Tiger tour basics

When you visit a tiger reserve on a safari you should know the following that a travel agent organizing the wild safari in a package tour will not tell you.
• Do not expect to see mammals except the spotted deer in large herds.
• Do not expect to see the tiger everywhere in the jungle. It is rare secretive and shy of humans.
• The Bengal tiger keeps to the dense cover in the forest and you need luck to spot it while it is moving daylight in open for approaching a water hole or the preys in the grassland savannas.
• The leopard is more elusive and you need greater luck to see it as it is more nocturnal than the Bengal tiger.
• You cannot see all the animals on one visit and you need to keep on visiting the forests to experience Indian wildlife and bird life.
• Make sure which tiger reserves offer the best chance of sighting a tiger in the wild before you choose a package tour.
• Find out which major mammal or bird species are seen in the jungles so that you can see these animals to enjoy the wildlife safari better.
• The naturalist guides can only elaborate their knowledge about animal ecology and morphology, they cannot locate or trek a tiger with certainty as the tiger is very secretive and difficult on foot or jeep safari. Hiring a nature guide is good as he can tell you a lot about animals and birds and make your trip meaningful.
• There are lot of wildlife resorts, hotel and camps which offer different package deals to suit your budget. Choose the package that you fit your pocket better.
• Tiger tour is fun and exciting especially when you see the tiger in the wild. For a holistic experience you should try to see all wildlife, reptiles and birds that is possible during the tiger tours. Learn to enjoy the forests and its sounds as well and meet local tribesmen to make your visit complete.
• If you are traveling independent than make all booking arrangements through a travel agent before hand and make sure of the route. Hire a nature guide if you can afford. Groups travel in a package tour is best since the hassle of traveling arrangement and jeep safari is taken care of by the travel agents.