As the title asks, where do you think the best place is in India or Nepal to see tigers? As to when, I think about March is the best time, but please state your opinion on that too, along with any other information. Thank you!

We saw a (one) tiger at Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, India last month. From speaking with our guide at the park and the staff and guests at Sher Bagh where we stayed it is as much luck as anything else. That being said, I have heard that it is easier to spot a tiger in the warmer months (starting in March - April), if you can stand the heat.

Thanks Craig! To see a tiger, I could stand a lot of things, including heat.

We were in Ranthambore in November and did not see a tiger!! A jeep that passed by us did though!! It was a little disappointing but because we stayed until dark, we ended up passing by this huge festival on the way back to our hotel and got to join in and watch the fire works, etc, so at least we got to do that...We were so dirty by the end of the safari that I swear, my clothes never did come clean!!

On our 2 safari rides in Ranthambore in April we saw tigers three times in all. Two at less than 10 feet distance the first ride. The warmer it is the better the chances as it is easier to find them near the watering holes.

I stayed at Temple Tiger Lodge in rural Nepal a few years ago. I did not see one tiger, although this "resort" promises that you will see tigers. Upon questioning one of the elephant drivers, I was told that he only sees one to two tigers a year. He explained that tigers usually sleep during the day, and hunt at night. If this is true or not, I do not know.

I can only speak about Ranthambore. I have been there in early March and saw no tigers. I have been there in late December and saw a female tiger and her two cubs, all about 10 feet from us. Even the drivers couldn't believe it. So it really is a matter of luck. Personally, I think by March it is too hot to enjoy the game rides.

There is a lot of other wildlife in the parks, and if you can adjust your expectations that you most likely will not see tigers, then it is enjoyable.

I did not see a tiger in Chitwan, Nepal but found the rhino fascinating - and a bit scary when close up on an elephant's back!! (Nov. 2004)

Ranthanbore - 1 tiger (Jan 2005)
Kanna much better - several tigers and a leopard. (Jan 2005)
Bandvagarh - best siting - followed a tiger for about an hour.(Feb 2005)

Good luck - it was very cold night/morning and apparently sightings are better when it is warmer.