Tadoba Ultimate Guide – Everything You Need To Know

Planning a trip to Tadoba? This guide is all you need! Find out what to see and do in this beautiful place, from exciting adventures to amazing sights. Learn about Tadoba’s history and how to get there too!

Updated 2 May 2024

7 mins read

ORIGINS & OUTLOOK

INTRODUCTION

Nestled in Maharashtra, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. This park, known for its thriving tiger population, boasts a beautiful landscape of dry deciduous forests & lakes. Established in 1955, it’s the oldest and largest national park in Maharashtra, offering unforgettable adventures amidst nature.

WORD ORIGIN

Tadoba comes from the name of a local deity, “Tadoba” or “Taru”, worshipped by the tribal communities inhabiting the Tadoba and Andhari forests.

HISTORY

Tadoba’s history reflects a shift from resource exploitation to wildlife preservation. Once ruled by various empires, its rich forests suffered from overuse. The 20th century marked a turning point, with hunting restrictions followed by the creation of a sanctuary and then a national park. Recognizing the importance of a larger protected area, these zones eventually merged to become the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, a haven for tigers and other wildlife today.

TIMELINE

1879 – The area is declared a Reserved Forest, with focus on timber protection.

1905 – Shooting of tigers banned except with special permits.

1931 – Restrictions placed on hunting all animals.

1935 – A 45 sq km area around Tadoba Lake is declared a sanctuary.

1942 – The area becomes a game reserve with designated hunting blocks.

1955 – Tadoba becomes one of India’s first national parks.

1970s – Hunting blocks are finally closed, though illegal hunting persists.

1986 – Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary is established adjoining the national park.

1993 – Tadoba National Park and Andhari Sanctuary merge to form Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR).

GEOGRAPHY

Tadoba is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve covers 625.4 square kilometers. Dense forests dominate the landscape, with trees like Sal, Teak, and bamboo.

0S7A2330 — This image was shot in the buffer zone (Agarzari) of Tadoba.

EXPERIENCES

ADVENTURE

From calming boat trips to heart-racing safaris, Tadoba has adventures for everyone!

Safari

Jump on a gypsy, to explore Tadoba Tiger Reserve! These exciting rides take you through the forest in the mornings and afternoons, when the animals are most active. With around 23 gates distributed across core and buffer areas, Tadoba offers a variety of access points to maximize your chances of spotting tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, and many more! Expert guides will be with you the whole time, helping you spot all the amazing wildlife.

Birding Machan

Tadoba offers an exciting activity for bird enthusiasts – the birding machan. A machan is a raised platform, built strategically to provide an elevated view of the surroundings. This unique birding experience allows you to peek into the private world of Tadoba’s feathered residents without disturbing their natural behavior. The machan tour will be conducted by a trained and experienced naturalist guide. They’ll possess a deep understanding of Tadoba’s birdlife, including their habitats, calls, and behaviors.

Cycling Trail

Cyclists will pass through several different habitats, including dense forests, grasslands, and wetlands. A knowledgeable guide will lead the way on the cycling trail, pointing out birdlife and hidden wonders. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with several rest stops along the way. Cycling at Tadoba is a popular activity for visitors who are looking for a more active and adventurous way to explore the reserve. One of the best times to cycle at Tadoba is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the wildlife is more active.

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SIGHTSEEING

Butterfly World

View a variety of butterflies and moths in their natural habitats at the two-hectare Butterfly World, a beautiful and tranquil spot. This delicate animal attraction is meant to provide a safe haven for them to grow and thrive. Its meticulously designed surroundings are intended to mimic the natural habitats of these animals.

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SEASONS IN TADOBA

SUMMER (March to May)

• The heat paints the landscape a golden brown, with dry deciduous trees casting dappled shadows.
• This is a prime time for tiger spotting as they emerge from the cover of the forest to cool down at the waterholes.

MONSOON (July to September)

• The forest comes alive with a vibrant green as the monsoon rains transform the landscape.
• Birdwatching enthusiasts rejoice during the monsoon. Migratory birds like the stork and the pied cuckoo arrive, adding to the avian diversity.

WINTER (October to January)

• The forest takes on a serene charm with cooler temperatures and clear skies. The mornings can be chilly, with a hint of mist clinging to the trees.
• Animals are more active during the day, and the lack of dense foliage makes spotting easier. Winter is also a good time to see migratory birds like the Siberian crane.

SPRING (February to April)

• Spring paints Tadoba in a palette of vibrant colors. Flowers bloom across the forest floor, adding a touch of beauty. The weather is pleasant, with cool mornings and warm afternoons.
• Similar to winter, spring offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Animals are more active as the weather is comfortable.

GET THERE & AROUND

CAR

From Mumbai
• Distance & Time: Approximately 820 kms & 12 hours.
Mumbai ⮕ Aurangabad ⮕Jalna ⮕ Wardha ⮕ Tadoba

From Pune
• Distance & Time: Approximately 811 kms & 12 hours.
Pune ⮕ Aurangabad ⮕Jalna ⮕ Wardha ⮕ Tadoba

From Hyderabad
• Distance & Time: Approximately 408 kms & 9 hours.
Hyderabad ⮕ Siddipet ⮕ Karimnagar ⮕ Ramagundam ⮕ Ballarpur ⮕ Tadoba

From Bengaluru
• Distance & Time: Approximately 1003 kms & 17 hours.
Bengaluru ⮕ Chikkaballapur ⮕ Anantapur ⮕ Kurnool ⮕ Hyderabad ⮕ Tadoba

BUS

The nearest bus stand to Tadoba is the Chandrapur bus stand (approximately 28 kms from Tadoba), from there you will have to hire a cab to Tadoba. Several state transport buses & private operators connect Chandrapur. Here are some options:
• If you’re coming from a major city like Nagpur, Hyderabad, Mumbai, or Pune, you might find direct buses to Chandrapur.
• For other locations, you might need to take a connecting bus.

TRAIN

FLIGHT

The nearest airport to Tadoba National Park is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport ( Nagpur Airport) located approximately 140 kms away. This airport has regular flights connecting it to major cities throughout India including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata & Chennai. From Nagpur, you will have to hire a cab to Tadoba.

LOCAL TAXI

Don’t worry about navigating unfamiliar streets! Taxis & Gypsies operate in Tadoba & can take you comfortably to all the safari gates & must-see sights. They’re also a reliable option for airport pickups, train station arrivals, safari pick up & drops and even journeys to nearby towns.

Here are few of our local partners who can assist you with local transport:
• Anshu for city pick up and drop (Taxi’s): 8805141095
• Akash for traveling in Tadoba (Taxi’s & Gypsies): 7620031705

STAY IN TADOBA

Set adjacent to paddy fields in the buffer area of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), Avadale Tadoba is a picturesque resort with comfortable rooms, modern amenities & walking distance from Moharli Gate, the entrance to one of India’s premier tiger reserves. There are more than 200 tigers in the area’s larger ecology of tropical dry deciduous forest and the tiger population in this region is considered to be expanding the quickest. Several other carnivore species such as the Leopard and the Dhole can also be found in Tadoba, with the most typical prey being the Sambar, Chital, Wild Pigs and Gaurs.

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