At Red Earth Tadoba, the monsoon revives the jungle in full throttle. The parched earth turns rich and red, trails glisten, and tiger tracks appear freshly stamped into the wet ground. Storm clouds gather over the canopy while the forest stirs with energy—birds, insects, and big cats moving to the rhythm of the rain. It’s Tadoba, recharged and raw.
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.
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.
Mohan who started his journey as a lead manager in the water
pumps industry was fascinated and entered into the world of
wildlife in the year 2018. His interest in wildlife culminated
into him entering into the world of wildlife photography.
Starting from birds and into mammals, he now even specializes in
macro photography. He is an avid story teller and engages with
guest with all his experiences in wildlife. A day with him at
Red Earth, Gokarna will help the guests take great interests in
understanding the flora and fauna as well as learning a lot of
tips and tricks of using your mobile phones in
picturing great memories.
Someone who always had a deep love for technology and nature, a
mix of two polar opposite worlds. He loves finding out more
about the world he lives in, either by observing the subject for
days on end, or by finding out from research articles and tales
from the people he meets, and as of lately, ever since he became
a naturalist, a new goal of his has become to spread the
knowledge and love of wildlife that he has, with everyone who's
scared or also shares the same passion as he does. Always
yearning to find out new information about creatures he already
knows about, or finding and observing specimen that he's never
seen before, is what you'll find him doing, if you can't see him
anywhere in the resort.
As a dedicated naturalist, he finds immense joy in exploring the
intricacies of the natural world. He spends countless hours in
keenly observing wildlife and identifying various species.
Driven by curiosity, he delves into the workings of ecosystems,
from the smallest insects to the tallest trees.
His
knowledge sharing through guided walks or informal
conversations, fosters a sense of community appreciation for
nature. His deep connection to the environment inspires him to
protect and conserve these precious ecosystems for future
generations.
