Five of the best forests for tiger spotting in India
With the wildlife viewing season in India in full swing, now is the perfect time to see tigers. Here are the best places to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures
Tiger spotters in India have cause for jubilation this year.
After years of depressing reports about poaching, shrinking habitats and overall alarming reduction in the number of tigers in India, there is finally good news. The latest tiger census, completed towards the end of 2014, shows a 30 per cent increase in numbers from the last census in 2011; up to 2,226 from a low of 1,706.
The wildlife season has just begun in India and goes on until June. Most national parks have just reopened after the torrid monsoon months, making it the perfect time to go in search of this magnificent, elusive beast.
Although spotting a tiger in the wild is a matter of luck, here are a few dedicated tiger reserves that offer the best chances to get up close and personal with them. Apart from tigers, these forests are home to other animals, including the langur (monkey), chital and sambar (deer), wild boar, wild dog, gaur (Indian bison), blue bull, fox and sloth bear.
This is one of India’s largest national parks, and thanks to its easy accessibility from both Delhi and Mumbai, also one of the most popular. The landscape here is usually dry and brown, bounded by the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges. Sightings in this forest are made easier by the presence of three lakes, which tigers frequent regularly to drink water. Once you have had your fill of the wildlife experience, head to the 10th-century hilltop fort close to the entrance.