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Tadoba Tiger Reserve or Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), is a national park located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, India. Approximately, the park covers an area of 625 square kilometres and is the oldest national park in Maharashtra. It is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The key attraction of Tadoba National Park is its high population of tigers. The park is home to a large number of tigers and is considered one of the best places in India to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors can do an open gypsy jungle safari to see the tigers and also other wild animals like leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of deer and antelope species. Additionally, the park is known for its large population of Indian gaurs (Bos gaurus) and Dholes.
Apart from its mammal population, Tadoba National Park is also known for its scenic beauty, diverse arrays of bird species, and ancient temples. You can also explore the Andhari river, which runs through the park and is home to crocodiles and other aquatic life.
Tadoba National Park also offers options for adventure activities like jungle safari, bird watching, nature walks and jeep safari which makes it a perfect destination for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Safari Zones of Tadoba National Park
Tadoba National Park tourism zone is divided into four safari zones. Visitors can explore the park and spot wildlife by selecting any one of these tourism zones. These Tadoba National Park zones are Moharli Zone, Navegaon Zone, Kolara Zone, Pangadi & Zari Zone.
Each zone has its unique characteristics and is full of life. Visitors are allowed to enter only their booked zones and the visiting time and duration are also restricted by the forest department.
Moharli Zone of Tadoba National Park
Morhurli or Moharli Zone is located in the north-western part of the park and is known for its rich population of Tigers and Dholes. The Morhurli zone is also famous for its beautiful landscape, and it's a perfect spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
You should book safari tickets for the Morhurli zone in advance and select a jeep safari or a Canter safari to explore the zone. It is important to note that the number of safari vehicles is limited and regulated in this zone.
Core gates of Moharli Zone: Moharli and Khutwanda
Buffer gates of Moharli Zone: Devada, Adegao, Agarzari, Junona & Mamla gates.
Navegaon Zone of Tadoba National Park
Navegaon Zone is another prominent zone in Tadoba National Park. You must take a safari to Tadoba if you want to see its stunning beauty, and you will get everything you want and more there.
Core gate of Navegaon Zone: Navegaon Gate
Buffer gates of Navegaon Zone: Navegaon Ramdegi & Nimdela gates
Kolara Zone of Tadoba National Park
Kolara Gate, located about halfway between Navegaon and Moharli, is the second most popular entry gate of Tadoba. Kolara Gate is a beautiful way to get in, and it gives you a unique chance to see wildlife.
Core gate of Kolara Zone: Kolara Gate
Buffer gates of Kolara Zone: Alizanza, Madnapur, Sirkheda, Kolara Chauradeo, Palasgaon & Belara gates
Pangadi & Zari Zone of Tadoba National Park
One of the favourite zone of nature enthusiasts and safari lovers.
Core gates of Pangadi & Zari Zone: Pangadi gate & Zari gate
Buffer gates of Pangadi & Zari Zone: Pangadi Aswal Chuha, Keslaghat & Zari Peth gates
Some of the prominent locations in Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Tadoba Lake: Tadoba Lake is a man-made lake located inside the reserve. It is a popular spot for wildlife viewing, especially during the dry season when animals congregate around the water sources.
Tadoba Temple: Tadoba temple is located on the banks of the Tadoba lake and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kolsa Temple: This ancient temple is located in the Kolsa range and is dedicated to Lord Kolsa, a form of Lord Shiva.
Andhari River: Andhari river flows through the reserve and is home to a variety of aquatic life, including crocodiles and turtles.
Khutwanda Dam: Khutwanda dam is located on the Andhari river and is a popular spot for bird watching. In winter this dam attracts many migratory birds.
Activities in Tadoba National Park
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including;
Wildlife safari: Visitors can take jeep safaris or canter safaris.
Bird watching: Tadoba is very reach in bird population. Every year many birdwatcher visit Tadoba for study these species.
Nature walks: Visitors can also take guided nature walks through the reserve, to explore the forest on foot and learn about the local flora and fauna.
Temple visit: TATR is also home to several ancient temples and shrines, such as the Tadoba Temple and the Kolsa Temple.
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How to do Safari in Tadoba National Park
Jeep safaris offer a personal perspective of the wildlife reserve. All the tourism zones are accessible using jeeps. Morning and evening jeep safaris take 3–4 hours. Forest department-operated canter safaris are another way to explore the reserve. Morning and evening canter safaris also last for 3–4 hours. Safari permits are required to visit the tourism zones, and jeep safari slots are limited to prevent overcrowding and safeguard species.
Wildlife of Tadoba (TATR) National Park
TATR is home to many mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
The reserve's animals include Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Dhole, Gaur, Deer, Crocodile, and various types of snakes. TATR is a bird watcher's paradise, with over 195 species of birds recorded in the reserve. The animals' presence and sightings rely on many factors, including time of year, weather, and movement within the reserve.
Best Time to Visit Tadoba Tiger Reserve
The best time to visit Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) largely depends on the type of experience you are looking for and your personal preferences. However, generally speaking, the best time to visit TATR is between October and June. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the chances of seeing wildlife are higher.
October to December: This is the best time to enjoy Nature at its best. However, because of the availability of water across the park and inside inaccessible areas, sightings of animals are lower. This is the best time to visit TATR for bird watching. During this time, many migratory birds visit the reserve, and the forest remains lush green.
March to June: Because of the crisis of water inside the park, animals come to various waterholes. This is the best time for Tiger Sightings.
Dos & Don't in Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Do's:
Obtain the necessary permits and comply with the rules and regulations of the reserve.
Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance from animals at all times.
Follow the designated routes and stick to the designated timing during the safari.
Keep the noise level low and avoid using flash photography.
Follow the instructions of the guide and the forest department officials.
Carry water and wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for the jungle.
Use binoculars and cameras to observe and photograph wildlife.
Don'ts:
Do not litter or damage the environment in any way.
Do not feed or tease the animals.
Do not light fires or smoke in the reserve.
Do not enter the reserve without a permit.
Do not damage or remove any plants or wildlife from the reserve.
Do not take any weapons or firearms into the reserve.
Do not try to chase or follow animals.
Do not drop any plastic inside the jungle
Does not use plastics
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How to Dress in Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Hiking and animal viewing in Tadoba require appropriate outdoor clothing.
Long-sleeved, breathable, lightweight shirts and pants protect against the sun and mosquitoes. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. Neutral attire helps you blend in with nature, making wildlife easier to identify. As temperatures fluctuate by time and season, comfortable shoes and a lightweight jacket or sweater may be handy.
Prepare for cold mornings, especially in winter.
How to Reach Tadoba National Park
There are several ways to reach TATR, depending on your location and mode of transportation.
By Air: The nearest airport to TATR is Nagpur Airport, which is located around 140 km from the reserve. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach TATR.
By Train: The nearest railway station to TATR is Chandrapur Railway Station, which is located around 40 km from the reserve. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach TATR.
By Bus: TATR is well connected by road and is easily accessible by bus from major cities like Nagpur, Wardha, and Chandrapur.
By Car: TATR is also easily accessible by car, and you can drive to the reserve from nearby cities like Nagpur and Chandrapur.
It's also important to note that the TATR is located in a remote forest area and the roads are not well-maintained, especially in the monsoon season, so it's recommended to check the road conditions before planning your trip.
