Foolproof tips to increase your chances of tiger spotting in India

Tigers are elusive animals, the reason why a trip to tiger reserves does not guarantee that you will spot one. If records are to go by, nature and wildlife lovers from all across the world throng tiger reserves to spot one but only some of them get a good sighting.
If you don’t always want to rely on luck, we bring to you foolproof tips to increase your chances of tiger spotting in India.

It’s usually the hot and dry season when your chances of spotting tigers are high, but this could definitely vary depending on which area you are visiting. This is when forests turn dry and clear and most animals, including tigers, tend to wander out more frequently – especially near watering holes or river beds – to drink water.
So, if you are planning a trip to a reserve, do your research, and book well in advance. Also, do note that most reserves remain closed during the monsoon season.

It’s always a great experience to spot a tiger, prowling freely in its natural habitat, but you need to have luck by your side, along with choosing the right place. For instance, Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett has the highest density of tiger population, which means your chances for a sighting also become high.
Plus, there are some national parks, including Kanha, Satpura and Jim Corbett that also offer the option of staying inside the reserve, at lodges, to provide more authentic experience, and increase the chances of sightings.

You might be aware that most of the wildlife parks and tiger reserves are maintained by government bodies to protect the animals as well as tourists. This means you cannot take your private car inside the forest area, and stick to authorised, official vehicles which are either a gypsy or a canter, depending on the terrain, along with a guide. There are some parks that also offer the unique option of elephant safari for spotting tigers.
If you get a gypsy, it’s better than getting canters for a ride inside the park. Gypsy is usually quieter and can go deep inside the forest, while canters can reduce your chances of spotting.

Once you are there, you will realise that skill and experience will make all the difference in the real jungle. If your guide and driver are skilled, they will have an ideal of a tiger’s routine, and will take you to the right place at the right time. For this, you can read reviews online or you can just seek information from your hotel staff.

A tiger is a jungle's apex predator, which also means that you are not the only one looking for him. If you or your guide knows what an alarm call sounds like (birds are known to make distinct calls, langurs and deer also give such calls) when a tiger is on the prowl. Most experts also know how to track a big cat if it’s been on the move by checking out pugmarks on the soil.

When in the jungle, silence your phone, cameras and other such devices; talk in whispers if you’ve to; wear subtle, sombre shade clothes; do not scream if you spot an animal as most animals, including tigers, are elusive and intelligible beings that do not like crowds or noise. The more you blend in, the higher your chances are at tiger sightings. Do not coerce your drivers to get closer to any animal as well; this is for your as well as the animal’s safety.