Planning Your Safari Adventure in Tadoba: Everything You Need to Know
This guide details everything you need to know about Safari in Tadoba: trip duration, timings, tips and how to lock in tickets for this unforgettable experience.
Updated 3 May 2024
5 mins read
DURATION
4 hrs
Highlights
➤ There are 23 gates, 4 zones & 2 areas in Tadoba.
➤ Moharli zone offers the best sightings and accommodation.
➤ Tadoba Tiger Reserve has core and buffer areas, both equally likely for tiger sightings.
➤ Choose a mix of core and buffer area gates for your safari.
➤ Tadoba experiences distinct seasons, each offering its own unique charm & wildlife experiences.
➤ Book safari tickets at official Tadoba website:
https://mytadoba.mahaforest.gov.in/
LOCAL’S GUIDE
Areas
Tadoba is divided into core and buffer areas:
1. Core : These areas receive strict protection, ensuring minimal human intervention and creating a safe haven for flora & fauna. The core areas of Tadoba represent the heart of the reserve, serving as prime habitats for the majestic Bengal Tigers and other wildlife species.
2. Buffer : Surrounding the core areas, the buffer acts as a transition zone between the reserve and human settlements. They serve as important corridors for wildlife movement, allowing species to migrate, disperse, and maintain genetic diversity.
Zones & gates
• Tadoba region is divided into 4 zones, a zone comprising buffer & core area. Imagine the whole Tadoba region being split into 4 pieces & each piece(zone) containing a different set of gates(buffer & core).
• There are different gates in each zone & the safaris in these gates either operate in buffer or core areas.
Tadoba zones
1. Moharli zone
Moharli Gate(core)
Khutwanda Gate(core)
Junona Gate(buffer)
Agarzari Gate(buffer)
Devada Gate(buffer)
Adegaon Gate(buffer)
Mamla Gate(buffer)
2. Pangadi & Zari zone
Pangadi Gate(core)
Pangadi Aswal Chuha Gate(buffer)
Zari Gate(core)
Keslaghat Gate(buffer)
Zari Peth Gate(buffer)
Somnath(buffer)
3. Kolara zone
Kolara Gate(core)
Palasgaon Gate(buffer)
Kolara Chauradeo Gate(buffer)
Alizanza Gate(buffer)
Madnapur Gate(buffer)
Shirkheda Gate(buffer)
Belara Gate(buffer)
4. Navegaon zone
Navegaon gate(core)
Navegaon Ramdegi gate(buffer)
Nimdela gate(buffer)
The challenge of deciding between buffer and core zones
Unlike other Tiger Reserves, Tadoba works a lot differently. It is important to address a common misconception regarding the core and buffer areas of Tadoba Tiger Reserve. There is a belief among some individuals that the core area offers better tiger sightings compared to the buffer area, but this is not true. In reality, tiger sightings are equally probable in both regions of the reserve.
• This is because buffer areas feature water bodies and fewer human settlements.
• Due to human settlements that create pockets of habitat where tigers are frequently observed by guides.
• Tadoba’s tiger density is among the highest in India, ensuring frequent sightings for visitors even in the buffer area.
How to design your perfect safari: Choosing the right combination of zones, areas, and gates?
• Go for multiple safaris & choose a combination of core and buffer area gates.
Moharli zone has seen the best sightings and that has been the trend for a while now.
• Moharli zone also has the best accommodation & is easily accessible from other two zones (Pangadi & Navegaon).
• Both the core and buffer gates of Tadoba offer exceptional opportunities to sight tigers because of the region’s high tiger density.
• Also because buffer areas feature water bodies and fewer human settlements. Whether exploring the core or buffer areas, visitors can enjoy the presence of majestic tigers and the conservation efforts that ensure the reserve’s thriving ecosystem.
Where to book the safari & how to book?
• You can book safari tickets on the official Tadoba website: https://mytadoba.mahaforest.gov.in/. Or, we can book it for you (call us at 080 47185939).
Local Tip
Book your permits well in advance. The park limits the number of vehicles allowed in at one time, so booking early, especially during peak season is crucial.
TICKETS & TIMINGS
Safari pricing
1. Core Area : The ticket price for a gypsy which can accommodate 6 adults & 2 kids ranges from Rs4500 to Rs11500 depending on date and day of the safari. Weekend & Tatkal tickets are expensive, so make sure you book your ticket in advance.
2. Buffer Area : The ticket price for a gypsy which can accommodate 6 adults & 2 kids ranges from Rs4000 to Rs5000 depending on the day of the safari.
TIMINGS
Since the park timings are dictated by sunrise and sunset, they can vary slightly depending on the time of year. Be sure to check the timing while making your safari bookings from the official website.
LOCATION
While booking your accommodation, consider your safari’s entry location. Tadoba has two main entry points: Nagpur and Chandrapur.
1. Entry from Nagpur: Ideal if you’re staying near the Navegaon or Kolara zones. These zones are generally more accessible from Nagpur due to their proximity.
2. Entry from Chandrapur: A better option if your resort is closer to the Moharli or Pangadi zones. These zones are on the other side of the park and easier to reach from Chandrapur.
SAFARI PACKAGES BY AVADALE
Embarking on a safari adventure in Tadoba Tiger Reserve can be an exciting but complex endeavour. With a number of choices among 23 gates spanning the core and buffer areas, booking the perfect safari, selecting the ideal accommodation, arranging seamless pick-up and drop-off services, and even deciding on a suitable meal plan can pose quite a challenge. However, fear not! We are here to make your journey a breeze. Our dedicated team will handle all the intricate details, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of everything, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Tadoba without any worries or hassles.
Safaris will be booked from the official Tadoba booking platform, we do not charge any fees for our services(actual safari receipts will be shared with you).
Note : Keep in mind that wildlife behaviour can be unpredictable, and sightings are not guaranteed.