How many tigers live in Bandhavgarh, and how to see one.
Bandhavgarh is famous for one thing above all: tigers. It has one of the highest numbers of tigers for its size in all of India.
So how many tigers live here? Here is the simple answer, with the past counts and tips to see one.
How Many Tigers in Bandhavgarh: Quick Facts
The Latest Tiger Count
The 2022 tiger count found about 135 tigers in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
Forest staff believe the number has gone up since then, with many new cubs. The next official count is the All India Tiger Estimation 2026. Its results are expected in 2027.
Good to know: Very young cubs are not included in the official count. So the real number of tigers in the forest is a little higher.
Tiger Numbers Over the Years
| Year | Tigers in Bandhavgarh |
|---|---|
| 2018 | About 124 tigers used the reserve (about 104 lived inside it) |
| 2022 | About 135 |
| 2026 | Count going on now, results in 2027 |
Why Does Bandhavgarh Have So Many Tigers?
- Lots of food: many deer, sambar, wild boar and gaur.
- Water: streams and water holes stay full for most of the year.
- Good hiding places: grassland, thick forest, hills and caves.
- Strong protection: the forest staff guard the park all the time.
Because the park is not very big, tigers live close to each other. That is why sightings are often good.
Famous Tigers of Bandhavgarh
- Mohan, the white tiger: the first known white tiger was found in this area in 1951. Most white tigers in zoos today come from him.
- Charger: a famous male tiger. He got his name because he often charged at jeeps.
- Sita: a famous tigress. She appeared on the cover of a big wildlife magazine.
- B2: a famous male tiger, the son of Sita. Many visitors saw him in the Tala zone.
Tips to See a Tiger in Bandhavgarh
- Do 3 to 4 safaris. Each safari is a new chance.
- Go in March to June. Tigers come to water holes in the heat.
- Book Tala and Magadhi zones. They usually have the best sightings.
- Listen for alarm calls. Deer and monkeys call loudly when a tiger is near.
- Be patient. Waiting quietly at the right place often works best.
Plan your safari with our Bandhavgarh safari booking guide and Bandhavgarh safari zones guide.
Bandhavgarh or Kanha for Tigers?
Both parks have many tigers. Bandhavgarh is smaller, so tigers are often easier to see. Kanha is bigger, with open meadows and the rare barasingha deer. Read our full guide: Bandhavgarh vs Kanha.
Want a ready tiger safari trip? See our Bandhavgarh tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tigers are there in Bandhavgarh?
The 2022 count found about 135 tigers in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Forest staff believe the number is higher now. The next official count results are expected in 2027.
Does Bandhavgarh have the most tigers in India?
Bandhavgarh has one of the highest numbers of tigers for its size in India. Madhya Pradesh as a whole has the most tigers of any state.
Is a tiger sighting sure in Bandhavgarh?
No. It is a wild forest, not a zoo. But with 3 to 4 safaris in good months, your chances are very good.
What is the best time to see tigers in Bandhavgarh?
March to June is the best time. The forest is dry and tigers come to water holes.
Was the white tiger found in Bandhavgarh?
Yes. Mohan, the first known white tiger, was found in this area in 1951 by the Maharaja of Rewa.
Which zone has the most tigers in Bandhavgarh?
Tala and Magadhi zones are known for the best tiger sightings. Khitauli and Panpatha are also good.
