Hidden in India: 9 places you can still spot the rare White Tiger
White tigers, once spotted in the wilds of Madhya Pradesh, now live on in carefully managed reserves across India. Explore 9 rare destinations where you can still witness this magnificent creature.
Once regarded as the living ghosts of India’s forests, white tigers have long captured the imagination of naturalists and wildlife lovers alike. These striking creatures—genetically rare variants of the Bengal tiger—are not a separate subspecies but owe their iconic white coat to a genetic mutation known as leucism. The first white tiger ever seen in the wild was discovered in 1951 in the forests of Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. Named Mohan, the tiger was eventually captured and became the progenitor of most white tigers in captivity today. While sightings in the wild have ceased altogether, India remains the only country in the world where you can still view these majestic animals in managed environments. From zoological gardens to expansive safari parks, here are nine destinations across India where the legend of the white tiger lives on. (Image: Canva)
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1. Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar Nestled on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan is home to India’s first dedicated white tiger safari, established in 1991. Spanning 12 hectares of forested terrain, the park reverses the traditional zoo experience: visitors remain within the confines of their vehicle, while the tigers move freely through naturalistic enclosures. The park gained global attention when it successfully bred white tigers that were not a product of inbreeding, a rare feat in zoological circles. (Image: Canva)
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2. Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens), Mysuru With its deep-rooted legacy and colonial-era charm, Mysore Zoo has long been celebrated for its white tiger exhibits. The zoo is home to iconic tigresses like Tara and Manya, whose litters have contributed to the species' population. Situated in the heart of Mysuru, the zoo provides a verdant and well-shaded environment for observing these rare felines at close range. (Representative Image: Canva)
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3. Alipore Zoological Garden, Kolkata Founded in 1876, Alipore Zoo is India’s oldest zoological park and a major draw for visitors in Eastern India. Over the decades, it has played host to a number of white tigers and remains one of the few places in the region where one can study these animals in a secure yet semi-natural habitat. Its historical significance and central location make it a compelling stop for those travelling through Bengal. (Representative Image: Canva)
4. The National Zoological Park, Delhi Situated amidst the cultural landmarks of Delhi, the National Zoological Park provides a rare glimpse of the white tiger for those based in or visiting the capital. Known for its well-maintained enclosures and accessibility, the zoo offers a thoughtfully curated experience that brings visitors face-to-face with some of India’s most iconic wildlife, including the elusive white tiger. (Image: Canva)
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5. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune Located at the foot of the Katraj hills, Pune’s Rajiv Gandhi Zoo is a more tranquil alternative to larger urban zoological parks. The white tigers here are housed in quiet enclosures, affording visitors the luxury of unhurried observation. Its relative seclusion and lower footfall make it a favourite among wildlife photographers and serious enthusiasts. (Representative Image: Canva)
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6. Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad Spread across 380 acres, Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoo is among India’s largest and most comprehensive zoological parks. It features a safari park where white tigers are maintained in carefully designed enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. The setting allows visitors to observe the tigers in action rather than just at rest, offering a more dynamic wildlife encounter. (Representative Image: Canva)
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7. Bannerghatta Biological Park, Karnataka Just 22 kilometres from Bengaluru, Bannerghatta Biological Park offers a unique opportunity to see white tigers in a semi-wild setting. Of the 33 tigers at the park, seven are white tigers, maintained in rotating groups across enclosures and safari zones. One group is regularly released into a fenced reserve forest area for public viewing, making for one of the more authentic tiger encounters outside of the wild. (Representative Image: Canva)
8. Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Tamil Nadu Also known as the Vandalur Zoo, this facility on the outskirts of Chennai is renowned for its expansive grounds and commitment to conservation. White tigers here are kept in spacious enclosures that provide both seclusion and visibility, allowing for a more respectful and natural viewing experience. The park's breeding program has also contributed to maintaining the white tiger population in southern India. (Representative Image: Canva)
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9. Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park, Gorakhpur A relatively new addition to India’s network of zoological parks, the Gorakhpur zoo has quickly gained prominence for housing white tigers in well-planned, modern enclosures. Named after the freedom fighter Ashfaq Ullah Khan, this facility is fast becoming an important destination for wildlife enthusiasts in Uttar Pradesh and beyond. (Representative Image: Canva)
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While the white tiger may no longer roam freely through India’s dense forests, its legacy is far from over. Through diligent conservation efforts and thoughtfully designed habitats, these nine destinations allow visitors to encounter one of nature’s rarest and most hauntingly beautiful creatures. For those willing to look beyond the usual wildlife circuits, the experience promises to be both unforgettable and deeply moving. (Representative Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
