Whatever the government survey says, remarkably 38, 000 square kilometres of wilderness is still protected, across 500 parks and sanctuaries, harbouring not just tigers, but fantastic flora and fauna.

So where is the best place to see tigers in India? This is very difficult to answer as the famed royal Bengal tiger is so elusive, which is so difficult to believe, isn't it?

If i try to pinpoint a few parks that i would highly recommend to try to answer the question "where to go on tiger safari in India? ", my favourite would be the Corbett National Park, set in the foothills of the Himalayas and offering spectacular tiger tracking opportunities.

Imagine spending a few nights inside the jungle at rustic Raj era forest lodges, where you will be looked after by expert naturalist guides and support staff to make this exclusive and exciting experience quite special. Visit the Dhikala range that offers the widest range of terrain and excellent tiger spotting opportunities as well as the Bijrani - Malani range that has excellent water availability throughout the year, thus making it an exceptional habitat for a strong prey base and its predator. It also offers fantastic birding opportunities.

Ranthambore is still high on my list. One of the most picturesque parks in Northern India, you could experience facilities set up by the son of Fateh Singh - aptly referred to as the founding father of Ranthambore - who helped put the park onto the Tiger Map of the World.

Often termed as the tiger capital of India, Madhya Pradesh (Central India) has some superb tiger reserves each offering a spectacular experience. Kanha is one of the best-known and oldest of India's parks, where your arrangements can be made at an owner-managed camp by the quiet Mukki Gate. You can spend mornings and afternoons in tiger territory on a private jeep guided by one of the best known naturalists in Kanha.

Satpura - this relatively new, little-known scenic reserve has the distinction of being set up for walking and also kayaking on its large reservoir - something no other parks offer. Though harbouring tigers, it's better known for sightings of leopard, wild dog, and sloth, as well as endemic butterflies among its forest-clad hills, steep gorges, and many creeks naomi burton crews. Stay in a rustic lodge set up under the watchful eye of a naturalist owner. Don't forget to spend evenings on a first-floor terrace bar that offers great views over the Satpura hills, adding to the atmosphere.

Little known until recently, the Tadoba National Park in northern Maharashtra offers a fascinating view of a central Indian jungle, and is the only tiger reserve open all year. Its two lakes and open waterholes ensure a booming population of tigers. Stay at a small yet comfortable owner-managed lodge set on 17 acres of degenerated land bordering the reserve, harbouring water bodies which are frequented by predators thus making it a thrilling experience.

Tiger holidays are an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife in India. We organise the most amazing Indian tiger safaris.

We are the only luxury safari company in Europe that is entirely owned and staffed by people who have spent their lives being brought up in Africa and India. We know, watch, and understand the seasons - something which cannot be gleaned on a 2-week research trip to a country.