Having done this trip a few times now, we have focused in on two of the best tiger reserves in India: Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park. These are two of the first tiger reserves established in the 1970s as part of Project Tiger which has worked to bring the Bengal Tiger back from the brink of extinction.
Photographing Tigers in India
One highlight from this past trip was a female tiger working to establish her territory on the edges of that of her mother. She was out and about testing the waters with mom and carving out her space. In addition, we encountered some impressive males and even some cubs.
While tigers are the absolute highlight of this trip, as you will see in this trip report, there are also many other species that you will encounter.
Jump in to our trip report from this past February as we share a few of the special moments.
Check out our India 2026 Photo Tour
Photographs of Bengal Tigers
“Into the Spotlight” I could not have directed this better! This young Tigress walked for 60 yards along the edge of this pond and stopped to drink in virtually the last spot lit by the setting sun through a hole in the trees.
Nikon Z9, 600mm with TC, 1/800th @ f 5.6, ISO 640, Image cropped 15% for final composition
“Dinner?” A young Spotted Deer has caught this Tiger’s eye. We were able to see the entire stalk and chase, but in the end this hunt was unsuccessful.
Nikon Z9, 600mm, 1,1250 @ f6.3, ISO 640, Image cropped 10% for final composition
“Rutting Behavior” A male Spotted Deer puts on a show for us.
Nikon Z9, 600mm with TC, 1/400th @ f11, ISO 640, Image cropped 5% for final composition.
“An Afternoon Drink” A herd of Spotted Deer stop at a waterhole for a drink.
Nikon Z9, 200-400mm, 1/400th @ f13, ISO 500 Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“Dawn Patrol” This huge male Tiger is moving through his territory
Nikon Z9, 600mm, 1/6400th @ 5.6, ISO 1000, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“Eye Contact” Another big male and I make a connection out in the jungle. When an animal like this makes eye contact with you it is a moment for sure!
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/125th @ f 5, ISO 800, Image cropped 0% for final composition
India Birdlife
“Black-naped Monarch” This stunning bird was hanging out at our lodge. We spent some of our non-safari time chasing him.
Nikon Z9, 600mm with TC, 1/80th @ f9, ISO 1250, Image cropped 5% for final composition
“Indian Scops Owl at Roost” Another surprising thing about India is the number of owls that we see.
Nikon Z9, 600mm with TC, 1/100th @ f11, ISO 800, Image cropped 5% for final composition.
“White-throated Kingfisher” These beautiful birds were common as well. It was simply a matter of finding one in a good situation.
Nikon Z9, 600mm with TC, 1/80th @ f8, ISO 400, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
Other Indian Wildlife: Mongoose
“Indian Grey Mongoose” We saw this interesting animal fairly often as well. Here, it stops at a pond for a drink.
Nikon Z9, 600mm with TC, 1/640th @ f6.3, ISO 1600, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
Langurs
“Gray Langur” These very photogenic Langurs were everywhere. In this shot a mother and baby share a quiet moment.
Nikon Z9, 600mm, 1/80th @ f10, ISO 500, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“Rim Lighting” The backlighting and dark background really show off the rim lighting for full effect
Nikon Z9, 1/1600 @ f8, ISO 800, Image cropped 0% for final composition
A Tiger marking its territory
“Marking Territory” The parks we visit on this tour have the highest density of tigers in the entire world, so keeping your territorial boundaries well marked is an important task.
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/200th @ f5.0, ISO 1,250, Image cropped 20% for final composition
A stunning, striding peacock
“By Dawns Early Light” A peacock walks along a ridge with beautiful warm light behind it.
Nikon Z9, 600mm with TC, 1/1600 @ f5.6, ISO 800, Image cropped 5% for final composition.
A stalking Tiger
“On the Stalk” This Tiger is stalking a young Spotted Deer. In the end, the hunt was unsuccessful, but we got to see the entire event from inception to final chase. It was all very exciting.
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/640th @ f5.0, ISO 1,250, Image cropped 5% for final composition.
“The Snarl” This tiger is actually snarling at a ranger riding on an elephant (yes, they still do that in India)
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/640th @ f 4.8, ISO 1600, Image cropped 15% for final composition.
Join us in India in 2026 to photograph tigers and more!
India offers such a unique experience and we’ve customized this trip to take you in to its most wildlife rich reserves. We are staying at some of the finest lodges in India that will immerse you in the jungle environment while providing you with wonderful comfort and delicious meals. You will feel like you are a world away!
We have just 1 spot left for a single in our 2026 tour if you’d like to join us on this adventure and be in the midst of Tigers!
For more details and registration, check out our India 2026 Photo Tour. We’d love to share India with you!
Before our 2025 Tiger trip, Steve and I went on an epic adventure to photograph the Himalayan Monal. If you’d like to read more about this experience you can read about it here on our blog.
Good Luck and Good Light!
Steve and Nicole