Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

An ultimate and immersive tiger safari destination in Maharashtra, India!

Apratim Ghoshal

Thrill, adventure and uncertainty will keep one stunned during an expedition to the lush jungles and adventurous animal safaris in Maharashtra. Mainly Tadoba National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Pench National Park, and Navegon National Park provide a unique experience here. It connects with nature in all grandness and radiance, transporting one into an entrancing spell.

Gear up for an enthralling experience

Tadoba National Park or Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially for Tiger Safari. It is located approximately 150 km from Nagpur city in Maharashtra and spread across an area of 1,727 sq km. The Tadoba National Park was incepted in 1955 and the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary in 1986 which was merged in the year 1995 to form the current Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. The reserve is often termed as 'Jewel of Vidarbha', thanks to its rich natural resources.

The Gond dynasty ruled over this part of the Deccan plateau once upon a time from the fortress of Chanda which is still existing. As the legend goes, Tadoba got its name from the Gond King 'Taru' who was killed by a tiger.

Getting there

Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagpur International Airport is located at a distance of 140 kilometers and is just a 2 ½ hour drive from the park. It has ample flights and provides seamless connectivity with both international and national destinations.

Tadoba Lake

Tadoba Lake is more of a moderator between the forest and farmland extending up to the Irai water reservoir. Located amidst the forested Tadoba Tiger Reserve it provides shelter to around 200 species of birds including endangered ones as well.

Zones and Gates

The three ranges of the park are Tadoba, Mohurli, and Kolsa. Tadoba and Mohurli form the center of the park which is the main tourism zone within the core area of the park.

Kolsa is cut off from both these park ranges and visitors cannot enter into the Tadoba or Mohurli range from Kolsa. Agarzari and Devada range of the buffer zone is an ideal place to see the best riparian habitats. One can take a boat safari on the Irai Lake and reach there.

During recent years a popular tourist destination in India has seen a significant increase in tourist inflow. Its area constitutes a unique ecosystem, comprising a wide variety of flora and fauna with rich diversity and unique natural scenic beauty. The rugged landscape of Tadoba is made up of cliffs, caves, marshes, perennial lakes, and streambed filled with boulders - a brimming ground for a plethora of biodiversity offering diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. Here, the tiger count ranges between 88 to 100 (the last count including 45 cubs born this year).

Wildlife safari enthusiasts can enjoy every minute of the safari and can find more than 100 species of birds and animals like spotted deer, Sambar deer, Indian gaur, wildlife fowl and crocodile near the Tadoba Lake along with langurs and wild boars. Sloth bear can also be seen. Wildlife buffs can go for jeep safaris, walking safaris, pontoon safaris and photographic hides within the park where possibilities of observing wildlife are enticing and endless.

There are high chances of tiger sightseeing in the Khutwanda region but no one can guarantee it. Tadoba is more than a safari destination and is not just about tiger sighting as the forest is replete with a vast fauna to explore.

So, we suggest to have patience and be here with an open mind, not just concentrating on the tigers!

Apart from experiencing the local wildlife visitors Tadoba National Park also has plenty of cultural experiences to choose from. Walkthrough the village for a rewarding rural life experience where one can meet and interact with the residents and get an inclusive feel and insight of an authentic tribal village, the people and their life.

Tiger sightseeing at the Tadoba National Park is a real feast to the eyes combined with the captivating topography and wildlife of the jungle!

Caracal sighting

After weeks of hit and miss sighting, a Caracal, cat of Central Indian forests was finally seen right outside their tents some days back. Often confused with its other popular cousin the Jungle Cat, the Caracal is an expert in catching birds by leaping high into the air which is possibly what he was waiting for at the waterhole. Listed as an endangered species, these secretive cats are rare and elusive.

A natural abode for feathery friends

The dense forest zones, bamboo zones, grasslands, and wetlands of Tadoba National Park provides an ideal environment for both forest and wetland birds making it one of the prime birding destinations of Maharashtra.

River Andhari provides a natural habitat to a diverse range of water birds and raptors. Visitors can expect to see endangered species like the grey-headed fish eagle, crested serpent eagle, and changeable hawk-eagle.

Orange-headed Thrush, Indian Pitta, Crested Treeswift, Stone Curlew, Crested Honey Buzzard, Paradise Flycatcher, Bronze-winged Jacana, Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker, Warblers, Black-naped Blue Flycatcher, Oriental Honey Buzzard, White-eyed Buzzard, Pariah Kite, Eurasian Sparrow Hawk, Black Shouldered Kite along with other interesting species of birds can be found in the reserve.