Tadoba National Park, Maharastra

The largest and oldest national park in Maharashtra, the Tadoba National Park is also one of the top 50 tiger reserves in the country. Located in the Chandrapur district, it has mesmerizing landscape boasting of rugged cliffs, lakes and marshland. It is one of the most popular tiger safari destinations in India. As per the 2010 National Census on Tigers, there are nearly 43 tigers in the reserve which is among the highest in India. The park is divided into 3 separate forest ranges; Tadoba in North, Kolsa in South and Mohurli between the two. There are two lakes (Tadoba and Kolsa) and rivers (Tadoba and Andhari) that sustains life in the park. The vegetation is typical Southern tropical dry deciduous types. A majority portion of the region is hilly with deep valleys, dark green meadows and dense forests. The elevation of hills ranges from 200-350 m.

Why should you visit Tadoba Tiger Reserve?

The area of Tadoba Tiger Reserve was earlier under the rule of Gond kings and was used for royal sports. Descendants of the Gond tribe can still be found in the region. Hunting was banned in the region in 1935 and eventually, this area was declared a national park in 1955. Initially, the park was merely 116.54 sq. km. in area. The Andhari wildlife sanctuary (508.85 sq. km.) was formed in 1986 by combining nearby forest areas. The entire region was recognized as a tiger reserve in 1995 with a core area of 625.40 sq. km. and a buffer area of 1101.60 sq. km. thereby making the total area 1727 sq. km. During the winter season, local tribes celebrate a festival in the buffer area, in the shrine dedicated to Taru god (local tribal chieftain who was killed by tiger); however, tourists cannot be part of this festival.

Wildlife which can be observed at Tadoba Tiger Reserve

Flora–
Teak, Bamboo, Shisham, Semal, Ain, Bija, Dhaudab, Hald, Salai, Sisoo, Shivan, Surya, Sirus, Tendu, Beheda, Bel, Chichwa, Dhawada, Kusum, Hirda, Karaya Gum, Mahua Madhuca, Lannea Coramandelica, Axlewood Butea monosperma, Black Plum, Arjun, Palas trees etc.

Fauna–
Mammals: Indian Python, Indian Cobra, fresh-water crocodile, terrapins, Indian star tortoise, Russell’s viper, Krait, Bronze tree snake, Rat snake, Leaf nosed snake, Monitor lizard etc.

Birds: honey buzzard, crested serpent eagle, shy jungle fowl, grey-headed fishing eagle, paradise flycatcher, peacock, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Painted Francolin, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Golden Oriole, Black Naped Blue Flycatcher, Plum Headed Parakeet, Gray Jungle Fowl, Bonelli’s Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Mottled Wood Owl, Warblers, Munias, Drongos, Pipits, Larks etc.

Attractions available at Tadoba Tiger Reserve

Some of the popular attractions for tourists at Tadoba Tiger Reserve apart from jungle safari are:

Tadoba Lake – Tadoba Lake situated in the middle of the tiger reserve is the haven for bird watchers and is one of the major attractions of the forest. One can spot around 200 species of beautiful and rare birds and water birds around the lake which acts as a buffer between the forest and farmland extending to the water reservoir like the Oriental Honey, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Indian Pitta, Grey Hornbill, Black Hooded Oriols and many more such species thereby making the lake delight for the ornithologists.

Elephant ride – Tourists can enjoy the natural beauty of the Tadoba Tiger Reserve by taking an elephant ride. The Ride is done on a fixed route for about 30 minutes of duration. This is one of the best and safest ways to explore the jungle terrain and offers you a spectacular view of the area, sitting atop one of the most majestic animals of the jungle. It is one of the unforgettable experiences for the tourists where they get to interact with the elephants and the other wild animals they get to see atop the elephant’s back.

Safari available at Tadoba Tiger Reserve

The wildlife of the Tadoba Tiger Reserve is best explored by using a gypsy or jeep safari. You can also hire private vehicles from a taxi stand for your safari. The reserve is divided into 3 zones, each of which has different access gates. There are equal chances of sighting Royal Bengal Tigers in each of these zones:

Moharli (Mohurli) Zone – The best zone for spotting tigers also offers excellent accommodation facility for tourists nearby.
Tadoba Zone – Scenic locations and diverse wildlife spotting are key highlights of this zone.
Kolsa Zone – The zone is more popular for its spectacular forest landscapes and is a nature photographer’s delight. The spotting of wild animals is relatively low in this zone.

The entry to Tadoba Tiger Reserve can be done through any of these 6 gates:

Moharli gate – Located 180 km from Nagpur, this is the oldest entrance to the park. Only 9 vehicles can enter for tiger safari from this gate in the morning and evening respectively.
Kuswanda gate – It is located 140 km from Nagpur and four vehicles in the morning and evening respectively can enter from this gate for tiger safari.
Kolara gate – Allows the entry of 9 vehicles in the morning and 9 in the evening. It is located 120 km from Nagpur.
Navegaon gate – 6 vehicles each in the morning and evening can enter for a safari through this gate which is at 140 km from Nagpur.
Pangdi gate – Only 4 rides are permitted through this gate, 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. The gate is 250 km from Nagpur.
Zari gate – Located 190 km from Nagpur, the gate allows entry of 6 vehicles in the morning and 6 in evening.

The safari timings vary slightly in different seasons. The morning safari timings are from 6-8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and afternoon safari timings are 2.30-4 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. from 1st October to 30th November. From 1st December to 28th/29th February, these timings for morning safari are from 6.30-8.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and afternoon safari timings are 2-3.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. from 1st March to 30th April, morning safari takes place from 5.30-7.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and afternoon safari from 3-4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. From 1st May to 30th June, morning safari takes place from 5-7 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. and afternoon safari from 3.30-5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

How to Reach Tadoba Tiger Reserve?

Air: The nearest airport to reach Tadoba Tiger Reserve is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur which is 140 km from the park. The airport is well connected by regular flights from important Indian cities. It takes 3-hour in a taxi ride to reach the national park.

Road: Tadoba Tiger Reserve is well connected to important cities of Maharashtra by road network. There are several private and government vehicles operating at regular intervals to ferry visitors. Chandrapur and Chimur are the nearest main bus stands, 45 km and 32 km respectively from the park. Buses and cabs are available from Chandrapur to Mohrali village.

Train: The nearest railway station is Chandrapur railway station which is merely 45 km from the national park. It is well connected to major cities of the country. You can hire a taxi or opt for bus service to reach your destination as road connectivity is good in the region.

Best Time to Visit Tadoba Tiger Reserve

The best time to spot wild animals in Tadoba Tiger Reserve is from February to May. Though the temperature is high during the summertime (can reach up to 470C), the sky is clear, and you have an excellent shot at spotting birds as well as animals with their cubs. Winter starts from October and lasts till February and is the ideal time for spotting migratory birds in the region. The temperature remains between 25-300C during this season which makes it comfortable to explore the region. The park remains closed for tourists during the monsoon season which starts in July and ends in September. Not only is the weather non-conducive but the spotting of animals is also rare during this time.

Tips while visiting Tadoba Tiger Reserve

If you are planning to visit the Tadoba Tiger Reserve during summer, ensure that you carry adequate amount of water during safari as chances of dehydration are quite high.
The park remains open from 15th October to 30th June every year and closes during monsoon season.
The park remains closed for entire day every Tuesday.
Accommodation is available near two popular entrance gates (Kolara and Mohurli).
Prior booking of jeep safari can be done by visiting DFO Office at Chandrapur district near Tadoba Tiger Reserve. Alternatively, you can opt for spot safari booking at Navegaon Gate.
The jeep safari and elephant ride charges vary for Indian and foreign tourists and depend on when the online booking was done, whether it is a weekend or weekday.
Since only 36 vehicles can enter the national park in morning and evening respectively, prior booking is advised.
Hiring a park guide is recommended for a thorough experience of the jungle and security purpose too.
Tourists are requested to always follow the rules of the jungle, which are explained by the park guide.
You must carry identification papers while going for a safari.