We’ve all been in awe of these majestic wild cats. While all of us have watched plenty of wildlife shows featuring tigers and their lives, nothing compares to seeing these massive felines in person! Anyone with a fondness for the wilderness, would love to see a tiger in real life. India is home to  80 percent of the tigers in the world. There are 51 tiger reserves in India, which are governed by Project Tiger which is administrated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Of course, it would be a task to go to all 51, which is why here are 5 best places to see tigers in India

Corbett

Tiger Jim Corbett

The ultimate destination to spot tigers in India, Jim Corbett National Park is famous around the world for its tiger conservation programme. India’s oldest national park, this was the first park to come under the Project Tiger initiative. An eco-tourism destination, it houses around 110 tree species, 50 species of mammals, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. Here you can take different unique Jim Corbett Safaris – on different vehicles and explore the zones of the park. Read A Visitor’s Guide to Jim Corbett National Park here.

Where to staySterling-Corbett is the ideal choice, when it comes to staying at Corbett. Located at the gateway of Corbett National Park the resort gives a panoramic view of the Jim Corbett National Park and the gurgling River Ramganga. The resort can organize safaris for you that allow you to explore the park. On a clear night, catch a glimpse of the constellations with the help of Sterling Corbett’s stargazing experience.

Kanha

Tiger in Kanha

Kanha Tiger Reserve is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh, and one of the biggest in the country. The park hosts Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, barasingha and dhole. It is also the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot, Bhoorsingh the Barasingha. There are multiple options for jungle safaris at Kanha, where you can spot the magnificent wildlife that reside in these forests!

Sterling Kanha

Where to stay: Look no further than Sterling – Kanha. Located 6 km from the Kanha Tiger Reserve, Sterling – Kanha offers you brilliant views of the dense forest. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the activities available at the resort, in addition to the jungle safaris you’ll be going on.

Sariska

Tiger in Sariska

Nestled in the Aravalli ranges in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Sariska Tiger Reserve is another go to place to spot these majestic beasts. A variety of other wild animals like the leopard, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur, hyena and jungle cats are found in the Sariska Tiger Reserve apart from the tiger.

Sterling Sariska

Where to stay: Sterling – Sariska is located on the fringes of Sariska National Park. This makes it a convenient resort to stay at and plan your wildlife safaris. The resort comes with tents that blend with the wilderness. A visit to Sterling – Sariska helps you rediscover nature. Take a long leisurely swim, follow the curated trails that skirt the resort, chat up with the locals that you meet on the way or watch the deer come to a watering hole near the tents. Explore your wild side on an exciting jungle safari.

Wayanad

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

When in south India, head to Wayanad to see tigers! The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary hosts a variety of large wild animals such as Indian bison, elephant, deer and tiger. Established in 1973, the sanctuary is now an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is bounded by protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka in the northeast, and on the southeast by Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu.

Sterling Wayanad

Where to Stay: Sterling – Wayanad is surrounded by scenic landscapes in all corners. Situated near Sultan Bathery, the drive to the resort is through beautiful landscapes in Bandipur Forest. Sterling – Wayanad with its 61 well-appointed rooms, is the place to unwind and gorge on scrumptious local delicacies. Take a stroll in the green lanes, take a dip in the beautifully designed swimming pool, visit the waterfalls in the area and walk-through lush paddy fields.

Thekkady

Periyar Tiger Reserve

Another hotspot for tiger spotting in south India is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve in Thekkady. Periyar National Park lies in the middle of a mountainous area of the Cardamom Hills. Saddled in the southern region of the Western Ghats, it is home to a luxuriant collection of different species of flora and fauna. There are a multitude of activities you can do here including taking the Periyar Tiger Trail, during which you can spot tigers.

Sterling Thekkady

Where to stay:  Nestled amidst the Idukki’s charming mountains, Sterling- Thekkady falls in close proximity to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. From trekking, to plantation tours, rafting and bird-watching to exploring the stimulating scents at spice markets of Kumily, there are tons of things to indulge in Thekkady. Experience nature in every form with Sterling – Thekkady.