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Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Indian Express
From India's oldest national park to inspiration behind The Jungle Book, 10 places you can spot a tiger in their habitat
India is home to nearly 70% of the world's wild tiger population, making it one of the best destinations for tiger safaris. The country boasts several biodiversity-rich national parks, where visitors can witness the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. From the dense forests of Madhya Pradesh to the mangroves of West Bengal, each park offers a unique wildlife experience. Here are the 10 best national parks in India for a thrilling tiger safari, along with their locations. Jim Corbett, established in 1936, is India's first national park and is famous for its healthy population of Bengal tigers. Located in Uttarakhand, it features diverse landscapes ranging from grasslands to dense forests. Dhikala and Bijrani zones offer the best tiger sighting opportunities. Located in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, Ranthambore is known for its iconic landscapes, ancient ruins, and high tiger density. The T-19, T-39, and T-101 tigers are among its famous residents. The fort ruins inside the park create an unmatched backdrop for wildlife photography. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh boasts the highest tiger density in India. With open meadows and dense Sal forests, the park is ideal for tiger spotting. The Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli zones are the best for sightings. Kanha, also in Madhya Pradesh, is known for its lush meadows and towering Sal trees. The park was the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book'. It is home to the rare Barasingha (swamp deer) alongside its thriving tiger population. Located in Maharashtra, Tadoba offers one of the best chances to spot tigers in India. It is known for frequent tiger sightings near watering holes and relatively less crowded safari experiences. Pench, straddling the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is another 'Jungle Book' inspiration. It has a thriving tiger population, and its open terrain makes it ideal for photography and safari tours. The Sundarbans in West Bengal is home to the only population of tigers adapted to a mangrove ecosystem. Unlike other parks, boat safaris replace jeep safaris, offering a unique way to explore the tiger territory. Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole, in Karnataka, is famous for its pristine forests and thriving tiger population. It also has a large number of elephants, leopards, and other wildlife. While Kaziranga is best known for its one-horned rhinos, it also has a strong tiger presence. Located in Assam, its elephant grass and swampy terrain make tiger sightings more challenging but rewarding. Satpura, also in Madhya Pradesh, offers a unique, less crowded tiger safari experience. Unlike other parks, walking safaris and canoeing are available, making it one of the most adventurous wildlife experiences in India.
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First Post
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Ranthambore's fierce queen dies: The legacy of Arrowhead, the tigress who took on a crocodile in her final days
Arrowhead, the descendant of the famed tigress Machli of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, has died after a prolonged illness. The queen was battling bone cancer that left her frail, impacting her ability to prey. However, before taking her last breath, the big cat ambushed a crocodile, the epic hunt steeped in deep symbolism read more The queen is dead. Arrowhead, the famed tigress of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, took her last breath on Thursday (June 19), leaving behind a storied legacy. Also known as T-84, the big cat was captured taking down a crocodile just days before her death. Visuals of the kill spread widely online, standing out for their symbolism. As Ranthambore bids adieu to Arrowhead, we take a look at her legacy. Arrowhead reigns supreme Arrowhead was the granddaughter of Machli, or T-16, arguably the most photographed tigress in the world. Known for her courage, Machli was the Queen of Ranthambore. She was once the oldest living tiger in the world, who passed away at the age of 20 in 2016. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Born in 2014 to popular tigress T-19 or Krishna, Arrowhead came from an iconic tiger bloodline. Arrowhead's father was Star Male, also known as T-28, a dominant tiger in the Rajasthan's Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Arrowhead got her name due to a distinct arrow mark on her left cheek. Image Courtesy: fotokatha The tigress got her name due to a distinct arrow mark on her left cheek. Arrowhead grew up in the main wilderness of the reserve, along with her siblings Lightning and Pacman. Arrowhead reportedly established her territory in zones two, three, and four of the reserve. Zone three, the largest territory in Ranthambore, was ruled by her mother, Krishna, for five years before her daughter took over. A well-known tigress, tourists on safari jeeps visiting Ranthambore were eager to see Arrowhead. And the big cat lapped up all the attention. The final hunt The Queen of Ranthambore battled bone cancer for several months. During her last days, she was just a shadow of her former self, with her bones sticking out and sagging flesh. Arrowhead's last hunt was outstanding due to its symbolism. Her grandmother, Machli, was famous as the 'crocodile killer' at her time. Arrowhead lived up to the family legacy. Just days back, the tigress was captured ambushing a crocodile despite her frail health. In a video that went viral, she can be seen jumping into Padam Talab near Jogi Mahal in zone three, grabbing the crocodile's neck, dragging it out and taking it to the forest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The clips of the epic hunt went viral, serving as a reminder of her grandmother's skills and bravery. Days after the notable hunt, Arrowhead died on Thursday due to her prolonged illness. 'With a heavy heart, we share the heartbreaking news from Ranthambore. Tigress Arrowhead (T-84), the pride of our forest, daughter of Krishna and granddaughter of legendary Machli, has passed away,' Ranthambhore National Park's official Instagram account said in a heartfelt post. Arrowhead's death came just a few hours after her daughter, RBT 2507, or Kankati – a 23-month-old tigress, was moved to Mukundara Tiger Reserve. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wildlife photographer Sachin Rai, who saw her just two evenings before the tigress' death, told Indian Express, 'It was heartbreaking to see her struggle, attempting to rise and take a few feeble steps before collapsing again. Each movement was a visible effort; even walking ten steps seemed an enormous task. Eventually, she reached a tree and lay beneath it. In that quiet moment, I knew in my heart that the end was near, just a matter of a day or two.' He shared a video of the 'last walk' of Arrowhead near the Padam Talab. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'She lived a full life. She had cubs, some memorable hunts, and towards the end, a life-threatening illness. She did it all like a queen—the Queen of Ranthambore,' a forest official from the reserve told ThePrint. ALSO READ: International Tiger Day: How nature tourism helped conserve the big cats in India The notorious daughter Kankati, the young daughter of Arrowhead, was relocated to Mukundara Tiger Reserve on Thursday morning after she killed two people. She is believed to be behind the death of forest ranger, Devendra Chaudhary, on May 11 and a seven-year-old child at Ranthambore Fort on April 16. The attacks raised questions about live baiting that was offered to her ailing mother. Live baiting refers to offering a live prey animal to a predator. Since her birth, Kankati and her two siblings witnessed live bait provided to Arrowhead. According to experts, this repeated feeding to Arrowhead made Kankati and possibly her siblings lose their natural caution of humans, leading to the two fatal attacks. 'Wild tigers can be fed only as an emergency measure. If a tigress with cubs gets an injury and is unable to hunt, baiting can be tried to improve her condition but only once in two weeks and for not more than three months. You can not prolong this as tigers get familiar and fearless with humans,' veteran conservationist Valmik Thapa was quoted as saying by Indian Express. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Live baiting to attract tigers is banned. However, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) does not prohibit but says it is 'not advisable' when dealing with old or injured tigers in the wild. With inputs from agencies
