10 Famous Tigers Of India That Became Legends In The Wild

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Machli – Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Known as the “Queen of Ranthambore,” Machli was India’s most photographed tiger and lived for nearly 19 years, defending her territory and giving birth to eleven cubs.

A portrait of the legendary tigress Machli from Ranthambhore | Shutterstock

Collarwali – Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Nicknamed the “Supermom,” Collarwali gave birth to 29 cubs, the highest recorded for a tigress in the wild, significantly contributing to Pench’s growing tiger population.

Collarwali with her cubs in Pench | @Ecology4UPSC/x

Charger – Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Famed for charging at tourist vehicles, Charger ruled Bandhavgarh in the 1990s. He was Machli’s father and helped repopulate the region’s tiger numbers.

A picture of Charger | sachin_rai_photography/instagram

Ustad (T-24) – Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Ustad was a dominant male tiger known for protecting his territory aggressively. He was controversially shifted to captivity after being labelled a threat to human life.

The majestic Ustad bathes in a pond | @NaturePassion/x

Sitara – Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Sitara became popular for her regal appearance and was one of the most sighted tigresses in Kanha, playing a key role in conservation awareness through tourism.

Sitara from Kanha Tiger Reserve | wilderlenz/instagram

Noor (T-39) – Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Noor is known for her strong maternal instincts and frequent sightings. She has raised several cubs and continues to thrive, drawing attention from wildlife photographers.

Noor of Ranthambore | ratishnairphotography/instagram

Maya – Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Often referred to as the “Queen of Tadoba,” Maya is known for her photogenic behaviour, frequent sightings, and dominance in the core zone of the reserve.

Maya from Tadoba | himanshubagde_wildlife/instagram

Bamera – Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Bamera was a dominant male known for his massive size and fathered several cubs, helping maintain the genetic strength of Bandhavgarh’s tiger population.

A shot of Bamera | sachin_rai_photography/instagram

Sundari (T-17) – Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

The daughter of Machli, Sundari inherited her mother’s legacy and ruled prime territory in Ranthambore. Her disappearance in 2013 sparked widespread concern.

Sundari from Ranthambore | simmathew_/instagram

T-1 Avni – Yavatmal Forest Division, Maharashtra

Avni gained notoriety after being declared a man-eater in 2018. Her controversial killing sparked national debate about human-wildlife conflict and wildlife management practices.

A shot of T-1 Avni | @Ecology4UPSC/x

International Tiger Day 2025: 10 Places To See Tigers In India

A tiger roars as another one looks on in Ranthambore National Park | Shutterstock
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