Travel guide 2024: 6 tiger safaris to explore in India this winter

Part of the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is Karnataka’s best-kept secret. (Photo by Sammandi via Wikimedia Commons 4.0)

As the crisp winter air descends upon India, a unique opportunity arises. While the summer heat draws tigers to watering holes, offering its own advantages, the cold season can give you a distinct edge to witness the majestic Bengal tiger and other keystone species in some national parks. So, pack your binoculars and adventurous spirit, and head on a thrilling journey.

6 good places to see the tiger in India, even in winters

1. Bandhavgarh National Park, nestled amidst the rolling Satpura hills of Madhya Pradesh, is spread over 1500 sq kms, the terrain here is a captivating tapestry of hill ranges, lush meadows and grassy swamps, woven together by the life-giving Charan Ganga river.

There are several places of historical interest within the park, including Badi Gufa, a 10th-century cave carved out of solid sandstone, and Three Cave Point, which provides animals shelter from the elements.

But the undeniable star is the tiger. With a tiger population of 135, the second highest in India as per the 2022 census, this park offers probably the best chance to see the striped big cat in its natural habitat year-round.

Whether the summer sun paints the grasslands gold or a winter breeze rustles through the leaves, the tigers of Bandhavgarh reign supreme, inviting one and all to witness their power and grace.

2. Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan roars with a distinct charm. At the crossroads of the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, just 14km from Sawai Madhopur, it was once the private game reserve of the royal house of Jaipur.

The dry-deciduous forest hums with life. Legends like Machli, the celebrated tigress, have etched their stories onto this land. The national park is also home to sloth bears, leopards, caracals, and even the occasional Indian wolf. Winters are the best time to witness basking crocodiles sunning themselves on riverbanks, listen to the chilling scream of the serpent eagle, watch a king vulture perched on a snag, and feel the excitement of a chital’s alarm call that announces a tiger is near.

But Ranthambore is more than just wildlife. The 10th-century Ranthambore Fort perched atop a hill, abandoned settlements and ancient cenotaphs all whisper tales of a bygone era.

3. Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve: For those looking to see more than just the tiger in a single visit, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve located in Assam, amidst the lush Eastern Himalayan foothills, is 430 sq kms of paradise.

Tall elephant grass dances in the breeze, marshlands shimmer in the sun, and dense forests wait to be discovered. And then there’s the Brahmaputra, meandering through the heart of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, adding a touch of mystery to this breathtaking canvas.

There is a variety of wildlife, beyond the tigers, to see in the dense forests. This national park is home to a staggering 2,613 Indian one-horned rhinos (nearly 2/3rds of their global population!). Elephant herds trumpet their way through grasslands. The park is a haven for birdlife too, with winter skies painted by migrating flocks of lesser white-fronted geese, ferruginous ducks, Baer’s pochard duck, and rare storks and cranes.

4. Corbett Tiger Reserve, established in 1936, is India’s first national park. It was here, amidst the rustling leaves and tall sal trees, that Project Tiger - an ambitious dream to save these magnificent beasts - launched in 1973. Today, more than 260 striped cats roam free.

But the park’s symphony of life extends far beyond the king of the jungle. Fifty-five mammal species, including elusive leopards, majestic Asian elephants, and herds of sambar, barking and hog deer, can be spotted here.

Birders flock to Corbett, captivated by the over 600 avian species that flit through the area. From the majestic crested serpent eagle surveying the grasslands and the rare Hodgson's bushchat hidden in the foliage to the fish owl and her chick peeking out from their tree trunk nest, there is a memory waiting to be etched in every heart.

Yet, the Bengal tiger remains the undisputed star of this wild spectacle. Head here in February, and watch its powerful presence electrify every safari.

5. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve: Decades of overexploitation and hunting had threatened the tiger's very existence here. But in 1993, Tadoba merged with the Andhari, forming Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. Today, this 626 sq km forest pulsates with life.

While the tiger draws in the tourists, what enchants them are the southern tropical dry deciduous jungle with myriad grasslands and waterbodies. Also captivating are the groves of bamboo that supply food for herbivores, keep invasive weeds at bay, and serve as both safe harbour and ambush cover for different species.

Head here in February or March, and be prepared to be stunned by the variety of insect and bird life: from the azure dartlets and Tickell’s blue flycatchers to the Indian silverbills. This is the home of several prey species such as wild pigs, sambar and chital, and predators such as jungle cats, wild dogs, leopards, muggers and tigers.

Winters are the perfect time to see the red-wattled lapwing, which reaches Tadoba in the fall and stays until March. Also spot little egrets, waders, ruddy turnstones, reed buntings, and green-winged teals.

6. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary: Karnataka’s best-kept secret, this wildlife sanctuary is only now getting its due. Part of the renowned Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, what has added to its allure is that there is no shortfall of tiger sightings at any time of the year.

In winters, as the morning mist settles, the forest comes alive with activity. Jeep and boat safaris can bring you face to face with a majestic striped cat on the prowl. In February and March, most elephant herds from the neighbouring forests converge here, making it a sight to see.

Although tigers and elephants are the main attractions, the dense jungles are also home to gaurs, wild boars, barking deer, wild dogs, sloth bears, mongoose and pangolins, among other mammals. But the most famous sighting in the past few years is a black leopard. His melanistic fur coat makes it hard for him to camouflage himself in the forest. He’s also not shy of cameras and safari vehicles, making him a huge tourist attraction.

Don’t forget to:

Research park timings, booking procedures, and safari options (jeep, canter, boat, etc.) beforehand.

Choose the right safari zone based on your wildlife preferences and budget. Core zones are more expensive than buffer zones, but give you the best chance of seeing diverse wildlife.

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for comfort and safety during the safaris.

Respect the wildlife and park regulations, maintaining a safe distance and avoiding loud noises.

Be patient and embrace the unpredictability of wildlife sightings; the thrill lies in the waiting.