Endangered

Bengal Tiger

Panthera tigris tigris

About the Bengal Tiger

The Bengal tiger is the most numerous tiger subspecies, yet fewer than 3,000 remain in the wild. India's national animal is a solitary, powerful predator that can weigh up to 260 kg. Tiger safaris in India's national parks offer one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in Asia.

HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, mangroves, grassland

Found InAsia

Best SeasonMarch - June (dry season, when tigers visit waterholes)

ConservationEndangered

Biology & Stats

DietDeer, wild boar, buffalo, gaur, monkeys, peafowl

Daily Intake6-8 kg average, up to 40 kg in single sitting

Weight (Male)180-260 kg

Weight (Female)100-160 kg

Lifespan (Wild)10-15 years

Lifespan (Captivity)20-26 years

Wild Population~3,400-3,700 (increasing)

Social BehaviourSolitary and highly territorial. Males maintain 60-100 km² territories.

Migration: Non-migratory. Young tigers disperse 100+ km.

Best time of day: Early morning (5:30-9am) and late afternoon (3:30-6pm).

Typical viewing distance: 20-60 metres from vehicle or elephant

Camera settings: 1/500s-1/1000s, f/4-f/5.6, ISO 800-3200, 200-500mm

Fun Facts

No two tigers have the same stripe pattern.
A tiger's roar can be heard from 3 km away.
Tigers are strong swimmers and often cool off in pools and streams.

In the Wild

Where to See Bengal Tiger in the Wild

Ranthambore National Park

India

India's most famous tiger park, with tigers often seen against ancient fort ruins.

Best time: Mar-Jun

Bandhavgarh National Park

India

Highest density of tigers in India.

Best time: Mar-Jun

Sundarbans

India/Bangladesh

The world's largest mangrove forest, home to swimming tigers.

Best time: Nov-Mar

Plan a Visit

Featured Destinations to See Bengal Tiger

Compare practical destination guides with seasonal timing, travel logistics, other wildlife, tours, and places to stay.

India

Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore is India's most famous tiger reserve, where Bengal tigers roam among the ruins of a 10th-century fort. The park's relatively open ter...

Best time: March - June

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Country Guides

Explore Bengal Tiger by Country

Country guides connect the species with other wildlife, featured places, planning context, and responsible-viewing advice.

India wildlife →

Habitat Guides

Habitats Used by Bengal Tiger

Species may rely on several ecosystems across their range. Explore how conditions and conservation pressures differ.

Savannas & Grasslands →Rainforests →Wetlands & Rivers →Forests & Woodlands →

How to See This Species

Responsible Bengal Tiger Experiences

Compare activity formats, physical conditions, operator questions, animal-welfare risks, and relevant destinations before choosing a tour.

Safari

Safari Game Drives

A game drive uses a vehicle to explore protected landscapes with a guide or, where rules allow, as a self-drive visitor. It is the most accessible…

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Specialist

Wildlife Photography Tours

A wildlife photography tour should improve access, fieldcraft, and learning without turning animal welfare into a competition for the closest frame.…

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At the Zoo

Where to See Bengal Tiger at Zoos

London Zoo

London, UK

Open Verified Visitor Guide →

Bronx Zoo

New York, USA

Singapore Zoo

Singapore, Singapore

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Protect Bengal Tiger

Support Independent Conservation Work

These third-party programmes offer relevant ways to adopt symbolically, foster, donate, or learn. We do not process contributions or receive commission.

Donate

Panthera Wild Cat Conservation Support

A general support route for science-led wild-cat conservation, including species research, protected landscapes and corridors, conflict reduction, and action against poaching and illegal trade.

Review programme →Due Diligence

Check Before You Contribute

Understand symbolic adoption, verify the organisation, and review current terms and use of funds.

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Relevant Tour Listings

Browse Bengal Tiger Tours & Experiences

Current Viator listings matched to this species. Confirm where the activity operates, its wildlife policy, recent reviews, availability, and cancellation terms before booking.

Free cancellationPrivate

Book Your Trip

Plan a Bengal Tiger Wildlife Trip

Only species-relevant partner routes are shown. Confirm the exact location, wildlife policy, availability, current price, and cancellation terms before booking.

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Guided Tours & Experiences

These links open third-party searches. Verify the exact operator, route, guide team, wildlife policy, field time, and no-sighting terms.

Ranthambore Tiger SafariGetYourGuide Bandhavgarh Tiger TourViator

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Hotels & Accommodation

Search stays only after the gateway and field route are confirmed.

Ranthambore HotelsExpedia Bandhavgarh LodgesExpedia

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Flights

Compare current routes, baggage rules, buffers, and total booking terms.

Flights to JaipurExpedia

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Travel Insurance

Check medical, cancellation, activity, altitude, equipment, and evacuation terms for the exact itinerary.

India Travel InsuranceWorld Nomads

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Camera & Gear

Match equipment to guide advice, distance, weather, baggage limits, and safe handling.

500mm+ Super TelephotoAmazon

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Safari Specialists

Premium tailor-made packages from Africa's top operators. High-value bookings with expert planning.

India Tiger SafariBookAllSafaris

Photography Tips for Bengal Tiger

A 500mm+ lens is ideal. Early morning game drives offer the best light and tiger activity. Be patient — sightings require persistence.

Safety Guide

Always remain inside your safari vehicle. Tigers are ambush predators — never turn your back on one. Follow park rules and guide instructions exactly.

Expert Planning Guides