Meet the Magnificent Tiger in India

Tiger tours in India are a fantastic option for people looking for their next exciting wildlife adventure. Seeing one of these big cats in the wild has to be one of the most incredible experiences in the world for nature lovers - and one of life’s great honours. This beautiful creature is the largest of the big cats, one of the greatest predators on Earth, and yet one of the most elusive of the world’s mammals. Heading out on one of the excellent tiger tours and sighting one in the wild is a very special experience indeed.

Fast Facts

The majestic Tiger has attracted much attention in recent years and, when you consider its place in religious and social context in India, it is easy to understand why. Traditionally a symbol of the Goddess Durga, it is today a symbol of national pride. Because of the efforts of conservation groups, the majority of species have narrowly averted extinction and become, instead, a huge tourist attraction. That said, however, the existence of the remaining six out of eight species is not guaranteed. Much still needs to be done to educate local people about the importance of the big cat and prevent the further destruction of its habitat. In fact, today there are less than one thousand of each species remaining on the planet.

Historically the animal lived in all parts of India, from the high Himalayan peaks to the warm tropical forests of southern India. This demonstrates their incredible adaptability and perhaps explains why, in the face of adversity, they have managed to survive as well as they have. Famously elusive, the adult lives a solitary life, defending its terrain from others of the same sex. The female must have enough food in her territory to support herself and her cubs, while a male must offer access to females.

Depending on the abundance of prey, an animal's territory can vary greatly. That said, however, there is evidence they will share their food with others, and this proves they may not be a solitary as once thought. They are very intelligent, are adept swimmers and can climb trees as well as any other cat. They are natural survivors and play a vital role in the "circle of life".

When embarking on tiger tours it is imperative to stay alert when on the lookout for a flash of their iconic stripes. Their patterns offer the animal valuable camouflage in various environments. When it comes to hunting, this big cat is a professional. They can take down animals much larger than themselves and are swift, uncompromising and, invariably, deadly. Their hunting technique allows them to tackle any animal in their sights.

Tiger tours are great ways of bringing revenue into the national parks in India that then goes into protecting the habitat of the animal. The tours also employ people from the nearby villages, help spread education locally and positively influence the future of the local wildlife.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for Tiger tours, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to to wildlife tours to some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.

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