tigers, Kanha is celebrated for its population of barasingha or swamp deer, and other wild animals such as leopards, wild dogs, and a variety of herbivores and birds. Kanha Tiger Reserve’s successful reintroduction and preservation of the barasingha have positively impacted the entire ecosystem and have indirectly supported the tiger population by maintaining the ecological balance. To plan a trip and know more about Kanha Tiger Reserve, read here.

5. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Assam

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is located in Assam, one of the states in northeast India. It was designated a tiger reserve in 1974 and is also one of the must-see World Heritage Sites in India.

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is prominent for its population of the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, among other wildlife. Apart from one-horned rhinos and tigers, you can also find elephants and water buffalo. Kaziranga National Park is also a paradise for birdwatchers with species such as the great hornbill and Bengal florican. The successful conservation of rhinos in this national park of Assam has helped create a well-protected habitat that supports a growing tiger population. To plan a trip and know more about Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, read here.

6. Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the Amravati district of the west Indian state of Maharashtra. It was declared a tiger reserve in 1973-74.

Melghat Tiger Reserve is characterized by its dense forests, which naturally make for a perfect habitat for tigers and other wildlife. This tiger reserve in Maharashtra is also known for its rich biodiversity, including species such as leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of deer. Melghat is said to have implemented contemporary preservation strategies and community-based approaches to ensure a safe and thriving environment for tigers. To plan a trip and know more about Melghat Tiger Reserve, read here.

7. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in the southern part of India in the state of Tamil Nadu. Known for its meticulous corridor conservation, Mudumalai was designated a tiger reserve in 2007.

As part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve plays a vital role in maintaining wildlife corridors that connect different tiger habitats. This connectivity has been crucial for genetic diversity and the overall health of the tiger population. Apart from tigers, Mudumalai is home to Indian elephants, gaur, and a variety of deer. The park is also rich in birdlife, with species such as the Malabar trogon and Indian giant squirrel. To plan a trip and know more about Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, read here

8. Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Pench Tiger Reserve is divided into two sections. The larger forest area of Pench, which extends into Madhya Pradesh, was designated a tiger reserve in 1992-93 and is known to be the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling and home to Jungle Book’s Mowgli.

The landscapes of Pench Tiger Reserve, with the dry deciduous forests, open grassy meadows, and dense undergrowth, inspired Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.” The reserve’s conservation efforts have preserved a balanced ecosystem reminiscent of the lush, vibrant forests depicted in the book, supporting a healthy tiger population. Key wildlife includes tigers, leopards, and the Indian wolf, along with numerous bird species. To plan a trip and know more about Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, read here.

9. Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

One of the sections of Pench Tiger Reserve is located in Maharashtra. This part of Pench forest was designated a tiger reserve in 1998-99. Though Maharshtra and Madhya Pradesh sections of Pench are next to each other, the entry for both is separate.

Pench Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra is focused on involving local communities in conservation efforts, providing them with alternative livelihoods with the aim to reduce human-wildlife conflict and contribute to a stable tiger population. Apart from tigers, Pench, with its teak forests, and open grassy patches, is home to leopards, wild dogs, and a variety of herbivores such as gaur and chital. The reserve also supports a rich birdlife, including species like the Indian roller and crested serpent eagle. To plan a trip and know more about Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, read here.

10. Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Panna Tiger Reserve is situated in the Vindhya Mountain range in Madhya Pradesh in central India. It was designated a tiger reserve in 1993-94 and has success stories related to tiger reintroduction.

After a dramatic decline in their population, Panna Tiger Reserve successfully reintroduced tigers by translocating them from other reserves and ensuring that they adapt and survive in Panna’s habitat. Panna’s plateaus, gorges, and dense teak forests support a variety of other wildlife too, including leopards, gharials, and the Indian wolf. The park is also known for its rich avian diversity, with species like the bar-headed goose and crested serpent eagle. To plan a trip and know more about Panna Tiger Reserve, read here.

11. Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in the Aravalli Hills in India’s north-western state of Rajasthan, which is also very popular for its World Heritage City of Jaipur and the historic palaces and havelis. Sariska forest was designated a tiger reserve in 1978-79 and has done remarkably well in tiger reintroduction from within the state.

Sariska Tiger Reserve translocated tigers from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, also in Rajasthan, after the local tiger population was wiped out. Apart from tigers, Sariska hosts a variety of wildlife, including leopards, striped hyenas, and sambar deer. The park is also home to a rich avian population, with species such as the Indian peafowl and golden-backed woodpecker. The reintroduction program has played a key role in re-establishing the tiger population here. To plan a trip and know more about Sariska Tiger Reserve, read here.

Conclusion

India’s tiger reserves are more than just protected areas; they are living, breathing ecosystems where the delicate balance of nature is cautiously maintained. The success stories of Project Tiger and these reserves across the Indian subcontinent are truly inspiring. They highlight the importance of dedicated conservation efforts, community involvement, and innovative strategies in ensuring the survival of India’s national animal – the majestic tiger.

As you explore these incredible reserves, you will not only witness the beauty of India’s wildlife but also gain a deeper appreciation for the relentless work that goes into preserving it. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adventurer, visiting these tiger reserves will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories and a profound respect for India’s natural heritage.

Just bear in mind that in any of the Tiger Reserves of India, sighting a tiger is a matter of chance. Hence, a single-minded objective to see only the tiger when you visit any National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary in India may disappoint you. So, enjoy the magical tiger reserves of India in all their wilderness and do share your experience with us. We would love to hear from you.