With Approximately Only 4,000 Tigers Left In The Wild, These Five Locations Are The Best Places On The Planet To See Them

[Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash]

From Siberia’s vast Durmenskoye Reserve to the mangroves of the Sundabarns in Bangladesh, these diverse locations are the best places to witness these rapidly dying out wild cats in their natural habitat

Over the last century, the number of tigers across the world has decreased significantly from around 100,000, to approximately 3,900. The drop in population has been driven by the use of tiger extracts in traditional medicine, folk remedies, jewellery. Their furs are also used in high-end fashion and luxury decor.

As a result, only six from nine sub-groups of tiger survive today, and they are also listed amongst the million species that face the risk of becoming completely extinct during the coming years.

Yet despite the real risk of extinction, there are still a handful of places left on the planet - anywhere from Siberia to Nepal -  where tigers can be witnessed in their natural environment.

Smart Lemur, a website dedicated to authentic travel experiences, has discovered the best locations in the world to sight Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, and Siberian tigers in the place they should be.

Bandhavgarh National Park - Madhya Pradesh, India

Located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the Bandhavgarh National Park is mostly recognized for its population of Royal Bengal tigers. In addition to this rapidly dying out breed, the park is home to other rare creatures, including rare albino tigers, leopards, deer, elephants, and Bengal foxes. Due to the rapid drop in the global tiger population, the park brought in special conservation measures in 1968 to preserve them.

Bardia National Park - Nepal

Over the last decade, Nepal's Bengal tiger population has doubled thanks to the country's conservation efforts.  The Bardia National Park is home to around 80 Bengal tigers, as well as another 50 different species of mammals including rhinoceros, wild elephants, swamp deer, and dolphins. Subsequently, the area is a haven for any wildlife enthusiast.

The Sundarbans - Bangladesh

Found in the delta of the river Ganges, the unique geography of the Sundarbarns area of Bangladesh has managed to resist globalization and remain an area of outstanding natural beauty and vibrant wildlife. Home to almost 200 wild tigers, the Sundarbarns is mostly used for agricultural purposes, and its vast mangroves give the local tigers the opportunity to breed and thrive in their natural habitat. The area is also home to other endangered Southeast Asian wildcats including leopards and fishing cats.

Durminskoye Reserve - Russia

The Durminskoye Reserve in Russia's Far East is home to the most endangered species of tiger in the world - the Siberian tiger. Hunted to the verge of extinction by colonial powers in the 1940s, the Siberian tiger was saved when the Soviet Union became the first country to grant tigers full state protection. The 20,000-hectare area is home to 500 of these rare species, but the area’s sheer size means sighting one is less likely than in India or Nepal. However, the extreme Siberian temperatures in summer and winter, as well as its remoteness make this area appealing to the more alternative explorer.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve - Maharashtra

The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in the Chandrapur district of India's Maharashtra state, and is the region's oldest and biggest national park. In addition to its local tiger population, the park gives visitors the opportunity a great opportunity to witness a wild tiger thanks to its safari tours. In addition to the tigers, nature aficionados may also bear witness to crocodiles, sambar, langur monkeys and many different species of exotic birds.

For further information on other unique travel experiences such as off-roading trails and other top travel tips, visit www.smartlemur.com.

Call Of The Wild: 8 Offbeat Places To Connect With Nature

For years, travelers have flocked to the great national parks of Africa and North America to get a glimpse of the world's most incredible creatures in their natural element. More and more, however, travelers are parting from the beaten path and discovering interesting and bizarre corners of the world where they can come face-to-face with mother nature.

From ancient temples crawling with monkeys and rats to desolate beaches teeming with exotic wildlife, here are 10 unusual places to connect with nature, all recommended by real travelers and locals on minube.

1.) Giraffe Manor, Kenya - Located in a suburb of Nairobi, Kenya, this colonial British hotel offers guests a most unusual roommate: live giraffes. While the rooms aren't cheap (they can be upwards of $500/night), they do offer a once in a lifetime chance to have brunch with one of your curious, long-necked neighbors. (Photo by Sonia Givray)

2.) Hanauma Bay, O'ahu - Hanauma Bay is a protected marine park on the island of Big Island of Hawaii and offers an unspoilt reef teeming with turtles, fish, and reef sharks. Aside from snorkeling in the shallows, travelers can find local dive operators who'll let them feed sharks in the wild and take turns in a shark cage. (Photo by Pablo2Ore)

3.) Jamaa el Fnaa, Morocco - Jamaa el-Fnaa is the main market in Marrakech and, as visitors can attest, is like entering an Indiana Jones movie. Travelers can find all manner of fruit and juice vendors, as well as fortune tellers, street dentists, monkey shows, and, of course, Morocco's legendary snake-charmers. (Photoby Leo Aparicio)

4.) Galwar Bagh Monkey Temple, India - In the Indian State of Rajahsthan, the Galtaji Temple has been a destination for religious pilgrims for centuries. More recently, the temple has been drawing travelers thanks to its large tribe of rhesus macaques which have earned the site the nickname "Galwar Bagh" (Monkey Temple). (Photo by Clara Matias)

5.) Punta Nifas, Argentina - Punta Ninfas (Nympth's Point) in central Argentina is a hotspot for adventurous nature lovers who are drawn there by the large colony of elephant seals. The seals also draw groups of killer whales, many of which are not shy about showing off for visitors. (Photo by Belen G. Bonorino)

6.) Tiger Temple, Thailand - In western Thailand, travelers can visit a temple where for the past two decades Buddhist monks have reared Indochinese tigers. While Tiger Templedoes let visitors interact with the large cats, it now works hand-in-hand with NGOs after receiving criticism from conservation and animal rights groups. (Photo by Albeto S. Dosantos)

7.) Swayambhunath Temple, Nepal - Perched atop a steep hill in western Kathmandu,Swayambhunath Temple is one of Buddhism's most important holy sites and home to a playful tribe of monkeys. While the curious creatures are a draw for tourists, travelers shouldn't miss the incredible painted stupa and breath-taking views of the city. (Photo by Juanjo Fontanet)

8.) Karni Mata Temple, India - The Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, India is definitely not for the squeamish. The temple is populated by thousands of rats which are revered as holy by local devotees. White rats are considered especially sacred and it's considered good fortune to have one of the rodent run across your feet. (Photo by Alfredo Vidal)