India is home to the world’s largest tiger population, and for several decades it has been committed to tiger conservation and recovery. Although this majestic cat is still endangered, Bengal tiger numbers have been growing thanks to the introduction of reserves where the animals are protected. 

Part of the country’s conservation efforts involves educating tourists about tigers and using the money they spend on tiger trails to protect and care for these stripey cats. Here, we take a look at some of the top tiger trails on offer. 

Ranthambore National Park

Located in Rajasthan in the northwest of India, Ranthambore National Park offers several tiger trails for wildlife enthusiasts and tiger lovers. Tourists can explore the park by Jeep, accompanied by an experienced guide who knows both the park and the tigers well, and can offer the best possible chance of spotting one of these elusive creatures. Many of its tours also include trips to historic monuments such as the City palace at Jaipur and the Taj Mahal. 

Bandhavgarh National Park

Established in 1968, Bandhavgarh National Park sits in the central state of Madhya Pradesh and is known for its thriving tiger population. For this reason it’s a popular destination for tiger fans, and offers Jeep tours to see the animals in their natural habitat. The Khitauli, Magadhi and Tala regions of the park are where you’ll most likely spot a tiger, but you’ll also see a wide range of other animals as well as ancient rock paintings and man made inscriptions. 

Kanha Tiger Reserve

Also located in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of the oldest protected areas in India and a prime habitat for tigers. Tourists can enjoy a wildlife trail by Jeep, accompanied by a trained naturalist, who can guide you to the best spots for seeing tigers. Along the way you’ll see other flora and fauna, as well as enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the reserve. 

The ultimate tiger trail

If you’re keen to spot as many tigers as possible, there are plenty of tiger trail packages that cover two or more of the above parks. Some will even take you to the mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans in Eastern India, where Bengal tigers are also found. These tours are typically much longer, lasting ten days or more, and require extensive travel by train and car across India. 

What to expect

On a tiger trail, you will head out early in the morning or in the late afternoon when the tigers are most active. While the guides are experts, they cannot guarantee a tiger sighting, so the longer your trip the more likely you are to catch a glimpse of this powerful animal. Many Jeep tours are shared, with a maximum of six to a vehicle and several vehicles on the trail at once. 

See a tiger in the UK!

If you love tigers, why not head to London this summer to see the award-nominated children’s play, The Tiger Who Came to Tea? As one of the UK’s best family shows, it retells Judith Kerr’s story with sing-along songs, dancing and plenty of clumsy chaos, delighting kids with its magic. This fabulous children’s show is playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 14 July - 7 September 2025. Book your tickets today!