Best time to see and photograph tigers in India
Table of contents
Introduction
Best time to see and photograph tigers in India. What Time or Season? Which time of the year can I see tigers easily?
Which are the Best Place to See Tigers in India?
All these are common questions asked by many first-time visitors who want the best for tigers on their visit.
After more than 2 decades of visiting the Indian forest searching for tigers and other wildlife. I can tell you what my experience taught me. To understand the best time to see and photograph tigers, we have to understand the tiger’s behavior, habits, and seasons in India.
The best time to see and photograph tigers can vary depending on what your aim is.
Seasons in India
India has three main seasons, and they are Summer, Winter, and Rainy. In the Rainy season, the Tiger parks are closed to tourists. Each season has its pros and cons.
Personal Preference
When we consider the personal choices of watching and photographing tigers, the best time to see and photograph tigers is again decided based on additional aspects like foliage, color, light, and water.
Many photographers and wildlife lovers like to have a green background with an orange tiger in it. We also love the soft golden light. The Misty mornings and so on.
Green Tiger Forest
Tiger parks open in October just after the rains. So from Oct till Nov, the forest is usually lush green. A tiger photograph at this time is with a green background and the tiger’s coat is fresh and deep orange. Colors are saturated. Tiger sightings are few but impressive.
tiger in green grass – Best time to see and photograph tigers in India
Winter in Tiger Forest
Winter starts in late November and remains till Jan or early Feb. Winter temp in some parks can drop to zero degrees Celsius and below. Winter makes the forest slightly brown and in some places frosty grey along with green patches.
The forest is pretty, and mornings cold and misty. The light is soft and mysterious. The meadows and lakes have fog and mist.
Tigers love to walk on the dirt tracks early morning. They often patrol their territory during the night and early mornings. They are active in winter for longer durations. Entering the forest early to catch the Tigers on their tracks walking the soft sand is exciting.
In Winter, foliage is dense, and there is plenty of water in the forest. Therefore Tigers can be seen less often and only when they are out in the open. But a single photograph in winter is worth ten in the harsh summer light.
Summer in Tiger Forest
Indian summer begins in March and lasts till June.
The summer provides a lot of frequent sightings, due to various reasons, like less foliage and less water inside the forest. However, the weather is hot and light harsh except for an hour or two after sunrise and before sunset depending on the month.
March and April are when most foreign tours happen as the climate is still bearable and sightings are frequent.
May and June are the hottest and remain for the truly determined. Even for locals, the heat is unbearable including for the Tigers. Visibility becomes high as the foliage reduces. Due to this, Tigers are near the waterholes.
Tigers are often seen sitting in the water cooling themselves.
May & June are also the best time to find tigers in water.
If you are lucky, you will find the best waterhole and a family of tigers around the waterhole. So you have tigers resting, cooling, bathing, playing, all in one place.
Tiger in Red Colored Waterhole
Conclusion
For those who are visiting for the first time, summer is recommended.
If you can endure the heat and overlook the harsh light, then the best time to see and photograph tigers is Summer.
The reason is just that first time you will wish to see the tiger as many times as possible. Also, many tiger encounters will allow for a variety of good photographs.
Those who have already seen tigers in the summer, and have a fair collection of tiger images should also visit in the winter. Although tiger sightings are less in winter compared to summer, the weather and environment make up for the fewer sightings.
A touch of green and orange, with the frosty meadows in fog, makes it rejuvenating. Tiger photography is so much more dramatic and beautiful. In Winter the diffused light and early morning fog are good for artistic captures.
The best time to see and photograph tigers is great when combined with the best parks for tigers. Check out Best Place to See Tigers in India
Best Tiger Images taken on tour Tiger Photographs
