10 Tiger Reserves In India With The Highest Tiger Population

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand

India’s oldest national park holds the country’s highest tiger numbers, with over 250 individuals. Riverine belts, sal forests and grasslands make Corbett a prime tiger safari India destination.

A tiger among the grasslands of Jim Corbett National Park | Shutterstock

Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka

Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur supports about 191 tiger individuals across moist deciduous forests and scrub. Its connectivity with neighbouring reserves strengthens the best tiger reserves India landscape.

A tiger blends into their surroundings in Bandipur National Park | Shutterstock

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka

Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole’s marshes and teak forests support 149 tigers. It forms a vital corridor in the Nilgiri complex, central to tiger conservation India.

An Indian tiger at Nagarhole National Park | Shutterstock

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Assam

Better known for its one-horned rhinoceroses, Kaziranga also has one of the highest tiger densities with a count of 148. Tall grasslands and floodplains support rich prey, ideal for wildlife safari India.

A Royal Bengal tiger near a forest road in Kaziranga | Shutterstock

Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Famous for inspiring The Jungle Book, Kanha’s meadows and sal forests host about 105 breeding tigers. Its barasingha recovery programme enhances the Kanha tiger safari experience.

Two tigers play around at Kanha Tiger Reserve | kanhakislinationalpark/instagram

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Tadoba is among the most reliable places for tiger sightings. It hosts around 115-120 individuals. Dry deciduous forests, bamboo thickets and waterholes support a dense population.

Nayantara from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | Shutterstock

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal

The world’s largest mangrove forest shelters a population of 102 swimming tigers. Adapted to tidal creeks and islands, these cats define the wild character of the Sundarbans tiger reserve.

Large Bengal tiger taking a swim in marshy water in Sundarban National Park | Shutterstock

Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Spread across rugged hills, sandstone peaks and dense forests, Satpura hosts a healthy tiger population of 81 individuals. It is known for walking safaris and boat rides, offering a distinctive Satpura wildlife experience.

A tiger rests in the Satpura Tiger Reserve | Shutterstock

Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh–Maharashtra

Straddling two states, Pench is another landscape linked to The Jungle Book. Its teak forests and open meadows sustain a steady tiger count of about 45-50, ideal for a Pench tiger safari.

Collarwali, the most famous tigress in Pench Tiger Reserve | Wikimedia Commons

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

Among India’s most famous reserves, Ranthambore combines dry forests, lakes and medieval ruins. It hosts around 81 tigers and its historic setting make it a favourite tiger safari destination.

Tigers in Ranthambore in winter | tiger_with_bobby/instagram

Up Close & On The Prowl: Where To Spot Tigers In India’s Top Reserves

From dense forests to open grasslands, India’s tiger reserves are alive with adventure | Shutterstock
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