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With almost 60% of the world tiger population in India, it is no surprise that wildlife enthusiasts have enough reasons to plan a tiger safari tour in India. The majestic big feline predators have become a major attraction for the tourists and wildlife lovers who want to spend their vacations sweating in jungles.

And if you have already been to the top 5 spots to visit tigers in India, here are some others (with their fact sheet) which promise you tiger-sighting in addition to many animals and birds.

Sariska Tiger Reserve

Facts

• Total area- 800 sq km
• Core area- approximately 500 sq km.
• Located in Alwar, Rajasthan, nearly 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur.
• Declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.
• Special geographic features- The Northern Aravali Hills, cliffs & valleys.
• Scrub-thorn arid forests and dry deciduous forests.
• Ruins from past- Pavilions and Temples

Animals

Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Civets Hyena, Jackal, Tiger, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur, Rhesus Monkeys

Birds

Grey Partridge, Peafowl, Sand Grouse, Bush Quail, Tree Pie, crested Serpent Eagle, Golden backed Woodpecker and The Great Indian horned Owl.

Best time to visit- October to April. Safaris are provided by jeep.

Satpura National Park

Facts

• Total area- 524 sq km
• Located in Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh
• 135 Km away from Bhopal
• Established in 1981
• The only park where walking is permitted
• Geographical features- Sonbhadra River, sandstone peaks, narrow gorges and ravines

Animals

Tigers, hyena, leopards, gaur, sambar, chital, barking deer, chin Kara, mouse deer, wild boars, wild dogs, bears, black bucks, foxes, porcupines and flying squirrel

Birds

Numerous species of eagles, accipiters, darters, cormorants, grebes, egrets, herons, bitterns, storks, cranes, ibis, ducks, geese, buzzards and kites

Best time to visit- April and May. 12 vehicles are allowed at a time.

Nagarhole National Park

Facts

• Located in Kodagu and Mysore district, Karnataka
• Set up in 1955, upgraded as a national park in 1988 and declared a tiger reserve in 1999
• Total area covered- 2183 sq km (including Bandipur and Mudumalai National Parks and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary)
• Geographical features- Lakshmmantirtha and Kabini Rivers, numerous seasonal and perennial streams,  hills, valleys and waterfalls

Animals

Tiger, gaur, Indian elephants, golden jackals, barking deer, sloth bears, leopard, dhole, common langur, bonnet macaque, red giant flying squirrel and stripped hyena

Birds

Painted bush quail, Sirkeer malkhoa, Indian robin, darters, ibis, red-headed vulture, greater spotted eagle, white cheeked barbet, purple heron and Malabar whistling thrush   

Best time to view wildlife is during summer (April to May)

Periyar National Park

Facts

• Situated in Idukki and Pathanamittha districts of Kerala
• Area covered- 305 sq kms
• Geographical features- Cardamom hills, Periyar River, Pamba River valley, mountain ridges
• tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests, grasslands
• Declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950
• Special interest point- Mullaperiyar Dam
• Options available- boat ride, nature walk, jungle patrolling and bullock cart ride

Animals

Tiger, elephants, sloth bear, wild pig, Travancore flying squirrel, gaur, sambar, jungle cat, Indian giant squirrel, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, stripe-necked mongoose, Salim Ali’s fruit bat, and Nilgiri marten

Birds

Nilgiri flycatcher, crimson-backed sunbird, brahminy kite, great hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, black-necked stork, Oriental darter

Best time to visit- November to February

All the above national parks were declared tiger reserves to offer protection to the big endangered felines in their natural home. Why don’t do pack your bags by picking best of the wildlife tour packages?