Beautiful, powerful, and strangely graceful, tigers have been sources of myths and legends for centuries. Unfortunately, they’ve also been hunted to near extinction. The World Wildlife Fund says that only around 3,900 tigers remain in the wild. Since their numbers are so few, you’ll want to be careful about any tiger tours that you take. Wildlife observation should always be ethical and mindful, especially if you’re going to another country to do it.
The good news is that it is possible to remain ethical while also seeing these fantastic beasts in their natural habitats. So, if you’re ready to spot some large cats, here’s where to see tigers in the wild ethically!
Nepal

[Above image “Kathmandu zoo Nepal” by S Pakhrin on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]
Trips are available by jeep, foot, or ATV for safari-style adventures along designated trails. In addition to tigers, you’ll also have the chance to see elephants, leopards, pangolins, and striped hyenas.
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India

[Above image “An Indian tiger in the wild. Royal, Bengal tiger” by Derrick Brutel on Flickr – licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]
One of India’s dense, vine-covered jungles was even the setting for Richard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. If you’ve always wanted to live like Mowgli, you won’t want to miss Kanha National Park!
Bangladesh

[Above image “White Bengal Tiger!” by lensnmatter on Flickr – licensed under CC0 1.0]
You can see them at any of the country’s four national parks. However, they’re all interconnected through overlapping land and shared geographical features, making them more like one gigantic park. Short tiger tour day trips are available. And longer, more immersive experiences will take you deep into the jungle for two weeks or more.
Bhutan
Not many people know about Bhutan. However, it’s a hidden gem of a travel destination located in the Himalayas. Plus, it’s an excellent place to see tigers in the wild. Numerous parks and preserves connect wide swatches of land for tigers to roam freely. This will also make it easier for you to hop between places like the Manas Tiger Reserve, the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, and Royal Manas National Park.
Royal Manas is even being considered for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its collection of rare and exotic plants and animals. While you’re there, you can take the opportunity for all kinds of wildlife observation. Seeing elephants and rhinos in the flesh will be just as amazing as seeing tigers!
Have you ever seen a tiger in the wild? Tell us all about your experience in the comments below!
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