Chandrapur, Maharashtra
Tadoba National Park, also known as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), is one of the oldest and largest national parks in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those hoping to see the Bengal tiger in its natural habitat.
Location : Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in Chandrapur district in the state of Maharashtra, India. It spans an area of approximately 625 square kilometers and is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Maharashtra.
Established : The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, and later notified as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1993.
Significance : Tadoba is among the most prominent tiger reserves in India, known for its thriving population of Bengal tigers. It is an important part of the conservation efforts for tigers and other wildlife in the central Indian landscape. The park’s dense forests and varied terrain make it a critical habitat for many species.
Tadoba National Park was declared a tiger reserve in 1993 under Project Tiger, a nationwide initiative to conserve Bengal tigers. The park was originally a hunting ground for the Gond kings and later the British rulers, but has now been transformed into a protected wildlife sanctuary.
The park lies within the Tadoba Hills of the southern Satpura range. The terrain is undulating with dense forests, hills, valleys, and riverine areas. The Andhari River flows through the park, contributing to its rich biodiversity. Tadoba has dry deciduous forests interspersed with bamboo brakes, grasslands, and open clearings.
The park is dominated by teak forests, along with bamboo, tendu, and other deciduous tree species. The dense canopy and undergrowth provide excellent cover and food for herbivores and carnivores alike.
Tadoba is famous for its significant population of Bengal tigers, but it’s also home to a broad range of other wildlife, including:
Mammals : Bengal Tiger, Indian leopard, Indian gaur (bison), sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), barking deer, wild boar, sloth bears, nilgai (blue bull), Indian striped hyenas, dholes (wild dogs), and various species of monkeys including langurs and macaques.
Birdlife : Over 250 species of birds have been recorded, including the crested serpent eagle, Indian peafowl, various hornbills, and migratory waterfowl.
Reptiles : Indian python, monitor lizard, Indian cobra, and other snake species.
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve has been part of Project Tiger since 1993, and intensive anti-poaching and habitat management efforts have led to a significant increase in tiger numbers. It also plays a key role in maintaining wildlife corridors in central India.
Tadoba is a favored destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers due to its relatively high tiger density and frequent sightings. Jeep safaris are conducted daily, offering opportunities to see not only tigers but a wide range of other wildlife species.
The park has several entry gates, with the Moharli and Kolara zones being the most popular for safaris.
Tadoba offers some of the best wildlife safari experiences in India, especially for spotting the elusive Bengal tiger. The park’s diverse terrain of dense forests, grasslands, and waterholes provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Jeep Safaris : The primary way to explore Tadoba, jeep safaris take visitors through designated zones such as Moharli, Kolara, Tadoba, and Zarapat. The open 4x4 jeeps, accompanied by trained naturalists and forest guides, offer close encounters with tigers, leopards, gaurs, sloth bears, and various herbivores.
Walking Safari : In some buffer areas and during specific periods, guided walking safaris are available for an immersive forest experience, though these require prior permission and are less common.
Canter Safari : The Canter Safari in Tadoba is a budget-friendly group safari conducted in large open-air vehicles that accommodate up to 22 passengers. Available mainly in the Moharli and Kolara zones, it offers a chance to explore the park’s wildlife, including tigers, deer, and birds. Canter safaris run in the early morning and late afternoon and tickets are usually booked at the park gates.
Nearby, the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve Interpretation Center offers educational exhibits on the park’s ecology and conservation efforts.
The park is open from October to June. The dry season from February to May is considered the best time for wildlife sightings, as animals congregate near waterholes.
Tadoba offers a range of accommodations from luxury resorts and eco-friendly jungle camps to budget-friendly lodges. Popular choices include WelcomHeritage Tadoba Vanyavilas and Irai Safari Retreat for upscale stays, mid-range resorts like Tadoba Jungle Camp, and budget options such as Tadoba Nature Stay and Bodhivann Jungle Camp. Most accommodations provide easy access to safari gates and offer safari booking assistance, making it convenient for visitors to explore the park.
Moharli Zone : The most popular safari zone known for frequent tiger sightings and good infrastructure for tourists. It’s the prime spot for wildlife photography.
Kolara Zone : Another well-known safari area, less crowded but rich in wildlife, ideal for those seeking a quieter experience.
Andhari River : Flowing through the park, this river supports diverse wildlife and creates beautiful scenic spots, especially during safaris.
Bird Watching : With over 250 species of birds, including crested serpent eagle, Indian peafowl, and various migratory species, bird enthusiasts find Tadoba a paradise.
Tadoba Lake and Waterholes : Water bodies within the park attract animals during the dry season, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Vairagad Fort : Located about 30 km from Tadoba, this ancient fort ruins provide a glimpse into the region’s history and offer scenic views of the surrounding forest.
Local Tribal Culture : Nearby villages offer insight into the indigenous Gond and Kolam tribes, their customs, crafts, and way of life.
By Road : The nearest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, about 140 km away.
By Train : Chandrapur and Nagpur railway stations are the closest railheads.
By Air : Well-connected by road from Nagpur, Chandrapur, and other nearby cities.
