The Royal Bengal Tiger is one of the fiercest and most powerful members of the big cat family found in the wild. Known for their strength and beauty, these tigers possess a magnificent striped coat with a unique blend of yellow to light orange hues adorned with dark brown or black stripes, perfectly suited for camouflage in the dry deciduous forests. Native to the Indian subcontinent, the royal Bengal tiger is found in regions extending across India, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Burma.1
With an estimated population of over 3,100 tigers, India is home to the largest population of royal Bengal tigers in the world. Thanks to conservation efforts like Project Tiger, initiated by the Government of India, the number of royal Bengal tigers in India has doubled over the past two decades. Madhya Pradesh, known as the “Tiger State,” boasts the highest tiger population, with around 785 tigers thriving across its three major national parks.2
In this blog, we will explore the national parks in India where Bengal tigers are found, offering a unique opportunity to witness the majesty of these royal predators in their natural habitat.
Where Are Bengal Tigers Found? A Glimpse into Their Habitat
The habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger is spread across diverse geographical areas. They thrive mainly in evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests, and moist deciduous forests. Historically, the royal Bengal tiger was found in abundance along the banks of the Ganges plains, the Himalayan foothills, and the Deccan regions of India. The Sunderban tigers, however, are unique as they are the only ones that inhabit the mangrove forests, with a significant population residing there. The distribution of royal Bengal tigers extends across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
In India, royal Bengal tigers are found in 19 states, with these habitats designated as Tiger Reserves, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries to ensure protection. Currently, there are 51 Tiger Reserves across the country aimed at conserving these majestic creatures. A notable government initiative, the “Tiger Conservation Units,” began with the establishment of Corbett National Park in the Himalayan foothills. Due to its success, many other national parks have also prioritized tiger conservation, including Hazaribagh National Park, Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Ratapani Tiger Reserve.3
These protected areas serve as vital refuges where Bengal tigers are found, helping to safeguard their future and maintain biodiversity in India.
Top National Parks in India Known for Royal Bengal Tiger Sightings
India is home to the majority of the Royal Bengal Tiger population. National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are part of the conservation efforts aimed at creating safe habitats for these majestic tigers. India has 51 Tiger Reserves dedicated to protecting these endangered species. Here are some of the best places to visit:
Bandhavgarh National Park: The Tiger Haven of Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the top destinations for tiger safaris in India, especially for sighting the majestic royal Bengal tiger. Located in the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh, the park spans over 400 sq. km, with a core area of 105 sq. km dedicated to wildlife preservation. Bandhavgarh is situated in Umaria district, approximately 194 km from Jabalpur, which has convenient airport access to major cities. For an affordable stay, travelers can book a hotel under 500 in Jabalpur and enjoy a smooth journey to Bandhavgarh.
Historically, this park served as the hunting grounds for the Maharaja of Rewa and is famously known as the original home of the white tiger. Today, it attracts wildlife enthusiasts eager to witness both the Bengal tiger and white tiger species in the wild, along with the breathtaking scenery that Bandhavgarh offers.
For more information the official website of the park is www.bandhavgarh-national-park.com.
Kanha National Park: Jungle You Will Found More Than Tigers
Kanha National Park, located near Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, is a prime destination for those wishing to experience the thrill of spotting the royal Bengal tiger in the wild. Nestled within the Maikal range of the Satpura mountain ranges, Kanha National Park boasts a unique geography, with the Satpura and Vindhyan ranges cradling the Narmada River between them. This rich landscape makes Kanha one of central India’s most popular spots for jungle safaris and observing the majestic royal Bengal tigers in India.
Kanha is situated in the Mandla district, first declared a forest reserve in 1879, then upgraded to a wildlife sanctuary in 1933, and finally became a national park in 1955. Spanning a core area of 940 sq km, the park covers a total of 1,945 sq km, providing a vast habitat for wildlife to flourish. Excitingly, in 2024, Kanha saw the birth of a tiger cub, Neelima’s daughter, bringing the park’s total tiger population to approximately 130.4
Divided into four key zones—Kanha, Mukki, Kisli, and Sarhi—the park offers a variety of landscapes and wildlife experiences. Travelers can reach Kanha by taking a 170 km journey from Jabalpur. For convenience, booking an affordable hotel in Jabalpur under 500 can make for a smooth and budget-friendly connection to this wildlife haven.
For more information the official website of the park is www.kanha-national-park.com.
Pench National Park: Where Legend of ‘Mougli’ is Remembered
If you’re a fan of “The Jungle Book” then visiting Pench National Park will be a nostalgic journey. Located in the heart of India, this park served as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s iconic 1894 tale. Here, you can relive your childhood memories by exploring the very jungle where the story of Mowgli unfolds. Pench National Park is nestled between Seoni and Chhindwara districts, covering an expansive 758 sq km, with 299 sq km as the core area, including the Priyadarshini Pench National Park and Mowgli Pench Sanctuary, while the remaining area forms a buffer zone.
Named after the Pench River, which flows between the two districts, the park is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It’s not only a significant national park in India for tigers, but also home to a variety of other wildlife. Royal Bengal tigers in India roam these lands, and visitors have a good chance of spotting these majestic creatures in the wild. The Royal Bengal tiger is the star attraction here, but you can also see animals like jackals, peafowl, wild dogs, gaurs, barking deer, and Indian wolves.
To reach Pench National Park, you can take a taxi from nearby cities. It is conveniently located 213 km from Jabalpur and just 130 km from Nagpur, making it accessible by road. Nagpur’s Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is the closest airport, while Seoni railway station is only 72 km away, offering multiple travel options to this enchanting tiger sanctuary.
For more information the official website of the park is www.penchnationalpark.com/.
Ranthambore National Park: The Iconic Tiger Reserve Near Delhi
Ranthambore National Park, a renowned tiger reserve near Delhi, is situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. Located approximately 130 km from Jaipur and around 370 km from New Delhi, it is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those eager to witness the majestic royal Bengal tigers in India. Spread across roughly 300 sq km, the park’s area expands to around 500 sq km when combined with the neighboring Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary.
One of Ranthambore’s unique features is its diverse landscape, which includes numerous water bodies scattered throughout, providing essential resources for wildlife and enhancing the park’s scenic beauty. The historic Ranthambhore Fort, from which the park takes its name, stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and adds to the park’s allure.
The park is home to an estimated tiger population of 63 to 80, which includes around 25 adult tigers, 31 tigresses, and 24 cubs. This robust population offers visitors a promising chance to spot the royal Bengal tiger in its natural habitat. Ranthambore National Park is an ideal destination for travelers exploring northern India to experience the thrill of seeing these magnificent creatures up close.5
For more information the official website of the park is www.ranthamborenationalpark.com/.
Sundarbans National Park: Where Bengal Tiger Meets Mangroves
The Sunderbans, a renowned West Bengal tiger reserve, is a truly unique destination where the majestic royal Bengal tiger is found in a mesmerizing mangrove habitat. Unlike any other national park in India, this tiger reserve in West Bengal lies in a constantly shifting landscape, affected by frequent flooding due to its dense network of rivers, creeks, and mangroves. Covering a vast area of approximately 40,000 sq km, the Sunderbans is shared between India’s West Bengal and Bangladesh, creating a rich biodiversity hotspot that has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This India tiger sanctuary is a thrilling experience for tourists, who can explore the terrain on boat safaris. Spotting the royal Bengal tigers in India’s Sunderbans is a unique adventure, as these tigers have adapted to swimming, a rare behavior not typically observed elsewhere. The waters also teem with crocodiles and a vibrant array of flora and fauna. Safari timings in the Sunderbans generally run from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, with the best months to visit being November to March.
To reach this sanctuary, travelers can start from Kolkata, located 110 km away, which is well-connected to major cities. The Sunderbans offer an unforgettable glimpse into where Bengal tigers are found in their natural, untouched habitat.
For more information, the official website of the park is www.sunderbannationalpark.in.
Jim Corbett National Park: India’s First Tiger Reserve
Jim Corbett National Park, one of the most prestigious and oldest national parks in India, is located at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. Known as a premier India tiger sanctuary, it holds a special place in conservation history as the birthplace of Project Tiger launched in 1973.
This national park in India offers a unique opportunity to observe the royal Bengal tigers in India in their natural habitat, as the royal Bengal tiger is found in abundance here. With a population of approximately 260 tigers, it remains a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts to witness these magnificent creatures.
The park covers an extensive area of 1,288.31 sq km, divided into six tourist zones, each with core and buffer areas where visitors can embark on thrilling wildlife safaris. Besides tigers, the park is home to over 55 other mammal species, making it a biodiverse paradise.6
For those based in New Delhi, this national park near Delhi is an ideal spot for a tiger safari, offering convenient access via road and rail from Delhi, Moradabad, Nainital, and Bareilly. Visitors can reach Ramnagar railway station, which is just a short half-hour drive from the park’s entrance, making it easy to explore where Bengal tigers are found.
For more information, the official website of the park is www.corbettnationalpark.in.
Essential Tips for Planning a Royal Bengal Tiger Safari in India
The Royal Bengal Tiger is a majestic sight to witness in the wild, and for those looking to spot this iconic predator, we’ve listed some of the best national parks in India where the royal Bengal tiger is found. Planning your tiger safari well can help you manage expenses and fully enjoy your experience. In India, winter is the ideal season for tiger tourism, as the cooler temperatures encourage animals to bask in the sun, making them more visible.
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the top destinations for spotting royal Bengal tigers in India. Despite its smaller size, Bandhavgarh boasts a high density of tigers—around 60 in total—which significantly increases your chances of a sighting. Here, visitors can experience where Bengal tigers are found in their natural environment, making it a prime Indian tiger sanctuary.7
Essential items for your jungle trip include:
- water bottle
- Binoculars
- mosquito repellent
- a hat or a cap to protect you from the sun.
Many tour agencies offer 2-day 3-night packages to help you make the most of your safari. If you’re arriving in Jabalpur, this city serves as an excellent base for visiting Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench—famous reserves for seeing the royal Bengal tiger. You can find budget accommodations with a hotel in Jabalpur under 1000, offering basic amenities and easy access to your desired wildlife destinations.
Conclusion
A wildlife safari, especially one focused on spotting the royal Bengal tiger, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of observing this majestic predator up close in its natural habitat. Choosing the right national park in India can increase your chances of not only spotting royal Bengal tigers in India but also witnessing tigresses with their playful cubs, a rare and heartwarming sight.
Visiting these locations not only offers an unforgettable adventure but also supports the local economy, benefiting villages and communities around the park. By planning a quick journey to these tiger reserves, you contribute to the conservation efforts and help the natives who rely on tourism. Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the captivating wildlife of India and create memories that will last a lifetime.
- https://bigcatsindia.com/royal-bengal-tiger-information-and-facts/ ↩︎
- https://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/priority_species/bengal_tiger/faq/
https://bigcatsindia.com/tiger-census-2022/ ↩︎ - https://tigerreservesinindia.com/wildlife-in-india/endangered-animals-in-india/royal-bengal-tiger/ ↩︎
- https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?61320/Tigers-in-Kanha-National-Park-India ↩︎
- https://ranthamborenationalpark-india.com/tigers-in-ranthambore/ ↩︎
- https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/environment/supreme-court-ban-on-tiger-safaris-in-jim-corbett-why-balancing-ecosystems-and-economics-is-critical-12413481.html ↩︎
- https://www.wildlifetrip.in/tips-to-plan-an-epic-wildlife-safari-in-india.html ↩︎