Explore your wild side
You hear an echo that reverberates through the lush landscape. The air, land, and indeed time, suddenly seem to have come to a halt. You cannot see anything, but you can sense it. This was an echo of someone whose land you now stand upon, whose domain you will traverse through on your journey. This is Tadoba, home of the king of the jungles. Experience the best that this home of the tiger has to offer you, with Red Earth Tadoba.
Tadoba traces its roots back to the Gond Tribes, a tribal group found mainly in Central India. The name Tadoba is derived from the name of their God, Tadoba or Taru. According to common folklore, Taru, a village chief, was killed in a mythological encounter with a tiger. A shrine was built in his honour on the banks of the Lake Tadoba, raising him to the status of a God. This temple is a site for celebrations even today especially during the Hindu month of Pausha, between December and January.
It was in 1955 that the Tadoba region was established as the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, making it one of the country’s oldest national parks. It is also Maharashtra’s largest national park, with an astounding 1700 sq km range that spans across towering hills, steep ravines and the odd grasslands. TATR is a tropical dry deciduous forest; come monsoon, the landscape comes alive, with the entire canopy turning green as far as the eye can see. Come summer, and green quickly turns to brown, and then the cycle repeats.
This royal feline and his kin rule here, with nearly 140 individuals located inside the reserve and just on the periphery. Your chances of running into one are extremely high, but of course, their elusiveness and enigma are second to none, so sighting a tiger may still be a fun but tough challenge.
But do not think for a moment that tigers are the only animals in these forests. Indeed, the land is alive with creatures small and big, and while tigers are a keystone species here, they are but one part of the TATR ecosystem. Leopards abound in plenty as well, their rosettes and lithe form offering them excellent camouflage throughout all seasons.
Smaller predators are found here too; the lanky Dhole in their packs, the Striped Hyena (which is uncommon in other parts of India), and a plethora of herbivores: Striped Deer, Sambar Deer, Indian Bison, the majestic Elephants, and many more to boot.
And how can we not mention the microfauna? Nearly 40 odd species of reptiles, including the mighty Indian Rock Python, 300 species of birds, and so, so much more.
Savor the magic of Tadoba's wilderness at Red Earth's bush dinner. Amidst the lush surroundings, lantern-lit tables offer a delightful feast of local flavors under the starry sky. A unique blend of nature and gastronomy, this experience promises an unforgettable evening in the heart of the jungle.
Nestled on the periphery of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Red Earth Tadoba is a laid-back resort exuding rustic charm. Embraced by an untouched forest cover spreading over 15 spectacular acres, Tadoba lets you get intimate with the natural world. A babbling tributary of the Andhari river meanders through the resort, inviting you in, in its cool waters.
Our cottages are planned around the existing vegetation to mingle seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness. They are built using a combination of locally sourced traditional and modern materials. We are committed to resource conservation, training and employment of the local community, and in giving you an experience which is as close to nature and home as possible. We are peddlers of a slower, more deliberate pace of life, one that lets you rediscover the joy in doing nothing.
As an ecotourism resort, “Wildlife First” has always been Red Earth’s core principle. Our lives may be intertwined with the jungle, but we are the intruders here. And it has been our policy to be as less intrusive as possible. Red Earth Tadoba would also not have been the same were it not for the countless hours of labour that our local community has put into it. Hailing from Maharashtra’s Gonda community, these men and women are unfailingly a part of our team, but also our family.
Jeswin and Jezreena, the dynamic duo, have stepped into the role of host and hostess at Red Earth Tadoba with an infectious enthusiasm. Under the seasoned mentorship of Rachel and Ravi, the visionary owners, Jeswin and Jezreena seamlessly blend warmth and professionalism. Their passion for wildlife and hospitality transforms each guest's experience into a memorable journey through Tadoba's rich landscapes. With the guidance of Rachel and Ravi, the new hosts promise to uphold the legacy of Red Earth, ensuring every visitor feels the magic of this sanctuary.
With three years of experience as a Wildlife Naturalist in the Tadoba National Forest, specifically within the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, he has led over 100 jungle safaris, exploring all the reserve's gates. Proficient in birdlife, he manages large foreign groups and VIP tourists, ensuring memorable experiences. At Camp Serai Tiger Tadoba-Moharli Zone and Jharna Jungle Lodge-Navegaon Zone, he facilitated nature walks, greeted guests warmly, and presented documentaries to enrich their understanding of the ecosystem. Additionally, he managed safari arrangements, ensuring smooth logistics. Active in knowledge-sharing within the Chandrapur community, he enhances the resort's reputation as a wildlife hub. His multifaceted role hones his skills as a naturalist, manager, and ambassador for environmental conservation.