Tiger safari activities

If tigers are India’s natural wonder, then trains are its engineering one. With one of the most extensive rail networks in the world, it is a delight to start your exploration of the wilds by train. The times of people crammed into cattle class, hanging off the roof and all round manic mayhem have long gone. You can book in advance, there is air con, they are great value, the views are priceless and the banter is brilliant. You can go on a tiger safari at Bandhavgarh National Park by taking a train to Katni. Or take a train from Delhi to Agra to see the famous Taj Mahal, and then on to Sawai Madhopur, the station that serves Ranthambhore National Park. From here you can also take a sleeper train to Katni.

Although national parks in India don’t have camping facilities within the park boundaries, you can go on a tiger safari and stay in a tented camp close by. Camp on the edge of Corbett National Park, with tents that are more like chalets than camping, but with total immersion in the wilds all the same, on the edge of the Ramganga River. There is luxury tented accommodation close to Kanha Tiger Reserve, with tents that are essentially canvas walled homes, on solid foundations with ensuite bathrooms. If you're traveling with kids, seek out camps that are family-friendly, so there is a good understanding and consideration when it comes to taking care of young ones, with suitable meal menus and times.