A safari to explore the wildlife is exciting enough, but to explore the life of the royal beast - The Tiger, is a special treat that no explorer in India would want to miss.

India has a great history when it comes to tigers. From the mythological stories depicting the strongest of deities riding on this magnificent animal, to being mascots and also it being the national animal of India, tigers have surely captivated the Indian history. The Tiger population has drastically reduced from around 100,000 at the start of the 20th century to as few as around 4000 of these majestic creatures remaining on this face of the earth. The only way now to catch a glimpse of this grand creature in the wild is on a Tiger safari in India. Tiger Safaris in India are a must and it surely needs to be there in your to-do list. An encounter with the tiger in the wild is definitely a spine-chilling moment and at the same time a complete 'Wow' moment. The muscular body, the rich stripes, the solitary bliss, is eye captivating and a treat to watch.

Indian Tiger Safaris today are largely diversified and offer a great deal of adventurous opportunities to ensure that every tourist enjoys the wildlife journey and make every encounter a memorable one. Be it the classic jeep safaris or open elephant back ride safaris, you are sure to enjoy this stimulating journey to meet the Maharajah of the Jungle. The best way to spot a tiger in the jungle is on a 4X4 safari jeep. Here you get to enter the wild life habitat in secure vehicles, jeeps, and you will have a naturalist and driver who would take you to those specific spots where you could come across these striped beauties. This is a great option where the entire family could sit together accompanied by some great photo shoots. With this jeep safari option you get to explore the inner depths of the wilderness without disturbing the natural habitat. You can enjoy your jeep safari by venturing into the deeper sections of the jungle and travel greater distances.

An elephant back safari is another option which is conducted in a few National Parks in India where you get a chance to get up close and personally meet with the Tiger that is sure to take your breath away. Sitting just a few meters away and observing the life of this animal is definitely a humbling experience and the memory of which would be captured for eternity. Elephants are easily accepted by the tigers since they are a part of its natural habitat and hence this safari is surely an unbeatable experience. These elephants are well trained and the mahouts are highly experienced and they channel you effortlessly through the dense forest to make sure you get the best view of the tigers and at the best times of the day. Sit back, relax, take in the warmth and beauty and just enjoy being a part of this special safari.

Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

“Tiger! Tiger! Burning bright / in the forests of the night / what immortal hand or eye / Could frame thy fearful symmetry?”
-William Blake

Tigers are the largest members of the cat family and are renowned for their power and strength. There were eight tiger subspecies at one time, but three became extinct during the 20th century. Over the last 100 years, hunting and forest destruction have reduced tiger populations from hundreds of thousands of animals to perhaps fewer than 2,500. Tigers are hunted as trophies and also for body parts that are used in traditional Chinese medicine. All five remaining tiger subspecies are endangered and many protection programs are in place. Royal Bengal Tigers live in India and are sometimes called Indian Tigers. They are the most common tiger and number about half of all wild tigers. Over many centuries they have become an important part of the Indian tradition and lore. Tigers live alone and aggressively scent-mark large territories to keep their rivals away. They are powerful nocturnal hunters that travel many miles to find buffalo, deer, wild pigs, and other large mammals.

Tigers use their distinctive coats as camouflage (no two have exactly the same stripes). They lie in, wait and creep close enough to attack their victims with a quick spring and a fatal pounce. A hungry tiger can eat as much as 60 pounds (27 kilograms) in one night, though they usually eat less. Despite their fearsome reputation, most tigers avoid humans; however, a few do become dangerous man eaters. These animals are often sick and unable to hunt normally or live in an area where their traditional prey has vanished. Females give birth to litters of two to six cubs which they raise with little or no help from the male. Cubs cannot hunt until they are 18 months old and remain with their mothers for two to three years when they disperse to find their own territory.

Why- A Tiger Safari?

Tiger is the spirit of the Indian jungle. Even his distant roar or an alarm call of some animal announcing his presence, charges the whole environment of the Jungle with excitement. Acute sensitivity, secretiveness and the ability to surprise; untiring perseverance, agility in attack, the tenacity to follow and the strength to overpower are the qualities necessary in a successful predator. The Tiger possesses them all in extraordinary measure. He is the symbol of India's wilderness and its National Heritage Species. His lithe majesty, powerful muscles rippling under a tawny coat, his symmetry and mesmerizing gaze is a tantalizing beacon to those who want to capture this unmatchable beauty on their lens.

India is one place where you get the opportunity to experience the finest of the India Tiger Safari and the wilderness of incredible tiger species in the various Tiger Reserves in India. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the symbol of reigning power and is also the grandest animal in the jungle. A tiger Safari on an Indian trip is a must since it is a lot of fun to spot tigers in their natural surroundings. Indian tigers have a royalty about them and they are the grandest species in the world. You have the options of watching them in natural reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and parks.