If you are a wildlife lover and particularly a tiger enthusiast then you must know the thrill of capturing the big cat’s aggressive look in the eyes and royal walk in your camera. Visit Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra's largest and oldest tiger reserve to experience that thrill.
Dense forests, lush grasslands, deep valleys, and lakes make it an ideal space for tigers and other wild animals. It is a unique and awesome experience to sight a tiger, a top predator, in its natural habitat.
How to reach Tadoba from Mumbai:
There are 4 modes wherein you can reach the land of tigers:
By Road: Adventurous travellers with their own vehicle can choose this cheapest option: a 20-hour, 850 km drive, including breaks. Be cautious of harsh summer conditions in central Maharashtra. If you lack a vehicle, consider renting or using Zoom cars for self-driving.
By Bus: You can travel from Mumbai to Nagpur by bus for around 1000 rupees per person. From Nagpur, take a connecting bus (MSRTC or DNR Express) to Chandrapur for about 200 rupees per person. Finally, reach Tadoba by taxi, a 50-minute drive of approximately 29 km. This option may be tiresome and frustrating.
By Train: You can take the Anandwan Super-Fast express originating from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus LTT at 11.30 am however it runs on Mondays only but the best part it takes only 14 hrs in total. Sleeper Train tickets would cost you approximately around 500 rupees and AC 3 tier would cost you around Rs. 1200 per person one way.
By Flight: You can take this option as the best one and reach Nagpur Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Airport in less than 2 hrs. We preferred the flight as we got a good deal of around 5000 INR per person return flight ticket and primarily since we were travelling during the hottest month in Nagpur. If you happen to book a little in advance say 1-2 months prior, you can end up getting a good deal.
Where to Stay for Tadoba Safari?
We had done a lot of research prior to freezing on our stay. We wanted to stay at a place where we could connect most to Nature and wildlife and Jharna Resort gave us the best jungle stay of our lives. We had absolutely no regrets about this place wherein initially we were worried as to how we would manage this crazy weather for 2 days but Jharna Resort took good care of us.
Our package covered everything from breakfast to lunch, high tea and dinner. We paid per couple Rs. 40,000 for 2 days including all meals and 3 Jungle Safari with local travelling.
Jharna Resort is located at Navegaon, just 200 meters from Navegaon gate and houses 'Cottage-style Accommodation' designed to cater for the needs of nature lovers, wildlifers and naturalists. This place ticks all the right boxes. Great rooms, super food and an exceptionally good staff that go out of their way to ensure that your stay is pleasant.
About Tadoba Tiger Reserve
The total area of Tadoba Tiger Reserve is 1727 sq. km and it was established in the year 1955. Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in the year 1986 and was later merged into TATR (Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve) in the year 1995.
There are two lakes and one waterway in the reserve Tadoba Lake, Kolsa Lake, and Tadoba River which give essential fixings to the reserve’s wildlife.
Flora & Fauna in the Park
Tadoba Tiger Reserve features dense forests with teak trees, crocodile bark, salai, tendu, karaya gum, mahua madhuca, pivot wood, and palas, along with grasses and bamboo thickets. It provides a secure habitat for big cats like Royal Bengal Tigers and Indian Leopards, supported by a robust herbivore population and ample water sources.
With about 90-100 Tigers, it's one of the best places near Mumbai for tiger sightings. Other mammals include Indian Panthers, Sloth Bears, Gaur, Nilgai, Dhole, Striped Hyena, Little Indian Civet, wild cats, Sambar, Chausingha, and Honey Badger. Reptiles like the Indian Python, Indian Cobra, and Russel’s viper also inhabit the reserve.
Safari Zones / Gates:
Tadoba Tiger Reserve has four safari zones namely Navegaon, Moharli, Kolara, and Pangadi & Zari’, that provide access to the reserve.
Navegaon Zone | Moharli Zone | Kolara Zone | Pangadi & Zari Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
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There is no such rule book as to which zone is the best for sighting. The Core zones tend to get the first preference based on the number of good sightings as compared to the Buffer however one cannot undermine the buffer areas. I suggest doing a mix of both if you are going for 3-4 safaris in total, you can do 3 core + 1 buffers to get a feel of both the zones.
Based on the recent sightings index I happened to book 2 Core (Navegaon and Pangadi). We missed booking Moharli just by a day. However, I suggest you don't make the mistake like I did. I had no idea of the distance between these gates and just blindly booked them as per the higher tiger sighting index. So, when you book multiple safaris, make sure you choose gates that are close by as the gates are further apart (40 to 60 kms away) and the roads are not well paved hence you will not only spend a lot of time travelling between gates, but also get very tired before the safari starts leading to not enjoying your safari.
Safari Timing:
You must note that the safaris in the core zone remain closed on Tuesdays while the jeep tiger safaris remain closed on Wednesdays in the buffer zone.
Period | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
|---|---|---|
01 Oct to 31 Oct | 06:00 am to 10:00 am | 02:30 pm to 06:30 pm |
01 Nov to 28 Feb | 06:30 am to 10:30 am | 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm |
01 Mar to 30 Apr | 06:00 am to 10:00 am | 02:30 pm to 06:30 pm |
01 May to 30 Jun | 05:30 am to 09:30 am | 03:00 pm to 07:00 pm |
An Unforgettable Wildlife Experience: Tadoba Safari
Safari 1: Sirkada Gate (Buffer Zone)
Checked into the hotel had lunch and were ready for first afternoon safari at Sirkada Gate. It was a 90 minutes drive from the hotel to the gate where we picked up a guide who first insisted that we put all our mobile phones in a steel box that was locked and placed under the seat. Apparently this was because several tourists attempted to take dangerous selfie videos with the tiger.
Going deep ahead into the jungle, we reached the Telia Lake and saw our first tigress - Maya resting on the other side of the lake
Safari 2: Navegaon Gate (Core Zone)
The two remaining safaris on day 2 morning and evening sessions. The first of those was in the core zone and started at the Navegaon Gate. This particular session had begun fairly well with the morning breeze and we kept our fingers crossed that it did not end in a whimper!
For the next couple of hours, we drove aimlessly around the forest. Despite having a great driver and alert guide there was not much on offer. Then, around 8:45 pm the vehicle stopped and both the guide and driver whispered the one word we had longed to hear over the past 2 hours… “TIGER!”
At first, all we could see in the direction they were pointing along the stream in the shadow of the tree. Moments later, about 30 yards away a family of the set of orange and black stripes gradually materialised into view. This was the tigress named Madhu and she had 3 sub-adult cubs. At the time the tree shaded and low light made it impossible for me to capture the majestic in my camera. This made me realise why you need to carry a professional lens for Wildlife Safari
Ramdegi Temple: Temple of Lord Rama and Buddhist Caves
On the western slopes of Chimur hills, deep within the narrow and steep ravines lies a temple of Lord Rama and centuries old Buddhist Caves. The temple is called Ramdegi Temple. The temple area falls under buffer forest which is dominated by Chota Matka and Bhanushkindi (Bhanu) the ever so shy tigress.
Beyond its cultural and spiritual richness, Ramdegi serves as a habitat for sloth bears, contributing to the biodiversity of the region. The temple’s priests, with their deep connection to the surroundings, share fascinating tales about the bears, providing a unique insight into the coexistence of wildlife and spiritual sanctuaries.
It is noteworthy that Ramdegi has become an integral part of the buffer zone, necessitating the booking of a buffer safari to access this area. This deliberate conservation measure ensures that visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and cultural significance of Ramdegi while adhering to responsible tourism practices.
Safari 3: Pangdi Gate (Core Zone)
Our final safari was also in the core zone. This time from the Pangdi Gate. The driver and guide on this one were really the worst we had. I was very keen on taking images of a sloth bear. Unfortunately, the guide simply sat through the entire session. It was left to us to do the spotting which we did on several occasions but when we instructed the driver to halt, he did it so reluctantly that, more often than not, it was too late.
Driving through the jungle and following Indian bison we got a chance to capture the sloth bear again.
We had still about an hour to go to complete our safari. The lack of interest of the guide and driver was beginning to get to us and feeling we had had enough requested the driver to take us home.
Tadoba is undoubtedly the perfect unconventional escape if you're looking to avoid the typical destinations like Mahabaleshwar or Lonavala. The highlight is the opportunity to discover breathtaking wildlife, which will awaken your inner child. Don't wait any longer—reserve your safari today! Enjoy a fantastic trip, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. #offbeatgetaway
How to book Safari Online
This is a commonly asked question, even before I had arrived in Nagpur, Jharna Resort had booked all 3 Tiger Safari in Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra. All I had to do was email them my Photo ID card and the rest was taken care of by Jharna Resort. Since the tiger safaris get booked real fast in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, we never really had to deal with trying to find a spot because Jharna Resort had arranged for the same even at the last minute.
You can book safaris online through the Maharashtra Eco Tourism website for core zones like Moharli, Kolara, Khutwanda, Navegoan, Kolsa-Zari, and Pangdi. The site provides all booking information and a smooth process. Many hoteliers can secure last-minute bookings due to connections with forest officials, though this may cost more. If booking through a hotelier, ensure local travel is included, as zones are over 40 kilometres apart.
Good To Know FAQs
Where is Tadoba National Park situated?
Tadoba National Park is situated in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra.
The best time to spot tigers at Tadoba National Park
Every wildlife lover or tiger enthusiast is aware that sighting a tiger takes lots of patience. It is considered a matter of luck to see a tiger in a jungle safari. You have to spend hours to spot a tiger. So, you have to be careful to select the time to visit Tadoba.
Summer is the best time to visit Tadoba National Park to spot Tigers because the tigers stay close to the water body due to extreme heat. However, you may have to deal with the scorching sun. Having said that, my friends have had amazing tiger sightings in winter months such as January as well. In summer, the tigers sit in or around the water body to keep themselves cool. Therefore, the probability of spotting a tiger in the wild is a bit higher in summer.
How many tiger safaris should I do in Tadoba?
There is no limit. Every experience is a new experience.
Why visit Tadoba?
Rich flora and fauna, lush grasslands, and excellent tiger sightings make Tadoba a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. As one of India's largest and finest tiger reserves, Tadoba attracts tourists worldwide. Successful conservation efforts have resulted in a thriving tiger population, offering great opportunities for capturing stunning photos of these big cats.
Tadoba's healthy forest environment supports its growth and sustainability, making it a must-visit destination. So, chances are more to capture the best shot of big cats in your cameras, right? Do you need any more reasons to visit Tadoba?
Do’s and Don’ts of having an awesome Safari experience in Tadoba
The safaris are scheduled at two times a day, morning between 6:30 to 10:30 and in the evening between 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Mornings are usually cold, but it’s better rather than dealing with the scorching sun during midsummer.
Always pre-book your safari preferably 2 months as the instant booking is subject to availability.
It’s compulsory to take your ID cards with you, and also if possible print out your tickets beforehand.
It’s advised that you wear full-sleeved shirts and full-length trousers to avoid any insect bites in the forest. Wear neutral and muted colours that can camouflage with the forest hues. NO bright reds or oranges
One must carry with them a hat, jacket, and dust mask with them to deal with the sun, cold and blowing dust due to racing jeeps. Also, it’s good to carry a good point-and-shoot camera.
Though the main attraction of the safari is Tiger sighting but, you must not forget to enjoy other vegetation of the reserve. There is a lot more to explore.
There is mostly jungle and you may not find anything to eat during your safari hence it's advised to carry some food and an Eco-friendly water bottle to keep yourself hydrated when travelling in summer. It takes a good four to five hours in a single round of safari and you might feel the thirst and hunger.
Do take care of your camera lenses as there would be a massive amount of dust
Please follow the instructions of your guide and be safe. Do not in any way harm or tease the animals. Please respect the forest rules and abide by them in every manner. Most importantly, maintain silence and don't get off the jeep.
Essential things to carry for your Tadoba Tiger Safari
Your DSLR or Camera to capture your memorable safari moment.
Binoculars to view the wildlife from a safe distance.
Plenty of water to keep you dehydrated on a sunny day.
Hat & Shades to protect from direct sunlight.
Bandanna or Cotton Scarf to cover your face and avoid dust.
Winter wear or jacket if you are doing a safari during winter. It gets cold very quickly after sunsets in the Jungle.
What are the chances of sighting a tiger in Tadoba National Park?
Tadoba National Park is one of the best tiger reserves in India where you can spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger in its prime habitat. In my experience, in peak summers, the chances of spotting a tiger in Tadoba National Park are higher as they can easily be found in the open, especially near a water body.
Opt for Both Morning and Afternoon Safaris
Wildlife activity varies throughout the day. Morning safaris offer a chance to witness predators returning from a night of hunting, while afternoon safaris provide opportunities to spot animals near water bodies. To maximize sightings, consider booking both morning and afternoon safaris.
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