The Royal Bengal tigers, also called Indian tigers are the most common in India and over the centuries they have become an important part of Indian tradition and lore. It is the largest living member of the cat family and is the fastest running animal and the most ferocious. Despite their fearsome reputation, most tigers avoid humans; however, a few do become dangerous maneaters. Its habitat varies from the swamps to the desert and from the foothills of Himalayas to the peninsular India. Here is a list of some of the best national parks where you can see the Royal Bengal tiger.

CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
Situated in the outer Himalayan range called the Shiwaliks, Jim Corbett National park is an ideal habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger. The Shiwaliks have an average altitude of 1800 m and are interspersed with ravines. In the south is the swampy and humid terrain region that is home to endangered wildlife. The landscape is lovely during the spring but if you wait until April-June when vegetation dries up than it is easier to spot its wild population of over 500 bird species, Tigers, Leopards and Elephants.Gateway: Delhi at 300-kms.
Best time to visit: From November 15 to June 15.

KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Situated in central India, Kanha National Park is said to be the best place to see the Royal Bengal Tiger. The horseshoe valley is surrounded by steep rocky escarpments, the Surpan River meanders through its sal and bamboo forest and grasslands cover the extensive plateau. Within its lush forest and open grassy meadows are about 70 to 100 tigers. This beautiful sanctuary provided inspiration to Rudyard Kipling for his famous novel "The Jungle Book". Other highlights are the rare hardground Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Sambhar and Gaur.

Gateway: Mumbai-Nagpur at 266-kms; Delhi-Raipur by air; Calcutta-Jabalpur by train.
Best time to visit: April to June and November to January.

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
Although Kaziranga National Park is synonymous with the one horned Indian Rhino, it also has a healthy population of Royal Bengal tigers. Located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River in the far North East of India, Kaziranga National Park boasts of the highest density of tigers among protected areas of the world. Elephant Safari is the best way to see the wildlife in this park due to the high Elephant Grass in the area.  

Gateway: Calcutta-Guwahati at 217-km.
Best time to visit: From mid-November to early April.

PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK
Periyar is one of the most popular national parks in South India. Located in the Western Ghats ranges of Kerala, along the banks of an artificial lake created by the damming of the Periyar River, it is also a tiger reserve. The importance of the park lies in its community based programmes conducted by the locals for the protection of the wildlife. There are about 40 tigers in the park sprawled over 770 sq kms which makes it difficult but not impossible to see the tiger. Visitors more often come here to see the Indian elephants that can be easily seen along Periyar lake.

Gateway: Kochi (Cochin) at 200-kms or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at 140-kms.
Best time to visit: From October to June.

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
Ranthambhore is probably the most famous of all the national parks in India. Located in Eastern Rajasthan, Ranthambore national park lies between two low lying mountain ranges with rugged terrain and dense deciduous forests. Rivers, streams and lakes provide enough water for the animals, making it a perfect site for a diverse collection of wildlife including about 40 Royal Bengal tigers. Once a hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore is known for the beauty of its wildlife and nature.

Gateway: Jaipur at 145-kms.
Best time to visit: October-March and April to June.

SARISKA NATIONAL PARK
Sariska is probably one of the most visited parks in India. Located between Delhi and Jaipur, in the rugged terrain of the Aravalli Hills and studded with medieval temples and forts, it provides an excellent backdrop for a photo opportunity. Sariska National Park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, and Tiger. The avian world is also well represented with a rich and varied birdlife. This is the best place to enjoy camel and elephant safaris.

Gateway: Jaipur at 107-kms.
Best time to visit: October to June. SUNDERBANS NATIONAL PARK
Last but not the least is the Sunderbans National Park, the largest tiger preserve in India with over 400 tigers. Located in eastern India, south of Kolkota in the State of Bengal, the two mighty rivers; Ganges and Brahmaputra form a delta before emptying its waters into the Bay of Bengal. According to World Heritage Convention, it contains the world's largest area of mangrove forests and endangered species including aquatic mammals, birds, reptiles and the Royal Bengal tigers.

Gateway: Kolkatta, (Calcutta) at 112-kms.
Best time to visit: December to March. Also September and May.