Tadoba National Park

Tadoba National Park, the oldest protected forest in Maharashtra, is a rainforest with mountainous terrains on its north and west sides and the clear, perennial Tadoba Lake in the middle. It used to be a little-known forest sporadically frequented by the few nature lovers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. However, recent tiger sightings and numbers have skyrocketed, and Tadoba National Park has established itself as one of the industry’s top destinations.

With some meadows and mixed dry woods, the dry deciduous forest in Tadoba National Park comprises teak and bamboo trees. This vegetation type is attributed to better visibility across the woods and, thus, good animal watching, especially during the dry months. In this arid terrain, some artificial water holes attract wildlife during the warmer months.

Quick Fact

The Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary or Park was established in 1986 and had a total land area of 508.85 sq km. The buffer and fringe zones comprise the remaining area of this forest. This wonderful woodland is known as Tadoba Andhari since it is home to the most well-known and gorgeous Andhari River.

History of Tadoba National Park

The Tadoba National Park was created in 1955, while the 508.85 square kilometer Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was built in 1986. Finally, the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, which has a total area of 625.40 square kilometers, was created in 1995 when Maharashtra’s forest department combined the two territories. The Protected Forest and Reserve Forest are just two regions that comprise this enormous reserve, spanning 1727 square kilometers. It is currently one of the most well-known of the 51 Project Tiger Reserves.

Flora and Fauna of Tadoba National Park

In Tadoba reserve, 141 species of trees and plants have been recorded from 58 botanical groups, including trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses. Here, weed species in Tadoba include Hyptis Suaveolens, Lantana Camara, and Parthenium Hysterophorus. Moreover, the most common type of tree in this area is teak, and some of the famous flora are Ain, Bija, Dhauda, Hald, Salai, Semal, and Tendu. The animals in Tadoba National Park include leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, sambars, and many other wild creatures, birds, and reptiles. Besides Royal Bengal Tigers, Tadoba is home to a wide variety of other animals, such as leopards, cheetahs, chinkaras, langurs, nilgais, barking deers, blue bulls, spotted deers, flying squirrels, sloth bears, gaur, dholes, striped hyenas, small Indian civets, jungle cats, sambars. Tadoba National Park is home to 195 bird species, including many endangered species, raptors, and aquatic birds, as well as 74 butterfly species, including the pansy, monarch, Mormon, and swordtail.

Popular Places to Visit Near Tadoba National Park

Tadoba National Park attracts both domestic and foreign visitors and gives them a thrilling dose of wilderness. However, several places in and around this national park are worth visiting. Check out the list of these places that you should visit while exploring this national park.

Mahakali Mandir: One of Chandrapur’s most notable icons is the Mahakali Mandir, located next to the Zarpat River. Being considered lucky days of the week, Tuesdays and Saturdays see a lot of activity at the temple.

Khosla: Established in 1995, the picturesque village of Khosla is found in the Chandrapur district. It is close to Tadoba, also known as the “Jewel of Vidarbha,” and is by far the biggest national park in the nation.

Chandrapur Fort: A small hamlet called Chandrapur has ancient connections that date back to the Gond Dynasty. The enormous stone Chandrapur Fort has stunning and detailed carvings on its walls and is credited to the Gond monarch Dhundiya Ram Sah.

Balaji Mandir: During the Bhosales’ rule, the Hari Balaji Temple for Lord Balaji was constructed roughly 350 years ago. In Chandrapur district, this temple is one of the most well-known pilgrimage sites in Chimur.

Safari in Tadoba National Park

The Tadoba National Park safari offers the best of Indian wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, and more. A visit to the Tadoba Tiger Reserve is full of exciting wildlife sightings, allowing wildlife lovers to see wild animals, birds, and reptiles. If you are wondering about the types of safaris and their timings in Tadoba National Park, we have the details discussed below.

Jeep Safari

The best way to explore and experience Tadoba National Park is a jeep safari. It is an open jeep ride, commonly known as a tiger safari. It usually lasts for 3-3.5 hours, giving you the opportunity to discover the animals in the forests for a memorable tour. Also, the chances of spotting a tiger and other wild animals are high in Tadoba National Park. With an open jeep, you can see wild dogs, wolves, barking deer, tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.

As far as the timings are concerned, the Tadoba Administration decides that in the morning and evenings. The authorities at Tadoba National Park allow only 36 jeeps for the morning and evening drives. The registration for the jeep’s entry must be done at the national park’s gate, followed by a stipulated charge that must be paid before the entry. Jeep excursions can only be taken after registration with the administration. The visitors must show identification at the gate, and the foreigners must show their passports.

Jeep Safari Timings

Tadoba National Park safari timings depend on which season you are visiting. Make sure to check the timings before proceeding to book the safari. Here are the Tadoba National Park jeep safari timings for the winter and summer seasons –

Morning

  • 1st Oct – 30th Nov: 6:00 am – 8: 00 am
  • 1st Dec – 28/29 Feb: 6:30 am – 8:30 am
  • 1st March -30th April: 5:30 am – 7:30 am
  • 1st May – 30th June: 5:00 am – 7:00 am

Afternoon

  • 1st October – 30th November: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
  • 1st December – 28/29 Feb: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
  • 1st March -30th April: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
  • 1st May – 30th June: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Tadoba National Park Zones and Gates

The core zone is a forest department-designated protected region where animals and natural resources are intensively conserved, and human activity is tightly constrained. Tadoba’s buffer zones are covered in a deep forest canopy and are awash in nature’s beauty. Since it has natural water sources, tigers and other wild animals roam much more freely in this buffer zone. In the buffer area of Tadoba National Park, entrance fees are 40% lower than in the central area.

Gates in Tadoba

Entrance gates are fully automated and controlled by officials. However, we always recommend arriving as early as possible to catch the wildlife unprepared and get the best views! Listed below are the zones and gates of Tadoba National Park.

Moharli Zone Gate

“Land of the Tiger” is the name of Tadoba National Park. The opportunity to see a tiger up close is a prize for wildlife enthusiasts. It is situated in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur District. The Tadoba Tiger Reserve’s lush background and its wide variety of flora and fauna immediately capture visitors’ attention.

Khutvanda Zone Gate

One of Tadoba National Park’s six main gates is Khutwanda Gate. The experience of visiting the park once in a lifetime is priceless, even if you don’t see a tiger. Khutwanda Gate is a must-see location for the beauty of the forest. Similar woodland ranges can be reached from the Tadoba National Park via the Khutwanda and Moharli gates. Safari to Khutwanda Gate has quiet surroundings and is more accessible to nature. Khutwanda Gate, the middle gate of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, offers many sightings and is connected to various ranges.

Kolara Zone Gate

Tadoba features a variety of gates and zones that are divided into categories. The actual vista from a Jeep safari will make you feel like heaven. Therefore, picking the best gate does rely on the likelihood of sightings. The entrance through Kolara Gate has its allure and offers a unique wildlife experience.

You may fully take in the splendor of the woodland on the open-air Gypsy safari. The best part about this area is that it has the most significant tiger density, allowing you to witness tigers in their natural habitat. Kolara Gate is one of Tadoba’s oldest gates for both the core and the buffer zone. It is one of the well-designed entrances to the Tadoba Tiger Reserve.

Navegaon Zone Gate

One of the top core gates in Tadoba National Park is Navegaon Gate, located 106 kilometers from Nagpur. Six vehicles may enter the daily safari from this gate each morning and evening for a tiger safari. At the Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Navegaon Gate is equal in importance to Kolara and Moharli Gate.

Resorts in and around Tadoba National Park

Tadoba attracts tourists from all corners of the world and makes it one of the most frequented national parks in the country. There are numerous hotels in and around the national park to enhance your holiday and wildlife experience.

  • Tadoba Tiger King Resort
  • Svasara Jungle Lodge
  • Camp Serai Tiger
  • Irai Safari Retreat
  • Tiger Heaven Resort
  • Tiger Trails Jungle Lodge

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    BEST TIME TO VISIT TADOBA NATIONAL PARK

    SUMMER SEASON

    (March – June)

    In the summer season, the sky is brilliant, vivid blue, and visibility is good. However, if you venture outside in the evening, you will be satisfied by witnessing various animals and birds. Make sure you plan to tour the national park by taking a safari ride either early in the morning or in the evening. Multiple animals may be spotted around the national park, particularly near water bodies and birds sitting in the shade of the trees. One of the most significant times to see the Royal Bengal Tiger in Tadoba is in summer when it’s lazing by the lakes or skulking through the bushes.

    MONSOON SEASON

    (July – September)

    Rainfall during the monsoon season ranges from average to heavy and typically starts in June and lasts through November. It’s one of the most significant times to see birds and tiny mammals since the rain makes the forest lush and verdant. With the numerous natural flowers blooming through the undergrowth and the small forest critters running about the woodland paths, the area does take on utter picture quality. Traveling and visiting the site may be challenging because the terrain becomes soggy and mushy.

    WINTER SEASON

    (October to March)

    During this season, Tadob, a Tiger Reserve, attracts ardent bird watchers. Bring enough winter clothing for your safaris because winter mornings can be chilly. One of the main attractions that make winter an excellent time to visit Tadoba Tiger Reserve is the lush flora unaffected by rain. Hence, winter is a lovely time to explore the forest, take pictures of the wildlife, and enjoy the climate. During the winter, Tadoba is a popular tourist destination, so reserving accommodations and safaris in advance may be necessary.

    HOW TO REACH TADOBA NATIONAL PARK

     
    By Flight
    By Train
    By Road
    Reaching Tadoba National Park via air is one of the fastest and most comfortable ways. The nearest airport is Dr. Babasaheb International, located in Nagpur at a distance of approximately 140 km from the park. This international airport serves as a good service for domestic and international flights. You can catch a flight from Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata to Nagpur. 
    Chandrapur Railway Station is located at a distance of 45 km from the tiger reserve. It is the closest railway junction if you plan your trip to Tadoba National Park by rail. Most important trains stop at this junction and help this junction connect with major cities and towns of the rest of the country. For example, Gorakhpur Yesvantpur Express, Delhi – Chennai main line, weekly express Rameswaram-Varanasi, and many other trains are some of the best that stop at this station. 
    The well-maintained connectivity allows tourists to reach Tadoba Tiger Reserve by road from the nearby cities. Chimur and Chandrapur are the two closest bus stands to the Tadoba Tiger Reserve, which are 32 km and 45 km from the national park. You can reach these bus stands via state transport corporation buses from Nagpur. If you are traveling by your own vehicle, you can take the Hyderabad National Highway from Nagpur to Jab and take State Highway through Warora and Bhandak. 

    TIPS FOR TADOBA NATIONAL PARK

    • Book your hotel, flights, or train tickets in advance for the best price.
    • Follow all the rules and instructions while enjoying the wildlife tour.
    • Remember to keep all the essential medicine, such as a camera, sunscreen, and water bottles.
    • Book your jungle safari in Tadoba National Park in advance to enjoy the trip hassle-free.
    • Do proper research about the gates and timing of the safari for a better experience.

    FAQs

    Tadoba National Park is famous for which animal?

    Tadoba National Park is famous for its huge tiger population. 

    Where is Tadoba National Park located?

    The Chandrapur district of India’s Maharashtra state is home to the Tadoba National Park. 

    Is Tadoba National Park open in monsoons?

    Tadoba is open throughout the year. However, the reserve has fewer forest permits during the monsoon season, which runs from July 1 to October 15. Therefore, in the event of heavy weather, some routes can also close during this time.