I am an avid photographer of wildlife and tigers are what I am looking for.I understand India near Nepal has many of these fine beasts.
We are thinking of going there February 2026
Bardiya park in India and or Chitwin in Nepal looks interesting
Any advice welcome.Thanks

Perhaps 10 to 12 years ago we had a half hour tiger siting in Chitwan in Nepal. The guide had an amazing eye for sighting this.

I recommend Bardia National Park in Nepal for tiger tracking tour. I have been to Chitwan and Barida several times but I got my best Tiger shots only in February of 2024.
However they are more active in March - May.

Barida National Park is more pristine than Chitwan National Park. It is said that, Baridya is how Chitwan used to be 30 years back. Fewer tourists make it more private and full of wilderness experience. So even though Chitwan has more tigers than Barida, because of less water holes, they are more likely to be seen.
The density of Tiger is also higher in Bardia National Park (8 per 100 sq km) than in Chitwan (4 for 100 sq km).


Royal Bengal Tiger seen during the Tiger tracking tour in Baridia National Park

For wildlife, especially tiger encounters, Bardia National Park in Nepal is the better option.

February may be a bit early for your tryst with tigers. I would recommend mid-March to May. This I am suggesting from my long experience with the north India Tiger reserves. The grasslands & the lantana may be too thick and a perfect place to hide for the wildlife. And a tiger is a crafty animal!
Happy hunting!

Both Bardiya and Chitwan are fantastic for wildlife photography, especially tigers. February should be a great time, as the weather will be cooler and the tigers more active.