What Makes a Tiger Safari in India So Special?
Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of the chase or the stillness of the forest at first light, setting off in search of tigers during your holiday in India is the kind of experience that stays with you. The birdlife, landscapes and rural encounters also add to the magic.
Different National Parks
Each park has its own character: Kanha has meadows and walking trails, Bandhavgarh’s got rocky plateaus, and Ranthambore’s full of ancient forts and jungle ruins. And that’s only three of them.
Kanha and Nagarhole are top choices for well-rounded trips, while Bandhavgarh and Tadoba focus more intently on tiger sightings.
Not sure where to go? Check out our blog: ‘Where are the best places to see tigers in India?’
Top Tips for Planning a Tiger Safari Holiday in India
For the best experience, don’t rush about. We recommend spending longer in fewer parks (think three to five nights each), which will give you a much better chance of spotting a tiger and soaking up the atmosphere.
Safaris tend to happen very early in the morning, and distances between parks can be long, so we always factor in time for you to rest and settle into your surroundings at the lodge.
Booking early is key, especially in peak seasons, to secure access to the best zones and the most experienced guides.
Safari Lodges in India
We’ve scouted out safari lodges across India that blend wild settings with serious style, from adventurous eco camps to luxurious retreats near the best tiger parks.
Madhya Pradesh, India
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge sits on the edge of Satpura National Park, offering immersive safaris and a deep connection to nature. Tucked within 30 acres of pristine forest, this characterful lodge is run by passionate conservationists and brings guests close to the wildlife that makes this region so special—without compromising on comfort.
Highlights
Highlights
Safaris,
Forest views,
Peaceful setting
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Wildlife Enthusiasts
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India
Aman-i-Khas
Safari camp at its absolute finest: Sumptuous, spacious tents and wonderful wildlife spotting near Ranthambore.
Highlights
Highlights
Luxurious tents,
Spellbinding setting,
Safaris
Best for
Couples
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Madyha Pradesh, India
Jamtara Wilderness Camp
Tucked into a remote corner of Pench National Park, Jamtara Wilderness Camp offers an authentic, low-impact safari experience. With just 12 luxury tents, a tranquil atmosphere, and a genuine connection to the surrounding community and landscape, it’s one of India’s most special wildlife stays.
Highlights
Highlights
Machaan experience,
National park access
Best for
Couples,
Nature Enthusiasts
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Uttarakhand, India
Bagh Tola
Tucked near the Mukki Gate of Kanha National Park, Bagh Tola is a peaceful colonial-style lodge that blends intimacy, conservation, and character. With just eight rooms and a tranquil forest setting, it offers a quiet base for tiger safaris and wildlife watching.
Highlights
Highlights
Expert-led safaris,
Intimate setting,
Exceptional wildlife
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Nature Enthusiasts
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Madhya Pradesh, India
Shergarh Tented Camp
Tucked away in a quieter part of Kanha National Park, Shergarh is a rustic, eco-conscious tented camp run with care and character. Expect peaceful surroundings, excellent wildlife experiences and a friendly, communal feel.
Highlights
Highlights
Community feel,
Lakeside wildlife,
Quiet Kanha location
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Wildlife Enthusiasts
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Rajasthan, India
SUJÁN Sher Bagh
Set at the foot of the Aravali Hills, SUJÁN Sher Bagh offers a luxurious glamping experience that blends wildlife adventure with elegant comfort. Known for its exceptional leopard spotting opportunities, this is one of Rajasthan’s premier safari camps.
Highlights
Highlights
1920s-inspired tented safari camp,
Eco-luxury ethos,
Star-lit dining
Best for
Couples,
Wildlife Enthusiasts,
Culture Seekers
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Madhya Pradesh, India
Bagh Van, Pench Tiger Reserve
Set beside the wild teak and sal forests of Pench, Bagh Van Jungle Lodge captures the magic of Kipling’s jungle in a luxurious and intimate setting. Named after the Hindi word for “tiger forest”, the lodge blends classic safari style with open courtyards, shaded terraces, and the freedom to spot wildlife right from your doorstep
Highlights
Highlights
Wildlife-rich setting,
Elegant forest suites
Best for
Couples,
Solos
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Karnataka, India
KAAV Safari Lodge
KAAV Safari Lodge is an intimate luxury retreat perched at the edge of Nagarhole’s lush Kabini forest. With just four beautifully appointed rooms, two elegant glamping tents, and a private pool villa, this boutique lodge combines stylish design with a peaceful, immersive wilderness setting. Between safaris, relax on the deck with forest views, listen to birdsong by the pool, or gather for alfresco meals under tree canopies.
Highlights
Highlights
Boutique safari experience
Best for
Couples,
Small families,
Wildlife lovers
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West Bengal, India
Sunderban Tiger Camp
Surrounded by mangrove forests and tranquil waterways, Sunderban Tiger Camp is a simple yet characterful base for exploring the magical Sundarbans. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of heart and perfectly placed for nature-led discovery.
Highlights
Highlights
Mangrove boat safaris,
Birdwatching on the private lake
Best for
Families,
Couples,
Solos
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Uttar Pradesh, India
The Ultimate Travelling Camp Jaagir Lodge
Tucked within a lush sugar cane plantation in Uttar Pradesh, Jaagir Lodge is a refined former hunting retreat turned exclusive safari lodge. It offers rare access to one of India’s least explored yet most biodiverse national parks.
Highlights
Highlights
Untouched safari region,
Heritage charm,
Expert naturalists
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Wildlife Enthusiasts
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Karnataka, India
The Serai Bandipur
Perched on the edge of Bandipur National Park, The Serai Bandipur draws inspiration from African game lodges, blending comfort with nature in one of India’s top wildlife regions. With expansive grounds and a focus on natural harmony, it’s a peaceful retreat for wildlife lovers and adventurers alike.
Highlights
Highlights
Wildlife lodge setting,
Immersive outdoor experiences
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Nature Enthusiasts
Gallery
Uttarakhand, India
Jim's Jungle Retreat
Set on the edge of Corbett National Park, Jim’s Jungle Retreat is a thoughtfully designed wildlife lodge built in traditional Gujar style. Surrounded by sal forests and grasslands, it’s an immersive base for safaris and nature-based adventures in Uttarakhand.
Highlights
Highlights
Wildlife safaris,
Jungle sleepouts,
Forest-view lodges
Best for
Families,
Couples,
Solos
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ETG Sample Itineraries
Looking to pair wildlife with a bit of culture or comfort in India? These thoughtfully designed holiday ideas give you a sense of what’s possible:
India
Kerala Encompassed
Gain a great insight into the variety Kerala has to offer as you travel south to north over three weeks. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in different types and styles of accommodation, ranging from tea bungalows to a plantation mansion, houseboat, treehouse and tents, to name a few.
Spend your days among tea and spice plantations, relaxing in rural settings, spotting wildlife, cruising along the Alleppey backwaters, visiting local markets and getting to know the towns that make Kerala tick. Relax on a remote beach to round off your holiday through ‘God’s Own Country’.
Highlights
Cruise the backwaters
Explore the canals on a houseboat for two nights, watching local life pass by
Birdwatching
Wake up on the banks of the Periyar River, where you’ll have the chance to spot over 120 species of birds
Safaris
Track elephants and tigers in Nagarhole National Park
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India
The Golden Triangle & The Himalayas
This is a proper adventure, taking in the riches of Rajasthan before venturing deep into the Himalayas to explore the off-the-beaten-track Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. After tiger-spotting in Corbett, escape to the unspoiled Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. Here, colonial-era hill stations and quiet Himalayan villages offer a slower pace and extraordinary views, far from the tourist trail.
Highlights
Iconic sights
Seeing the best of Rajasthan (think the Taj, tigers and terrific forts, palaces and handicrafts)
Unique accommodation
Staying in haveli hotels and warm and welcoming luxury homestays with fascinating histories
Himalayan views
Ending the holiday on a (literal) high in the Himalayas, venturing into the Kumaon region that most tourists miss
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India
A Journey through Madhya Pradesh
Prepare to be wowed by incredible history, architecture, and wildlife, before finishing the holiday on the sacred Narmada river at Maheshwar.
Highlights
Alternative Delhi
Explore alternative Delhi with a walk of the old town led by a former street kid turned expert guide
Satpura National Park
Get up close and personal to the wildlife in Satpura National Park on foot, by jeep and even on a boat
Maheshwar
Relax in one India’s most beautiful and most off-the-beaten-track fort hotels in Maheshwar, one of the most magical towns in India
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tiger Safaris in India
April to June offers the best chance of tiger sightings, as rising temperatures draw wildlife to watering holes, making them easier to spot. It can be very hot at this time of year, but for keen wildlife watchers, it’s worth it. If you’d prefer a balance of good sightings and more comfortable weather, March to mid-April is a sweet spot.
October to early December is also a lovely time to visit — the scenery is lush after the monsoon and the climate is pleasant, though sightings can be a bit less frequent than in the hotter months.
From mid-December to early February, central and northern parks can get chilly in the mornings and evenings, when safaris take place. Occasional mist may affect visibility, though it does give the forest an even more magical feel.
(In contrast, southern parks like Nagarhole and Bandipur stay warm year-round, with only a bit of mist some mornings. If you’re heading south, February onwards is ideal, but earlier travel can still be worthwhile depending on your priorities.)
Absolutely – India’s tiger reserves are a great choice for first-time visitors. The lodges we recommend all work with expert naturalists who’ll help you tune into the forest: from hearing alarm calls to spotting subtle signs of movement and tracing fresh paw prints. They’ll also give you the best possible chance of seeing your favourite wildlife – tigers included.
Light layers in neutral colours, a sunhat, good binoculars, and a decent camera if you’re keen on wildlife photography. Early mornings can be chilly, especially from November to February, so pack a jacket to keep warm.
We only work with responsible lodges and guides that follow park regulations, support conservation, and benefit local communities — so your trip has a positive impact.
Naturally, there are never guarantees in the wild, but that’s part of the joy of chance wildlife encounters.
What we can guarentee is that we’ll give you the best possible chance: by choosing the best parks, planning your trip at the best time, and pairing you with the best guides who know exactly what to look (and listen) for. It’s ultimately down to luck and it’s worth bearing in mind that these big cats can be elusive and roam vast territories.
But the magic of a tiger safari in India goes well beyond spotting bright stripes. It’s about being in the forest as it wakes up, listening for alarm calls, spotting fresh tracks, and feeling completely in tune with nature. So even if you don’t cross paths with a tiger, the experience is still rewarding.
Other big cats you might spot in India’s national parks include leopards — even the elusive black panther in some regions — and, in Gujarat, Asiatic lions. You’ll also have the chance to see sloth bears, monkeys, and some seriously impressive birdlife.
