10 STEPS GUIDE TO SPOTTING A TIGER IN THE INDIAN WILD- Corbett, Ranthambore & Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves | With JEEP & CANTER SAFARI booking details & BUDGET
I have been to several National Parks in India primarily in search of the elusive big cat called the Tiger. It's always lovely to witness wild animals in their natural habitat but it becomes all the more special when one of those animals happens to be a Tiger! Here I am going to share with you 10 points that you should keep in mind before booking that Jungle Safari in India. These points encompass my 12 years of traveling experience in the wild and all the Tiger wisdom I have gained over the years.
1. Select a National Park that has maximum density as well as maximum number of tigers as per most recent Tiger Census data from National Tiger Conservation Authority & Wildlife Institute of India. I spotted my first Tiger finally at Corbett Tiger Reserve as it had 231 Tigers at that time(in February of 2021)- the highest number of tigers anywhere in India. So Corbett National Park is the first choice.
2. If it is not possible for you to visit Corbett Tiger Reserve, then head to Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur District of Rajasthan or even to Bandhavgarh National Park in the heart of India that is Madhya Pradesh. Even if the number is less here, there are many open spaces and grasslands that make it easy to spot the elusive cat.
3. Season is important as well. One must visit in Summers between March & June when Tigers can be easily found lazing in a waterhole, lower half completely dipped in water. They can even be found standing near a water hole if you are lucky. Then you may even witness the royal gait of the Tiger when he walks towards or parallel to you. I had this surreal experience during my Jeep Safari at Bijrani Zone in Corbett Tiger Reserve. The Tiger was relaxing in the water hole, then stood up after 10 minutes and began his majestic walk into the dense foliage of the Sal forest. Then we slowly moved our Jeep in the direction of his walk and tracked him. It was exhilarating, overwhelming, magical!!
Get all Details about Corbett Tiger Reserve, Bookings, Tiger Safari on my Youtube channel here!
4. The calls and sounds of the jungle play a crucial role in spotting the big cat. Some animals make distinct calls when the Tiger is on prowl such as the Barking Deer, the Langurs, the Sambhar Deer & even some birds. Do follow the sounds and wait for Tiger sighting. He might be in front of you but you would not come to know unless you listen to the jungle! Langurs and Sambhar Deer told us about the Tiger and we were lucky to find him dipped in a pond.
5. Look out for signs of a Tiger such as his pug marks in the river bed or soil nearby. When we began our Safari at Corbett, we saw several pug marks of an adult Tiger as well as an Elephant. It reassured us that there was a definite movement of Tiger in the area where we were roaming. It kept us motivated!
6. The timing of your Safari matters a lot too. Go for an evening safari that starts at 2 PM and ends at around 6 PM. The chances of seeing the wild cat multiply manifold during hot summer days. However, one can spot a Tiger in morning Safari as well since Tigers are after all nocturnal beings but it is still rare to sight one early morning.
7. Try to book a private vehicle such as a Gypsy or Jeep & not a Canter, please!! Gypsy makes little sound & can often go deep into the core areas. Tigers generally come near Gypsies but they would stay away from buses and canters. Learn from me, I spotted a Tiger in a Gypsy but the very next day when I went to Dhikala Zone in a Canter, there was no Tiger in sight.
8. Stay in the core area for as long as possible. Do a night stay within the Park itself so that you can enjoy 8 hour safari throughout the day. Book your accommodation online 45 days in advance before you visit Corbett Tiger Reserve. This will surely enhance your chances many fold.
9. If you are unable to find him, choose a good ecosystem within your safari zone and patiently wait for his arrival. By "Good", I mean a habitat which is relatively more biodiverse, which has a river or a big lake, which has many birds flying from one tree to the other, which has some Sambhar Deer around(A Sambhar is Tiger's favorite) & which seems unusually active with life. You might just get lucky and find him there, somewhere. For example, Padam Talao at Zone 3 in Ranthambore National Park & Ramganga Riverbed at Dhikala Zone in Corbett National Park are good ecosystems for sighting a Tiger at any moment!
10. Last but not at all the least, choose a Guide & Driver duo after reading a few reviews and talking to your resort/hotel staff. The experience & skill of the duo can really make or break your Tiger Safari outcomes. Some resorts in Corbett have tied up with specific Drivers and Guides who are way more professional and experienced than the others who are not so skilled. Obviously, trained Guides could take you to right places at the right time. After all, it is the timing which is the most crucial factor to spot the big cat.
All the above steps if followed with right passion, perseverance, patience & zeal would surely enable you to spot the elusive animal. Seeing a Tiger roaming & roaring freely like a king in his own backyard would be an experience of a lifetime, wouldn't it!!
Do share your wildlife experiences with me in the Comments section. Thank you for coming here!
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