You've seen the BBC TV show, now see the real Lost Land of the Tiger

The BBC’s exciting wildlife documentary series, The Lost Land of the Tiger, took explorer Steve Backshall on a dramatic journey into the mountains and jungles of Bhutan to search for Bengal Tigers, a species of animal threatened with extinction.

Backshall was accompanied by a camera team, a biologist and a sniffer dog called Bruiser in a thrilling real-life adventure.

Many people watching the programmes will think: how can we get out there to see these precious animals ourselves? Well, the good news is that you can see them in the wild, without the back-up of a BBC camera crew.

At Corbett National Park in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, you can take a private elephant back tiger safari tracking through the forest. It's a completely wild experience and maximises your chances of seeing tigers in the wild. We recommend this luxury camp in Corbett National Park.

At Bandhavgarh National Park you can stay stay at the luxurious Mahua Kothi Lodge during the night and track Royal Bengal tigers during the day

In Kanha National Park, we recommend a stay at Banjaar Tola luxury lodge. Kanha is a spectacular park more along the lines of the traditional African safari park, much larger than Bandhavgarh National Park.

At Satpura National Park there is a smaller chance of seeing tigers, but it's a beautiful place and ideal for traditional walking safaris.

Some visitors to India are disappointed by tiger safaris - that's usually because they've taken bad advice. In some parks there are too many vehicles, and some guides are poor.  

We are particularly keen to avoid the “Tiger Shows” where visitors queue to see a tiger. Some people are also persuaded to visit at the wrong time of year.

The best time of year to see tigers in India is between November and April. However, the best months are January to April when it is hotter, the grass dies back making visibility easier and there are limited water sources so tiger movements are easier to track.

In Corbett NP, elephant back safari provides a quieter “away from the madding crowds” experience. We recommend a stay at Corbett Hideaway River Lodge.

Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Ranthambore National Parks are excellent venues, but are much more busy.

You should always book through a specialist tour operator which knows the best guides, vehicles and lodges. Contact us for more information.