Tadoba National Park

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

The story of how Tadoba turned from a virtually unknown park to one with the highest tiger sightings is as unique as its rules: It is the country's only reserve that does not allow mobile phones. The Park covers over 1,725 sq km; the landscape divided into three major forest ranges: the Tadoba, Kolsa and the Moharli range wedged between the two. All are accessible to tourists via twelve gates. The core area is primarily open grasslands like Jamni and Navegaon, which developed after the successful relocation of villages from the heart of the forest to its fringes.

History & Tigers

The Tadoba tiger reserve created in 1995 after the successful merger of the Tadoba national park (est. 1955) and the Andhari wildlife sanctuary (est. 1986). Talking about etymology, “Tadoba” comes from the name of the god “Taru”, worshipped by the tribals while “Andhari” comes from the Andhari river that meanders through the forests. The predator estimation in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Maharashtra found the presence of 115 tigers and 151 leopards. Mammals found here include Sloth Bear, Indian Bison, Blue Bull, Wild Dog, Chital Deer, Lesser Cats, Barking Deer, Sambar, Striped Hyena & many other small mammals.

The Forest

Tadoba has a forest dominated by teak forest and bamboo; it's a rugged landscape comprising cliffs, caves, marshes, perennial lakes and boulder-strewn streambeds that cater to a host of biodiversity. Many enigmatic mammals, including the stealthy Leopard, hunting packs of Dholes (or Wild Dogs), the furry Sloth Bears, herds of Gaurs, Spotted Deer, Sambar and Nilgai, share this forest with the majestic Tiger. Majorly of plant species are found here: Dhauda, Ain, Bija, Semal, Salai, Tendu, Haldu, Beheda, Mahua mMdhuca, Hirda, etc. In the deeper parts of the forest, you can find Axlewood and Palash also known as flame-of-the-forest. One more important species is the climber Kach Kujali (Velvet Bean), which is used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Water Bodies & Birds

Key water bodies in the Tadoba are Andhari River, Erai Dam, Kolsa Lake, Junoria Lake and Tadoba Lake where you often see tigers come to cool off in water. Out of them on Erai is the biggest about 30 sq. Km and has inlets, islands, and bays within the jungle providing a mesmerizing vista, enhanced by the presence of the birds and wildlife coming to the edge of the water. Using the forest department canoes or electric-powered boats is a charming way of bird-watching and wildlife viewing here. Crocodiles inhabit the lakes of the reserve. 230 of birds found here including the three endangered but often seen are the Crested Serpent Eagle, Grey-Headed Fish Eagle and Changeable Hawk-Eagle.

Getting There:
Tadoba is very easy to reach. The nearest airport is Nagpur is about 2.5 hrs. Nagpur is an international airport with connecting flights to all major cities of India including Delhi and Mumbai and international flights from Middle East. The reserve is 5 hrs drive from Pench National park.

Recommended Circuit:
Big Cats: Delhi - Kanha - Pench - Tadoba - Mumbai - Gir Forest

Tigers & Elephants: Delhi -Pench - Tadoba - Nagpur -Bangalore -Nagarhole

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