Tadoba is one of 54 Tiger Reserves in India, located in the Vidarbha region of eastern Maharashtra. This reserve is a very old Natural Habitat of Royal Bengal Tigers in the wild. This forest is protected by the Government of India, is spread around 1,750 sq km and has 19 gates to enter for Jungle Safaris. It is well placed as it is approximately 30 km from Chandrapur district in Maharashtra and 150 km from Nagpur.
The name “Tadoba” is derived from the Gond King Tadoba or Taru, and this is praised by the local tribal people. Stories of the place say that the king Taru was killed by a fierce tiger here, and a shrine has been built in the memory of God Taru.
The forests here are a mix of grasslands and dry deciduous with mainly teak and bamboo trees. Hence, this type of vegetation allows better visibility throughout the forest, which is helpful for good sightings. The dry forest does have a few lakes and rivers, ensuring abundant water sources for the park. Tigers can be seen on the tarmac roads and man-made water sources. The perennial Irai lake, also known as the Tadoba Lake, is a major tourist attraction that offers a resident territory for a vast range of birds and freshwater crocodiles. Hence, Tadoba Lake sustains a significant part of the park’s wildlife.
The area around Tadoba Lake is rich in flora and fauna, including Teak, Ain, Bija, Dhauda, Hald, Salai, Semal, Tendu, Beheda, Hirda, Karaya gum, Mahua Madhuca, Arjun, Bamboo, Black Plum and many others.
Tadoba Lake is situated amidst the forests of Tadoba Tiger Reserve, which shelters around 200 species of birds. It is located in close proximity to our resort in Tadoba. The Lake lies on the southwest part of the reserve. Thus, it moderates the forest and the farmland, which extends up to the Irai water reservoir. The river is home to the Mugger crocodiles. Some endangered species of birds like the Crested Serpent Eagle, Gray-Headed fish eagle, Changeable Hawk-eagle and many more. Gray-hornbill and Golden-oriole are a few other species. Tadoba Lake is a delight for ornithologists.
