List of Tiger Reserves in India

Tiger is the most furious predator of the jungle, which is at the top of the food chain. So, its population is an indication of the health and existence of an ecosystem. If its population decrease, the entire ecosystem will be disturbed as there will be a tremendous increase in the population of animals that are hunted down by the tigers. So, in order to maintain the tigers' population, 'Project Tiger' was introduced by Govt. of India in 1973 to prevent the decreasing population of tigers. In this project, tiger reserves are established in different states of the country. A tiger reserve is an area that is specified by the govt. of India to provide protection to tigers and their prey on which they feed. All tiger reserves are governed by 'Project Tiger.'

The famous tiger reserves in India are described as follows:

1) Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh national park is a highly visited, world-famous tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is spread over 820 sq. km. of land at the Hills of Vindhya in Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh. In the past, it served as a hunting ground for the Maharajas (Kings) of Rewa.

Bandhavgarh has the largest population of tigers among all other tiger reserves. Besides this, it also houses ancient Bandhavgarh Fort that carries rich historical heritage. This place also serves as a breeding ground for leopards and deer.

The park is divided into three main parts that are Tala, Bamera and Magdi. Out of these three zones, the Tala zone offers numerous chances to see tigers in their natural habitat.

Main attractions: Tiger safari, Bandhavgarh fort

Best time to visit: February to June (it remains closed from 1 July to 15 October)

Park timings:

• Winter Timings: 6 am to 11 am and 3 pm to 6 pm
• Summer Timings: 5:30 am to 10:30 am and 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm

2) Sunderban Tiger Reserve, West Bengal

Sunderban Tiger Reserve is spread over 2585 sq. km. of land at the South end of West Bengal. It was established to provide protection to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

It is not only the largest tiger reserve cum national park in India but also the largest mangrove forests in the world with a unique estuarine mangrove ecosystem. Besides tigers, one can see various streams and tributaries that originate from Ganges, Meghna and Brahmaputra rivers. Furthermore, it is also home to endangered species of reptiles and aquatic mammals.

Sunderban Tiger Reserve is not only a tiger reserve but also a UNESCO world heritage site with a larger number of species of birds, reptiles and salt-water crocodiles. So, this place makes your visit more exciting by offering the opportunity to see Royal Bengal Tigers as well as roaring rivers and other animals such as chital, leopards, fishing cats, and more.

Special attractions: Royal Bengal Tiger, Ganges river dolphin, Olive Ridley Turtle, Saltwater Crocodile.

Best time to visit: It remains open from September to March, but the best time to visit is between December and February. During this time, you can also see migratory birds.

3) Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is situated in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India. It is spread over 1134 sq. km of land. In the past, it was a favourite hunting place of Maharajas (Kings) of Jaipur. In 1973, it was declared a tiger reserve under the project tiger. Later, in 1980, it also became a national park. Today, it is one of the perfect wildlife reserves in India and a tiger-friendly land.

An ancient fort is also present in this tiger reserve, where tigers and leopards can be seen easily. Apart from tigers, one can see lots of other animals at this place such as Indian foxes, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, crocodiles, Indian python, Russell's vipers, and more than 250 different species of birds. Furthermore, it also has three lakes; Padam Talao, Raj Talao and Malik Takao.

Special attractions: An ancient banyan tree, an ancient fort, and three lakes within the premises of the park.

Best time to visit: February to March, however, the best time to spot tigers is in the months of April and May when they generally wander in search of water.

4) Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett National Park is a part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve that is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is the oldest national park in India that was declared a national park in 1936 by the name of Hailey National Park. The project tiger was introduced in 1973 in this park.

Jim Corbett National Park covers 520 sq. km of land that consists of hills, grasslands, marshy depressions, lake, etc. Open jeep and elephants are available for the tourists to view the nature and wildlife including bird watching. The tourists are also allowed to stay in the park at night with proper arrangements. Besides this, it is home to over 600 species of native and migratory birds.

Special attractions: To promote tourism and to enhance the experience of tourists, the park has been divided into five separate zones which are as follows:

• Bijrani Safari Zone: It consists of open grasslands and immense natural beauty. Its entry gate is just one km far from Ramnagar city.
• Jhirna Safari Zone: It remains open for the tourists throughout the year. Its entry gate is at a distance of 16 km from Ramnagar city.
• Dhela Safari Zone: This zone was included in the tiger reserve in November 2014. It is known for its rich flora and fauna and remains open throughout the year and is 13 km far from Ramnagar.
• Durga Devi Zone: It is situated on the north-east border of the park. It is famous for bird watching and is 36 km far from Ramnagar city.
• Dhikala: It is a famous wildlife zone in Corbett National Park located in the dense forest of the park. It is the highly visited safari zone in this park as here you can view various valleys and have more chances to see the wild animals living naturally.

Best time to visit: April to June

5) Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka

Bandipur National Park is located at the Chamarajanagar district in the state of Karnataka. It is spread over 874 sq. Km. of land and is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and shares its borders with three national parks namely Mudumalai National park, Wayanad National Park, and Nagarahole National Park. The tiger reserve and all three national parks together form the Nilgiri biosphere reserve; the largest wildlife protected zone. In the past, maharajas of Mysore used this place as a hunting ground. In 1974, it was declared a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger.

Bandipur national park has the second-highest population of tigers. Its dense forest offers the perfect conditions for the natural habitat of the wild tigers. Apart from tigers, it is home to various other animals like Asiatic elephants, leopard, dhole, sambar, sloth bear, chital, striped hyena, spotted deer and various species of birds.

Special attractions:

• Its eastern part, which comprises dry and moist deciduous trees, is the best place for bird-watching and Sandalwood trees. It also houses a temple, and the sight of elephants is very common in this part owing to the presence of lots of watering holes.
• In the central part, it has Nagu River where you can easily spot different wild animals.
• The north part is famous for boating in the backwater of Kabini reservoir and for watching birds when the river dries up in the summer. A bicycle tour is also available in this part.
• Wildlife Safari like bus safari, elephant safari, and jeep safari.

Best time to visit: October to May, the chances to see tigers are high in the months of March and April.

6) Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Kanha Tiger Reserve, which is also known as the Kanha-Kisli National Park, is located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh. It covers an area of over 1900 sq. km that makes it the largest National Park of Madhya Pradesh.

It became Kanha National Park in June 1955 and became a tiger reserve in 1973 under the Project Tiger of Govt. of India. The park is not only home to the royal Bengal Tigers but also is the only place in India where numerous species of Barasingha can be found. The other animals that can be seen in this park include leopard, sloth bear, wild dogs, blackbuck, chital, sambhar, swamp deer, etc. The park is also rich in flora with over 200 varieties of flowering plants and more than 70 species of trees.

Special attractions:

• Elephant Safari: It is a joy ride of one to four hour duration. It is arranged by the forest department. Watching the wildlife by sitting on the back of an elephant is great fun.
• Jeep Safari: It allows you to see the dense forest and wildlife of the national park from the comfort of an open jeep. You are accompanied by a wildlife expert.
• Bird Watching: You can walk leisurely through the woods of the park to watch birds living in their natural environment.
• Cycling: It is generally arranged by the forest lodge on request. You can see lake, tribal homes and river during the cycling tour.

Best time to visit: It remains open from 16 October to 30 June.

7) Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Pench Tiger Reserve is spread over the land of two districts Chhindwara and Seoni in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Its name is derived from the Pench River that flows across this region and divides it into two equal parts. The park consists of hills, rocky trains, rivers, overflowing streams. It covers an area of around 758 sq. km.

It was declared Pench Tiger reserve in 1992. It is home to Royal Bengal Tiger and other animals like leopard, deer, monkeys, wild dogs, jackal, etc. The prey animals include chital, sambhar, langur, gaur, etc. The flora comprises climbers, shrubs, trees and medicinal herbs. The rich flora and fauna of the park are benefited by the Pench River. Besides this, it houses over 300 different species of flora and fauna.

The white kulu trees that are known as ghost trees are commonly found in the park. Mahua is the main tree of the park. Its fruits are used by tribes for brewing beer.

Special attractions: elephant safaris, jeep safari, jungle walk, bird watching, cycling rides, boating, bonfires, etc.

Nearby tourist places: Bandhavgarh National Park, Nagzira National Park, Kanha National Park, Tadoba National Park.

Best time to visit: February to April, however, it remains open from mid-October to June.

8) Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is situated in the district of Chandrapur in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is also the largest and oldest national park of Maharashtra as well as the largest tiger reserve in Maharashtra. Its name is derived from the tribal god (Taru/Tadoba) of this region and from the river Andhari that flows across this forest.

It houses a large number of species of plants, trees, and wild animals such as Tigers, bears, panthers, hyenas, jackals, sambar, deer, etc. Teak and bamboo are commonly found at this place.

In 1955, this forest area was declared a national park, and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the nearby forests in 1986. Later, in 1995 the national park and sanctuary were merged under Project Tiger to create the Tadoba Andhari Tiger reserve consisting of Moharli, Chimur Hills, and Kolsa Ranges.

Special attractions: The park is divided into three zones; Tadoba in the north, Moharli or Morhurli in the centre, and Kolsa in the south.

• Tadoba zone: This zone offers you scenic locations and more opportunities to spot wildlife.
• Moharli zone: This zone is famous for safari rides and is the best place to see animals living naturally.
• Kolsa zone: It is a dense forest so there are fewer chances to spot wildlife in this zone. It is perfect if you want to explore the flora of the reserve.

Best time to visit: December to February, and right after the monsoon when the entire forest turns into a lush green land. For tiger sightings, the best time is between April and June.

9) Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is a part of Nilgiri biosphere reserve. It is also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park and is situated in the Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka. It became a tiger reserve in 1999 and comprises hills, streams, waterfalls, valleys and woods.

Nagarhole tiger reserve houses around 47 streams, over 40 man-made tanks, four lakes, a reservoir and a dam. Besides this, it also has various swamps and has the highest density of herbivores in Asia. The trees commonly found in this region include teak, sandalwood, rosewood, silver oak. You can easily spot tigers, elephants, bear, and gaur at this place.

Park can be divided into different parts that are as follows:

• North: This part shares its boundary with Kabini River that is the main source of water for this park. It is covered with dense forest and experiences heavy rainfall, so here you can see lots of herbivores.
• South East: It remains dry so here you can easily spot predators like tigers, panthers and different species of birds.
• Center: It is an excellent spot for backwaters of Kabini River and watching wildlife.
• West: This part of the park consists of streams, waterfalls, valleys, and hills. Here, you can spot various bamboos and sandalwood trees and animals that live on trees.

Special attractions:

• Jaap safari: It is great fun to see animals closely from a jeep.
• Boat safari: It offers a boat ride on the Kabini River. It allows you to spot aquatic wildlife such as water birds, gharials, crocodile, and more. It also includes coracle ride on a coracle, which is a round-shaped boat that moves slowly on the water.
• Bus safari: A group of 15-20 people can use a bus safari.

Nearby places to visit:

• Ishwara Temple
• Bandipur National Park
• Irppu Falls
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
• Kabini Lake
• Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Best season to visit: October to May; during these months you can easily spot various wild animals.

10) Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu

Anamalai Tiger Reserve, which is also known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, is located in the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats in Coimbatore and Tirupur districts of Tamil Nadu.

It is spread over 958 sq. km. of land at an altitude of 2400 meters from the sea level. Some part of the reserve lies in the state of Kerala. In 2007, it was recognised as a Tiger Reserve. Most of the reserve is covered by shoal forests, tropical jungle and the grasslands. The water requirement of the park is fulfilled by the Amarvathy Dam.

The park is home to 120 species of reptiles, over 300 bird species, and 80 types of mammals that include tigers, langurs, spotted deer, elephants, crocodiles, wild cat, golden jackal, lion-tailed macaque, etc. The threatened animal species like Indian leopard, Indian Pangolin, Indian Giant Squirrel are also found here. The rare bird Indian Hornbill can also be seen in this park.

Special attractions:

There are various waterfalls and viewpoints in this park such as Thirumoorthi falls, Attakatti viewpoint, Nallamudi Poonsolai viewpoint, Monkey falls, and Chinakallar falls. Besides this, Thirumurthimalai Temple and Kodanthur Kattalai Mariyamman Temple are also located at this place. Camping and safari are also available for tourists.

Best time to visit: February to June

11) Indravati Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh

Indravati Tiger Reserve, which is also a famous national park, is situated at Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh. It got its name from Indravati River that flows close to the park. In 1981, it was declared a National Park. Later in 1983, it became a Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger of India.

The last population of rare wild buffalo and incredible species of Hill Mynas are found in this park. The topography of Indravati has played a vital role in managing and sustaining the wide range of flora and fauna of this park. It is spread over 2800 sq. km. of land that consists of rising and falling hilly terrains, and land with varying altitude that varies in the range of 177 m to 599 m above sea level.

Indravati tiger reserve is mostly covered by dry and moist deciduous trees, grasslands, and lots of other species like teak, bamboo, Sal, Mahua, Tendu, etc. Its flora feeds lots of herbivores such as Chital, Nilgai, Barking Deer, and Gaurs that are top prey animals for the tiger.

Special attractions:

• Royal Bengal Tiger
• Wild Buffalo
• Swamp deer
• View of the wild herbivores grazing the grassland

Best time to visit: December to June

12) Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala

Periyar National Park, which is spread over 305 sq. km. of land, is a famous tiger reserve in the South of India. It is located in two districts of Kerala; Pathanamittha and Idukki. In 1978, it became a tiger reserve. Later in 1991, it also became part of Project Elephant to protect wild Asian elephants under the Project Elephant.

The park offers a tour called the tiger trail. It is arranged by poachers-turned-protectors. In this tour, there can be 5 visitors, 5 guides and guards. Apart from tigers, you can easily spot herds of elephants and other wild animals such as jungle cat, flying squirrel, gaur, sambar, deer, wild pig, sloth bear, lion-tailed macaque, stripe-necked mongoose, Nilgiri langur and marten and more.

If we talk about the flora, it has 140 types of orchids and 171 grass species including other trees and plants. Two rivers Periyar and Pamba flow across this region and provide water for flora and fauna of the reserve.

Special attractions: Jeep safari, elephant safari, and boat cruise makes your visit more rewarding.

Nearby places to visit:

• Kumily: It is famous for the cardamom hills and holy temples.
• Mangla Devi Temple: It is located at a height of 1330 meters on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It represents ancient Pandian type architecture.
• Pullumedu: It is home to wildlife sanctuaries and houses the Makara Jyothi temple and Shri Ayappa Temple.

Best time to visit: From October to June.

13) Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Satpura tiger reserve is located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh. It is spread over 1427 sq. km of land and is known for its rich biodiversity. In 1999, under Project Tiger, it became a tiger reserve to promote the population of tigers.

At this place, apart from tigers, you can see leopards, sambar, wild boar, chital, mouse deer, porcupine, mouse deer, and more. If we talk about birds, it is common to see peafowl and hornbill in this region. It is one of the tiger reserves in India that allows walking tour for the tourists.

The flora of the park is very diverse with 1300 species of flora that include sal, teak, mahua, bel, mahua, tendu, bamboos, bushes, grasses, medicinal plants, herbs and more.

Special attractions:

• Jungle safari by jeep, elephant, and boating amidst hilly terrains, streams, and deep gorges
• A tiger show which is organized in the park. You have to pay for this show, it allows you to spot tigers and take their pictures.
• Boating in the Denwa River allows you to witness scenic hills and stirring wildlife of the forest.
• Sonbhadra River which is the best place to spot tigers during summer.

Nearby places to visit:

• Kanha National Park
• Pench National Park
• Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary
• Pachmaarhi

Best time to see: April and May

14) Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Assam

It is situated on the banks of river Brahmaputra between the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam. Kaziranga National Park covers around 400 sq. km of land. It became a tiger reserve in the year 2006 and declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1985.

The population density of tigers is highest in this region. Furthermore, the two-third population of one-horned rhinoceroses is also found in this park. It is also home to swamp deer, wild water buffalo, and elephants. Besides this, it is also declared an important birdlife area by Birdlife International for conserving a large number of species of birds.

The flora of the park mainly consists of tall elephant grass, marshland, and broadleaf forests. Many rivers flow across the park and many small water-bodies are also present at this place. Besides this, it is bordered by floodplains of Brahmaputra River that nourishes the flora of the park and makes it the Hotspot of Biodiversity. Its aquatic flora includes lotus, water hyacinth, water lilies and some species of climbing plants.

Special attractions:

• Elephant safari: It allows you to see rhinos, tigers, and other wildlife animals closely. Only four persons and one mahaout are allowed on an elephant at a time. You can take a camera with you if you want to click pictures.
• Jeep Safari: You see wildlife from an open jeep. Only six persons are allowed in a single jeep at a time.

Nearby places to visit:

• Nameri National Park
• Addabarie Tea Estate
• Guwahati
• Majuli (the largest river island in the world)

Best time to visit: November to April

15) Similipal Tiger Reserve, Orissa

It is a national park as well as a tiger reserve, located in the north of Mayurbhanj district of Orissa. Similipal Tiger Reserve covers a total area of 2750 sq. km. that is surrounded by hills and high plateaus. Over twelve rivers flow across its plain region and merge into the Bay of Bengal. It got its name from 'Simul' tree, Simul means silk cotton and declared a tiger reserve in May 1973.

It is home to over 1000 plant species including 94 orchid species. Its flora is a mixture of different types of forests and Sal is the commonly found tree in this area. The vast grasslands serve as grazing ground for the herbivores like buffalo, deer, gaur, etc.

Apart from tigers, you can also see leopards, barking deer, sambar, gaur, wild cat, four-horned antelope, langue and giant squirrel. Among reptiles, you can spot King cobra and Tricarinate hill turtle. Furthermore, UNESCO has added it to its list of biosphere reserves in May 2009.

Special attractions:

• Barehipani and Joranda waterfall
• Mugger crocodiles at Jashipur
• Walking tour, forest safari, and trekking
• Meghasani and Khairiburu (the highest peaks in the reserve)
• Tourists can interact with tribe population and participate in their festivities

Nearby places to visit:

• Haripur: It is founded by Maharaja HariharBhanj. The famous Rasikaraya Temple and Radha Mohan temple can be seen at this place.
• Kaulina: It is the most picturesque location that is famous for Palaeolithic objects.
• Deokund: It is located at the top of a hill and is known for the presence of Deity Ambika's shrine.

Best time to visit: October to April

16) Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, surrounded by Aravalli Range. It covers a total area of around 881 sq. km that mainly consists of dry deciduous forests, arid forests, grasslands, and rocky hills and landscape.

Sariska was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The reserve also houses three large lakes within its premises that are Mangalsar or Mansarovar, Siliserh, and Somasagar. These lakes offer beautiful locations for photography.

Besides tigers, here, tourists can spot langur, nilgia, leopard, hyena, chital, etc., and various bird species such as the white-breasted kingfisher, peafowl, tree pies, grey partridges, Indian eagle-owl, bush quail, sand grouse, and more. The trees in the forest mainly include tendu, khair, dhok, and bear.

Other than plants, trees, lakes and wildlife one can see various old structures of the 11^th centuries such as 'Garh-Rajor' temple, and Kankwari fort of the 17^th century on one of the hills within the reserve.

Other attractions:

• Old Kankawadi Fort
• Ajaibgarh Bhangarh Fort
• Bharthari Temple
• Jeep safaris
• Bird watching that come here from China and Siberia
• Tourists can book hide that is a place over the water holes from where you can view wildlife and click pictures.

Nearby places to visit:

• Stargate Observatory
• Government museum
• Naldeshwar Shrine
• Moti Doongri
• Company Bagh
• City Palace

Best time to visit: October to June, however, unlike other tiger reserves, it also remains open during monsoon, but only for two days in a week.

17) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), Andhra Pradesh

Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve that is situated in Andhra Pradesh is the largest tiger reserve in India. It occupies an area of 3598 sq. km. and spread over five districts of Andhra Pradesh; Mahbubnagar, Nalgonda, Kurnool, Guntur, and Prakasam. The northern-most part of this reserve is bordered by the Krishna River.

It is known for its scenic beauty that mainly consists of lofty hills, deciduous Nallamala forests, perennial rivers, and winding roads. Besides this, a large variety of shrubs and bamboos also grow in this area.

This territory was designated a tiger reserve in 1983. Later, in 1992, it was also renamed Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. The commonly found mammals in the park include Bengal tiger, leopard, ussuri dhole, chinkara, blackbuck, chowsingha, chital, Indian pangolin, etc. The other animals that may interest you at this reserve are mugger crocodile, king cobra, Indian python, and Indian peafowl and various other bird species.

Besides, wildlife, Srisailam dam and Nagarjunasagar dam are also built in this reserve due to which Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar water reservoirs are present at this place. The people of Chenchus tribe can be seen living here in the forests in groups called gudems. The reserve does not provide vehicles for forest tour, but tourists can hire them from private centres.

Main attractions: Srisailam's temples, water reservoirs and dams

Nearby places to visit:

• Srisailam hills
• Pataleshwar temple
• Hanuman temple
• Mallelathiram waterfalls

Best time to visit: From October to March

18) Palamau Tiger Reserve

Palamau Tiger Reserve is located in the Palamu district of Jharkhand, India. It occupies 1,014 sq. km of land. In this past, this place was being used for cattle grazing and camping. In 1974, it was designated a tiger reserve under Project Tiger of govt. of India.

The tiger reserve falls under Indo-Malayan territory and is known for its distinctive flora and fauna. Besides tigers, the other predators include wolves, leopard, wild dogs, wild cats, sloth bear, panther, and more. The prey animals that feed on grass and are hunted by the predators in this reserve include four-horned antelope, mouse dear, sloth bear, etc. Its flora mainly consists of dry deciduous and deciduous forests where you can see lots of Sal and bamboo trees.

Special attractions: safaris and bird watching

Nearby attractions:

• Betla National Park
• Lodh Waterfalls
• Shahpur
• Deoghar
• Netarhat
• Safaris

Best time to visit: Throughout the year except for the months of monsoons

19) Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram

It is located on the western side of Mizoram, India. It occupies around 500 sq. km of land in the Lushai Hills. It was designated a tiger reserve in 1994 under Project Tiger. Before that, it was a wildlife sanctuary. The Dampa tiger reserve is not easily accessible as it is bordered by steep hills, streams, valleys and ripping salts and touches the international borders of Bangladesh. The reserve itself consists of forest, hills, deep valleys, rivulets, streams, natural salts licks, etc.

The reserve got its name from Dam Pa which means lonely men or bachelors that were left alone in this region after the demise of the female population of this place. The wildlife apart from tigers includes swamp deer, leopard, elephant, hoolock gibbon, and more. The flora comprises trees, shrubs, herbs and some rare species of flowers and rare species of ginger that are Hemiorchis pantlingii and Globba spathulata. Forest guesthouses are available for the tourists to stay at Dampa Rengpui.

Main attractions:

• Galliformes that are ground-feeding birds such as grouse, chicken, turkey, new world and old world quail, pheasant, partridge, junglefowl, etc.
• Chloropsis can also be seen.
• Orchids species
• Birds watching

Best time to visit: November to February

20) Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is located in the Lakhimpur-Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh alongside the Indo-Nepal border. It joins two famous sanctuaries of this region namely Kishanpur and Katerniaghat wildlife sanctuaries. The Kishanpur Sanctuary spreads over the land of two districts of Uttar Pradesh that are Shahajahanpur and Lakhimpur-Kheri. It got the status of a tiger reserve in 1987.

On the north, it is bordered by the Mohana River, whereas on the South, it is bordered by Suheli River. It occupies around 800 Sq. Km of land consisting of grasslands, marshes, dense forests and vast alluvial plain. It also houses the tributaries of Mohana and Suheli Rivers that combine with numerous other water bodies like lakes, pools and rivulets, etc., present in the reserve.

The wildlife of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve comprises over 35 species of mammals, 17 species of reptiles, and a large number of bird species. The wildlife includes Tiger, Elephant, Rhinoceros, Cheetal, Hog dear, Sambar, Sloth bear, blue bull, Gharial, python, turtles, porcupine, rhesus monkey, wild pig, and more. The beautiful birds of this region include Hornbill, Bengal Florican, Fishing eagle, Serpent eagle, Peafowl, Woodpeckers, Indian Pitta, Emerald dove, and more.

Main attractions:

• Jungle Safari in jeep and elephants
• Jungle walks
• Bird watching
• Tribal village walk
• Visit to Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

Nearby places to see:

• Frog Temple
• Surat Bhawan Palace
• Lucknow city

Best time to see: February to April

21) Piliphit Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh

It is located in the Piliphit and Shahjahanpur districts of Uttar Pradesh and occupies a total area of around 730 sq. km. Its northern border touches the Indo-Nepal border and southern part meets the Sharda and Khakhra rivers.

This region was designated a tiger reserve in 2008. It is home to royal Bengal tiger and other endangered species of animals such as honey badger, barking deer, leopards, swamp francolin, Bengal bustard, shelduck (brahminy duck), and red-crested pochard, etc.

The month of November is best for the tourists as at this time along with tigers they can witness the arrival of lots of migratory birds from other countries.

Main attractions: Jeep safari, migratory birds

Nearby attractions:

• Chuka Beach
• Jaisantri Mata Temple
• Ardhnarishwar Temple
• Gauri Shankar Temple

Best time to see: From November to April

22) Manas Tiger Reserve, Assam

Manas Tiger Reserve is located at the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Assam, India, occupying an area of 950 sq. km. Earlier, its name was North Kamrup. Later, in October 1928, it became a sanctuary, and in April 1973, it was declared a tiger reserve. Later, in 1985, it also became a World Heritage Site and got the status of National Park on 7 September 1990.

It is not only famous for tigers, but also is home to rare golden langur, pigmy hog, hispid hare, and one-horned rhinoceros and many species of endangered animals. Manas got its name from the Goddess Manasa. The Manas River separates it from the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.

The vegetation in the reserve is of mixed deciduous type. It provides shelter to numerous wildlife animals such as 55 species of mammals, 36 species of reptiles, and 3 amphibian species. Besides spotting tigers, you can see other animals like hoolock gibbons, capped langurs, golden cat, leopard, panther, sloth bear, hog deer, water buffaloes, gaur (Indian bison), giant squirrels, Indian pangolins, and elephants. The popular birds of this reserve include giant hornbill, monal pheasants, forest eagle, white-winged wood duck, Chakma, fairy bluebird, etc.

Main attractions: Jeep safari, elephant safari, boat trips.

Places around Manas:

• Kamakhya temple
• Shrine of Shakti worship
• Orang and Pabitora wildlife sanctuaries

Best time to visit: November to April

23) Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh

It is located in the Changland district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, close to the international border with Myanmar. It covers a total area of 1985 sq. km. Formerly, it was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1972 and later a National Park and a Tiger Reserve in 1983. Its name has been derived from two words "nam" which means water and "dapha" which means origin. So, it means a river that originates from Dapha Bum glaciers.

Namdapa National Park is a biodiversity hotspot in the Eastern Himalayas owing to more than 1000 species of flora and around 1400 species of fauna. The diversity in the vegetation of this place supports most of the rare species of animals such as royal Bengal tigers, clouded leopards, snow leopards, red pandas, wolves, Asiatic black bears, etc. Many rare plant species are also found in this reserve, such as Sapria himalayna and Balanophora, which are rare root parasites.

Special attractions:

• Miao mini zoo
• Miao museum
• Moti jheel
• Raja jheel
• Tiger safari
• Elephant ride
• Boat Ride

Best time to see: October to March

24) Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh

Pakke Tiger Reserve is located in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is also known as Pakhui tiger reserve or Pakhui National Park. It occupies a total area of 862 sq. km. that is under the protection of Dept. of Environment and Forest of Arunachal Pradesh. In 1999-2000, it was declared a tiger reserve.

It has been awarded "India Biodiversity Award 2016" for its Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme in the category of "Conservation of Threatened Species". Today, it is a shelter for around 2000 plants species, 310 birds' species, 42 species of mammals, 30 species of reptiles and 34 species of amphibians. The famous animals of this reserve are tiger, clouded leopard, wild dog, jungle cat, Himalayan black bear, gaur, binturong, barking deer, yellow-throated Martin, capped langur, rhesus macaque, etc.

Furthermore, there are lots of accommodation options for tourists around the reserve such as government houses, forest camps, homestays, and tea bungalows.

Main attractions:

• Tiger safari
• Nyokum yullo (a harvest festival of the Nyishi tribe)

Best time to see: November to March

25) Kawal Tiger Reserve, Telangana

It is located in the Adilabad district of the state of Telangana, India. It was a wildlife sanctuary before it was declared a tiger reserve in 2012. It occupies a total area of 893 sq. km. On the north, it is shares boundaries with Yavotmal and Chandrapur; on the south, it is bordered by Nizamabad and Karimnagar, and on the west by Nanded district. The reserve also serves as a catchment for Kadam and Godavari rivers that flow across this reserve amidst teak forests mixed with Bamboo.

The mammal species in this reserve include tiger, cheetal, leopard, sambar, barking deer, nilgai, sloth bear, chowsingha, etc. A large variety of birds, amphibians, and reptiles species can also be seen in this park. If you want to see wildlife in their natural habitat, Kawal Tiger Reserve is a perfect place in Telangana.

Major attractions: Pochera waterfalls, Kuntala waterfalls, jeep safari, bird watching tour

Best time to visit: November to May

26) Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar

Valmiki Tiger Reserve is located close to Indo-Nepal border in West Champaran district of Bihar, India. It is the only tiger reserve in Bihar, covers around 880 sq. km. and consists of Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary and Valmiki National Park. Its name is derived from Valmiki Nagar that is located within the premises of the reserve. Valmiki Tiger Reserve was established in 1889-1990 under the Project Tiger of India.

The diverse habitat of Valmiki tiger reserve supports a large variety of fauna such as royal Bengal tigers, leopards, Indian wild dogs, fishing cat, etc. The deer species include sambar, spotted dear, hog dear, barking deer, etc. As of now, 53 mammal species are recorded here by the Zoological Survey of India. The commonly found reptiles include king cobra, crocodile, python, crocodile, hill turtle, etc. The avian fauna (birds' species) of this place include hill myna, Himalayan bulbul, paradise fly catcher, Kaleej pheasant, etc.

Main attractions: tiger safari, elephant ride, Masan and Gandak Rivers that flow across the reserve

Nearby attractions: Kaleshwar temple, Nardevi temple, Jatashankar temple

Best time to visit: October to March

27) Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh

Achanakmar tiger reserve is located in Mungeli district of Chhattisgarh. It is a tropical deciduous forest which is known for its beautiful and diverse flora and fauna and spread over 557 sq. km. of land. Earlier, this region was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. Later, under the Project Tiger, it was declared a tiger reserve in 2009.

As of now, it is a part of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. It is a natural habitat for a large variety of animals such as Tiger, elephant, bison, hare, deer, wild dogs, bear, leopard, wild cat, etc. Hawk and woodpeckers and migratory birds like stork and crane are commonly found at this place. Besides this, the Maniyari River flows through the reserve and plays a major role in flourishing flora and fauna of this region. The reserve also has the facility of a restaurant, coffee house, forest cottages and resorts for the tourists.

Main attractions: Forest tour or safari, it is organized by the tiger reserve officials. It is a safe and best way of seeing wildlife.

Nearby attractions: Shri Yantra Mandir, Banjari Mata Mandir

Best time to visit: November to March

28) Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Kerala

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is spread over Nelliampathy-Anamalai landscape in the Southern stretch of the Western Ghats in the district of Palakkad, Kerala. It is a biodiversity hotspot that supports a large variety of habitat. The total area of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is 644 sq. km. and it was chosen as a tiger reserve in 2009.

The tiger reserve is bordered by other protected areas or sanctuaries of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It provides shelter to a large variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds and more. The popular birds in this park include grey-headed fishing eagle, the peninsular bay owl, black-capped Kingfisher, great black woodpecker, grey-headed fish eagle, Nilgiri wood pigeon, etc.

Furthermore, it also has the world's first scientifically managed teak plantation. There are lots of options to stay in the reserve such as tented niche, Tree house, etc.

Main attractions:

• Jungle Safari
• Trekking
• Kannimara Teak (the oldest and highest teak tree)
• Cochin State Forest Tramway
• Thunakadavu Dam, Parambikulam Dam
• Vanasree Ecoshop

Best time to see: October to March

29) Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal

Buxa Tiger Reserve located at the north-east part of West Bengal, sharing borders with Bhutan and Assam. It was established in 1983 under Project tiger of India and covers a total area of 745 sq. km. Its name is derived from famous Buxa Fort located at the dense forest in this reserve. This fort was used by the British rulers during the British rule in India as a prison or detention camp.

Its flora includes a large variety of medicinal plants and rare orchids. It is also known for its diversity in mammals. Apart from tigers, it is home to many wild animals like wild dogs, mongoose, leopard, Malayan giant squirrels, Asian elephant, hog deer, wild buffalo, monitor lizard and various species of land tortoise. It also acts as an international corridor for the movement of elephants between India and Bhutan.

Main attractions in the reserve:

• Buxa Fort: It is the oldest fort in Eastern India.
• Jayanti: This place is located alongside the Jayanti River. It is a famous sightseeing place in the reserve.
• Mahakal Cave: It is a cylindrical cave where Lord Shiva is worshipped.

Best time to visit: From November to April

30) Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh

It is located in the Panna and Chattarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh, spanning an area of 543 sq. km. alongside the Ken River. It is at a distance of 57 km from Khajuraho, which is a world heritage centre. The reserve has also won Award of Excellence in 2007 for being a best managed and maintained park in this region. It became a tiger reserve in 1994.

The wildlife in Panna include tigers, wild dogs, leopard, caracal, wolf, hyena, cheetals, vultures, sambhar, sloth bear, chinkara, wild cat, and more. The avifauna includes numerous bird species such as white-necked stork, honey buzzard, blossom headed parakeet, paradise flycatcher, bareheaded goose, etc.

The flora comprises dry teak and dry mixed and deciduous forest including grassland areas. The common floral species found here are Madhuca indica, Tectona grandis, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeisus pendula, Bosswelia serrate, and more.

Main attractions:

• Jeep safari: It is arranged by forest management.
• Raneh Falls: It originates from the confluence of Khuddar and Ken rivers.
• Ken Gharial Sanctuary in the outskirt area to conserve the rare species of Indian Gharials.
• Mahamati Prannathji Temple: It is visited by a large number of devotees during Sharada Purnima.

Furthermore, Madla, Ajaygarh fort and Nachna are some of the nearby places worth visiting.

Best time to visit: November to March