India and Nepal together hold most of the world’s wild tigers. India’s 2022 tiger estimate put its population at more than 3,600, about three-quarters of the global total, and Nepal’s 2022 survey counted 355, nearly three times its 2009 number. Both offer superb tiger country, but the experience is quite different. See our tiger profile.
Quick comparison
| India | Nepal | |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger numbers | More than 3,600 | 355 |
| Sighting reliability | High in top central Indian reserves | Lower overall; best in Bardiya |
| Safari style | Jeep safaris in fixed zones with strict rules | Jeep and walking safaris, canoe trips |
| Other highlights | Leopards, sloth bears, dholes, Asiatic lions (Gir) | Greater one-horned rhinos, elephants, birds, mountains |
| Crowds | Popular reserves can be busy | Chitwan can be busy; Bardiya quiet |
| Booking | Permits booked months ahead in peak season | Easier to arrange |
| Combine with | Taj Mahal, Rajasthan, Kerala | Himalayan treks, Kathmandu |
Why choose India
- The best odds of seeing a tiger: reserves such as Bandhavgarh, Tadoba, Ranthambore and Kanha regularly deliver sightings in the dry season.
- Variety of reserves, from dry deciduous forest in central India to the grasslands of Kaziranga and the mangroves of the Sundarbans.
- Other wildlife: leopards, sloth bears, dholes, gaur and, in Gir, Asiatic lions.
Why choose Nepal
- Walking safaris: in Bardiya and Chitwan, you can track wildlife on foot with guides, which is rarely allowed in India.
- Rhinos: Chitwan is one of the best places in the world to see greater one-horned rhinos.
- Combine with the Himalayas: add a trek or mountain flight.
- Fewer permit hassles and a more relaxed pace.
Which is better for seeing tigers?
For the best chance of a sighting on a short trip, choose central India in the hot season (March to May). For a wilder experience with walking and rhinos, and if you have time and patience, choose Nepal, ideally Bardiya.
When to go
- India: October to June, with the best tiger sightings from March to May. Most core zones close from July to September.
- Nepal: October to May, with the best tiger sightings from March to May. Parks are largely closed in the monsoon.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I have the best chance of seeing a tiger? Central Indian reserves such as Bandhavgarh and Tadoba in April and May.
Can I combine India and Nepal on one trip? Yes. Corbett and Bardiya are relatively close across the border in the west, and Chitwan is easily reached from Kathmandu.
Are walking safaris safe? With experienced licensed guides who follow strict rules, they are generally safe, though some risk remains.
Which country is cheaper? Nepal’s safaris are often cheaper, though India has options for every budget.
Related guides
- Best places to see tigers in India
- Central India tiger safari itinerary
- Bardiya National Park guide
- Animal profiles: Tiger, Greater one-horned rhinoceros, Sloth bear
Cover photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons