Royal Bengal Tiger
The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), which has been present in the Indian subcontinent for around 16,000 years, is now threatened by poaching and habitat fragmentation. India and Nepal are two of the most promising places for tracking and photographing wild tigers. Adult males weighing 260kg are not unusual, making it one of the largest wild cats alive today. These are solitary ambush hunters, as opposed to lions. Individual territories are maintained by both sexes depending on the presence of the other sex, prey, water, shelter, and so on. Males typically have bigger home ranges than females. Aside from herbivores, they have been observed killing predators such as leopards, mugger crocodiles, Asian black bears, sloth bears, and Indian wild dogs. At times, a few uncommon attacks on adult Indian elephants and Indian rhinoceroses were recorded, particularly in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park. Project Tiger, which was begun in 1973 with the goal of ensuring a robust tiger population in the country, is widely regarded as a success today.
Premium Tiger Safari in India
- We currently organize customized luxury tiger expeditions in the Premium Tiger Reserves of Central India covering Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Panna and Satpura.
- In the East Indian side, we organize tiger safaris in Kaziranga National Park where guests can see tigers in the same habitat with the endangered one-horn rhinoceros and mighty Indian elephants.
- For an exclusive Swamp Tiger experience, we send our guests to Sunderbans mangrove. Tiger safaris in the Sunderbans are conducted by boat, something similar to the Jaguar safaris in Brazil’s Pantanal.
What is so special about Tiger Safari
A Tiger Safari offers a thrilling and unique wildlife experience that allows visitors to observe tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Here are some distinctive features of a tiger safari:
Exclusive Tiger Sightings: Unlike typical safaris, tiger safaris are specially designed to maximize the chances of spotting tigers, the majestic apex predators. This makes the experience more exhilarating and unique compared to safaris that focus on a variety of wildlife.
Expert Naturalist Guides: Tiger safaris often include expert guides or naturalists who are well-versed in tiger behavior, ecology, and tracking. They offer insights about the animal’s habits, its role in the ecosystem, and how to spot one in the wild.
Tailored Safari Routes: The routes taken in tiger safaris are often tailored to areas where tigers are most frequently sighted. These routes are mapped out by conservationists based on the movements and territories of the tigers, ensuring a better chance of an encounter.
Remote and Protected Forests: Tiger safaris typically take place in national parks or reserves that are dedicated to tiger conservation. These places, like Ranthambhore, Jim Corbett, or Bandhavgarh in India, are protected from hunting and human interference, allowing tigers to roam freely.
Tracking and Observation Techniques: In addition to using jeeps, tiger safaris may incorporate tracking methods such as following pugmarks (paw prints) or listening for distinctive tiger sounds. The safari guides use these techniques to locate the elusive tigers.
- Tiger Conservation Focus: Many tiger safaris also aim to promote conservation efforts, with a focus on protecting these endangered species. Visitors often get to learn about the ongoing preservation initiatives and the importance of preserving tiger habitats.
- Diverse Ecosystems: While tigers are the main attraction, the safari often takes place in rich, biodiverse ecosystems. Visitors may spot other animals such as leopards, wild elephants, sloth bears, and a wide range of bird species, offering a more comprehensive wildlife experience.
- Day and Night Safaris: Some tiger safaris offer both daytime and nighttime safari options. Night safaris provide a completely different experience, as tigers and other nocturnal animals are more active, offering an opportunity for rare sightings.
- Photographic Opportunities: For wildlife photographers, a tiger safari offers unique opportunities to capture the elusive tiger in action, whether it’s resting under the shade, hunting, or walking through dense forests.
- Cultural and Ecological Learning: Beyond just wildlife, tiger safaris also offer a chance to learn about the local cultures, history, and the relationship between the people and wildlife. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of how local communities and tiger populations coexist.
Man-eating Bengal Tigers
For millennia, healthy Bengal Tigers have hunted humans in this area; possibly no other predator of any kind hunts humans as ferociously. And the underlying cause is yet unknown. Some studies blame the saltiness of the water, others the prevalence of harmless humans (fishermen and honey-collectors) in the tiger’s natural habitat, while still others attribute the tiger’s fondness for human flesh to the difficulties in getting its typical food in its hostile terrain.
A tiger safari is not just about seeing tigers—it’s about immersing yourself in an adventure that combines wildlife observation, education, and the thrill of encountering one of nature’s most powerful and enigmatic creatures.