India houses more than 70% of the wild tiger population of the world. No wonder the place is a crucial haven with a substantial global stronghold for these royal big cats. The country has been very serious about conserving the natural habitat, and a revolutionary conservation effort under the name ‘Project Tiger’ provides for protection rules and conservation efforts of other reserves and thriving populations across several landscapes.

Listed below is detailed and specific information on the top 6 tiger reserves in India with the highest tiger population, the information for which is the latest one from the All India Tiger Estimation Report:

1. Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand)

Not just a tourist destination, Corbett Tiger Reserve is a living witness to what consistent wildlife conservation looks like. The reserve houses the highest density of tigers in the world and boasts about grand success achieved through timely and effective intervention.

Location: Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts, Uttarakhand

Estimated Tiger Population: Over 250 tigers

Area: 1,288 sq. km (core and buffer)

Nearest City: Ramnagar (gateway town with good rail and road connectivity)

Safari Tour Package: Jim Corbet Wildlife Photography Tour

2. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana)

Being the largest tiger reserve in India, Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve covers an impressive area of 5937 square kilometers. It is situated within the Nallamala hill ranges (an offshoot of the Eastern Ghats) and is a vital habitat for tigers and various other endangered species. The reserve is known for its diverse geography, such as gorges, plateaus, ridges, and valleys, giving ample support to tropical dry deciduous forests.

Location: Spans 5 districts across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Estimated Tiger Population: Over 150 tigers

Area: 3,728 sq. km (largest tiger reserve in India)

Nearest City: Hyderabad (approximately 200 km away)

3. Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka)

This reserve is one of the most beautiful and ecologically rich wildlife sanctuaries, spread over an impressive 912 square kilometers, housing a thriving population of Bengal tigers and other important wildlife species such as leopards, Indian elephants, gaurs, and a huge range of bird species.

Location: Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka

Estimated Tiger Population: Over 150 tigers

Area: 912 sq. km

Nearest City: Mysuru (80 km away)

4. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (Assam)

Kaziranga National Park is one of the most renowned tiger reserves in Assam, India, which is also famous for its high tiger density. Officially declared a tiger reserve in the year 2006, this park houses the largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses in the world, combined with a huge range of other wildlife such as elephants, wild water buffaloes, and a large number of bird species.

Location: Golaghat and Nagaon districts, Assam

Estimated Tiger Population: Over 125 tigers

Area: 1,055 sq. km (including additions to the core zone)

Nearest City: Guwahati (about 190 km away)

Safari Tour Package: Kaziranga Wildlife Photography Tour

5. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal)

Located in West Bengal, this is one of the most substantial tiger reserves in India and an established UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the secure region of the Sundarbans delta, this tiger reserve is widely renowned for its rich biodiversity, mainly for its large tiger population. Being a vital habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger, this reserve offers protection for other endangered species such as the Gangetic dolphin, estuarine crocodile, and fishing cat.

Location: South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal

Estimated Tiger Population: Around 100 tigers

Area: 2,585 sq. km

Nearest Access: Canning (by rail), followed by boat to Sajnekhali or Godkhali entry points

6. Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Kanha Tiger Reserve is renowned as one of the most iconic wildlife sanctuaries of India covering an area of over 940 sq. km with a buffer zone of 1,000+ sq. km. The Reserve is famous throughout the world for its picturesque beauty, sal forests, and thriving tiger population. Interestingly, this reserve has inspired the famous creation – The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling.

Tiger Population: 130+

Area: 940 sq km

Best Zone: Mukki Zone (Less crowded, good sightings)

Safari Type: Jeep & elephant safaris

Unique Fact: Inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.

Best Time: October–June.

Best Time: October–June.

Safari Tour Package: Kanha Wildlife Photography Tour