In the Chandrapur district, about 150 km from Nagpur in Maharashtra lies Tadoba-Andhari National Park, which has yet accommodated 43 tigers. It is one of India’s fifty tiger reserves and it also happens to be one of the country’s largest and oldest national parks. The name of the reserve corresponds to the name of the God Tadoba, whose worship is valued by the local Andhari tribes and is also named after the river that winds through the forest. Also known as Tadoba National Park, it is one of India’s 47 project tiger reserves. The tiger reserve covers an area of about 1,727 sq. km including the national park established in the year 1955. The Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in the year 1986 and amalgamated with the park in the year 1995, which established the presently known Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve. Tadoba National Park is also the oldest and largest national park in Maharashtra. If one considers the bio-geographic situation, the Tadoba Tiger Reserve falls on the central plateau of the Deccan Peninsula.
Tadoba National Park is surrounded by teak and bamboo and is a magical landscape of rugged cliffs, swamps and lakes full of wildlife. The vegetation of this region of Tadoba forest is spread across an area of 626 sq. km and is of the southern tropical deciduous type. Many parts of the forest lie in the hilly area providing terrains for the wildlife to reside on. The dense forest area, deep valleys and pleasant atmosphere allow great stabilization of numerous tigers. The tiger reserve is abundant with different types of flora which include: Teak, Black plum, Tendu, Bamboo, Ain, and more. The fauna that thrives in this forest include Bengal tigers, spotted deers, Sambars, Indian leopards, Marsh crocodiles, Gaurs, Sloth bears, Indian pythons, Grey-headed fish eagles, Peacocks, Striped hyenas, and more.
The Tadoba National Park is divided into three different forest ranges: Tadoba north range, Morhuli range, and Kolsa south range. It also includes one river and two lakes. Khutwanda, Moharli, Kolara, Navegaon, Pangdo and Kolsa are the core gates of safari. Devada, Adegaon, Ramdegi (buffer zone), Junona, Agarari, Alizanza zone and Kolara buffer zone. The gate of Kolara, Navegaon and Khutwanda provide access to Tadoba Zone that extends into the Chimur Hills Reserve. The Moharli Gate (Moharli Village) is the commercial entry point to the reserve due to its proximity to Chandrapur, where most of the accommodation and tourist facilities, including wildlife interpretation centres, safari vehicles and forest guides are located. Lake Tadoba is an important water source for the reserve in the middle of the reserve.
The park is open for visitors from October to June every year and remains closed on Tuesdays. A few things you can do in Tadoba Tiger Reserve are:
Take A Wildlife Safari Through The Forest: You can visit different zones of the reserve by jeep safaris in multiple shifts held throughout the say by the Tadoba forest safaris. They have 10-12 Jeeps that go to the main gate (Moharli and Kolara are the two main ones at two different ends of the forest). For the rest of the Core zone, there are 5-6 Jeeps morning and evening. The Tadoba reserve is one of the most active zones for tiger sightings in the country. The best time to get frequent sightings of tigers is between March to May but you will be able to see a lot more types of animals, birds, reptiles, and insects all the time.
Village Visits: To get the essence of a place, one has to roam amongst the local life. You must witness the local culture, lifestyles, and experience the traditional food. In Tadoba, you can explore several villages like Adegaon in the vicinity of the park and experience the local ‘varhadi’ cuisine at either a local’s place or at one of the eateries in the village.
Walks Through Nature: Morning walks in the forest and meadows of the area is an experience that is sure to bring calm and peace to your mind. The chirping of the birds and the cool breeze through the trees during sunrise are ethereal memories that your body is going to remember for years. Several camps and resorts in Tadoba also have areas to enjoy nature.
Photography: Tadoba is extremely picturesque and beautiful, and a heaven for nature photographers. The extensive flora and fauna in the region along with the forest cover, lakes, terrains, and the several types of birds and butterflies maintain to be perfect subjects of beautiful photographs.
Visit the Irai Dam: Visit the Irai dam near the Tadoba Andhari tiger reserve to spend an afternoon in the calm and scenic surroundings.
Tadoba is surrounded by many resorts and accommodations, one of them being Red Earth Tadoba resort which is one of the best places to stay in Tadoba. It features eco-friendly themes along with recyclable items. It is about 10 minutes away from the core zone and reasonably close to the buffer zone of the Tadoba National Park. Cottages with french windows allow an amazing viewing experience for the guests with scrumptious food and commendable hospitality. You can also enjoy the pool and spa. The ambiance is spellbinding and so close to nature that as a guest, you will forget the hustle of the city and completely indulge yourself in nature. Make sure to visit Tadoba and experience the best of Indian wildlife.
