International Tiger Day: 7 Pawfect Places to See Tigers Around the World

Here, at Ecophiles, we’re all about giving you ways to see wildlife in a natural space, with an eco-friendly, green travel mindset at heart. India, of course, is the ideal travel destination to go see tigers, and we reveal more stunning spots to see these magnificent animals. These national parks around the world give you a different travel perspective, an alternative path if you’ve already seen the kings of the jungle in India.

After nearly a century of decline, tiger numbers are finally increasing. Almost 4,000 tigers now thrive in the wild, but much more work needs to be done to protect this species, one that’s still vulnerable today. It’s our responsibility as caretakers of the Earth to preserve these majestic beasts and their natural habitats. It’s one thing when we want to spot tigers in their royal glory; but, it’s another when we do so in a harmful and dangerous way. International Tiger Day on July 29 celebrates tigers and raises awareness about their status and protection. Here are 7 pawfect places to travel to for tiger-seeing –

Chitwan National Park, Terai, Nepal

Chitwan National Park in Terai, Nepal is one of the most alluring travel attractions that draw tourists from around the world to see its forests, marshlands, grasslands, and, most importantly, its wildlife populations. It’s no wonder why this national park is so popular. Between one-horned rhinos and 544 species of birds to leopards and Bengal tigers, Chitwan National Park, or “Heart of the Jungle” as its nickname, will give you an unforgettable travel experience to witness tigers roaming freely. It’s perfect for tiger-spotting!

Bengal Tiger. Photo: skeeze via Pixabay

The best time to travel to Nepal’s first national park is from October to March, when skies are cloudless and the average daily temperature is a balmy 77 degrees. The months of June to September is when tracks in the park become nearly impassable so it’s better to travel here earlier in the year. Bring a camera and binoculars to see Bengal tigers in their prime!

Getting there: Fly from Kathmandu or take the greener option: the bus. The Kathmandu or Pokhara bus to Chitwan goes to Sauraha. From here you take local transport to Chitwan.

Chitwan National Park. Photo: Bas Wallet via Wikimedia Commons

Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Bhutan

The Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park in Bhutan is the third largest park in the country. Other than being a bird, clouded leopard, and Bengal tiger paradise, red pandas, musk deer, and white-bellied herons can be seen in the park as well. Through broadleaf forests and high ice peaks, this national park remains one of the largest undisturbed and protected treks of landscape anywhere in the Himalayas, perfect for seeing tigers and other wildlife in the open spaces.

White Bengal Tiger. Photo: Jay Lim via Pixabay

The ideal months to travel to Bhutan is between October and December; the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies. It’s the perfect seasonal time to discover what the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park has to offer. Travel to Bhutan to go tiger-crawling in one of the most pristine national parks in the country!

Photo: Phuentsho via Wikimedia Commons

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India

Bandhavgarh National Park in the Madhya Pradesh district in India is the most visited national park in the country. The park separates into three major zones (Tala, Magdi, and Bamera), two of which are best known for its tiger species. It’s the main reason why a large amount of wildlife lovers travel to this national park. Who wouldn’t want to see tigers up close and personal, but in a safe, green way? It’s the beauty in witnessing these beautiful beasts free, unbounded, and valued that makes the Bandhavgarh National Park in India one of the best.

In repose. Photo via Pixabay

The perfect time to travel to the park is between the November and February months; the rains have refreshed the jungle with liveliness and color and personality. March and May are also good to travel to the park if you can handle the summer heat. Either way, you’ll have the chance to see tigers out in the open!

Getting there: The nearest airports are Jabalpur and Khajuraho. Bandhavgarh is well connected by road from the nearby town & cities like Jabalpur, Satna, Umaria, Khajuraho etc. Nearest Railway stations: Katni (102 kms) on the central railway and Umaria (35kms) on the southeastern railway.

Photo: reverie_rambler via Flickr

Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

The Kerinci Seblat National Park is one of the largest national parks in Sumatra, Indonesia. With protected landscapes of tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, and rugged foothills, this national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most critical tigers reserves in the world. The park has over 200 tigers, a vulnerable species that is on the rise in Indonesia. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot the Sumatran tiger, a treasure of the tiger world.

Kerinci Seblat National Park in Indonesia

Sumatran Tiger Photo: wildlifeartbykaz via Pixabay

If you’re thinking of traveling to Indonesia to see these jungle kings, the best time to go is between April and October for the driest weather and for picture-perfect settings for tiger-spotting. Mornings and afternoons are warm, but evenings can get a bit chilly because of its mountain terrains. Enjoy your travel to this tiger sanctuary in Indonesia!

Mount Kerinci Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Zov Tigra National Park, Primorsky Krai, Russia

The Zov Tigra National Park in Primorsky Krai, Russia is the first national park preserved for the Siberian tiger. With over 200,00 acres, it’s the first protected area of its kind in the Russian Far East, safeguarding the habitats of its wildlife and allowing for green, nature tourism for its visitors to experience. It adorably translates into the “Roar of the Tiger.” It sure sounds like one of the best tiger sanctuaries and wildlife national parks to me!

Siberian Tiger Photo: Marcel Langthim via Pixabay

The Zov Tigra National Park is open for visitors all year round; however, the best season to travel here is between August and October. The park dedicates itself to providing eco-tours and an eco-friendly environment, with the safety of its wildlife as the most important factor. Get ready to travel to the purrfect national park for tiger-spotting in Russia!

Photo: Yury Yemelyanov via Wikimedia Commons

Bardia National Park, Terai, Nepal

The Bardia National Park in Terai, Nepal is one the country’s best kept hidden gems and is Nepal’s largest national park. Through idyllic villages and rolling, green fields, the surrounding area of the park is just as beautiful as what’s inside. The star of this national park is the Bengal tiger, with 60 tigers of its species and still growing today.

Two Bengal Tigers Playing. Photo: mitzy123 via Pixabay

When you’re exploring the natural, wildlife splendors of the Bardia National Park, take at least five days to experience the totality of what it offers. The best time to travel to the country is from March to June. Though the temperatures are highest during that period, it’s the ideal time of year to see wildlife, especially tigers, since a lack of water in the jungle drives them to watering holes. Travel to Nepal to experience unspoiled nature!

Getting there: From Kathmandu, daily buses run from Kathmandu to Mahendrenagar (alight at Ambassa). A 15 hour journey, but passes through stunning landscapes. From Nepalgunj, two buses daily go to Thakudwara (3-4 hours).

Photo: Sanoj Photography via Wikimedia Commons

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India

The Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national park in Northern India. This famous park is the best place to spot wild tigers in Rajasthan. An ideal travel destination for nature lovers, photographers, and tiger enthusiasts, the Ranthambore National Park will blow you away. Tigers can be easily spotted during the day time; so, prepare to snap some photos of this majestic animal!

Photo: Bengal Tiger in Nature by Alexas_Fotos via Pixabay

The best time of the year to travel to India is between October and April. Even though Indian summers are crazy hot, it’s worth the sweat to see tigers roaming freely in the park. Travel to India to see for yourself!

Getting there: The easiest way to reach this park is to take a train to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, which connects cities like Jaipur, Bombay, and Delhi.

Photo: Sanjay Tiwari Khamore via Wikimedia Commons

Tiger Spotting Tips:

Now that you’re an expert on the best places to see tigers around the world, here are some tiger tips for you to remember on your travels:

Never choose an elephant ride for seeing tigers

Having such an enormous, wild animal restrained for many hours at a time, unable to eat or take a break or rest at all, places the elephant in a harmful situation. It’s better to look for alternative, green travel options to see tigers and the national park as a whole.

Don’t take selfies with wildlife

Please resist the urge to boost your social media page by taking selfies with wild animals. Not only is it a danger to you (since you can get seriously hurt by tigers, birds, etc), but it’s also an inhumane thing to do to an animal. They belong in nature and they are more than selfie opportunities.

Promote eco-tourism

Do the right thing and promote eco-tourism by traveling to national parks that treat wildlife kindly and respectfully. Stop falling into the commercial trap of industries that place economic gain over the well-being of the animals.