Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state in India. It is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park. Created in 1955, the reserve includes the Tadoba National Park and the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve consists of 577.96 square kilometres (223.15 sq mi) of reserved forest and 32.51 square kilometres (12.55 sq mi) of protected forest.

About Tadoba National Park

Notably Maharashtra’s oldest and largest National Park, the “Tadoba National Park”, also known as the “Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve” is one of India’s 47 project tiger reserves existing in India. It lies in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state and is approximately 150 km from Nagpur city. The total area of the tiger reserve is 1,727 Sq.km, which includes the Tadoba National Park, created in the year 1955. The Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in the year 1986 and was amalgamated with the park in 1995 to establish the present Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve. The word ‘Tadoba’ is derived from the name of God “Tadoba” or “Taru,” which is praised by local tribal people of this region and “Andhari” is derived from the name of Andhari river that flows in this area.

According to the 2010 National Census on Tigers, there are about 43 tigers in the reserve, which is one of the highest in India.

The park is open for visitors from 15th October to 30th June every season and remains full-day closed on every Tuesday.
The vegetation of Tadoba forest is of Southern tropical dry deciduous type and is spread on around 626 sq.km.
Teak is the prominent tree species in the forest and there are a few lakes, which makes sure the park has rich water resources.
Major part of this forest lies in the hilly area, thus many hillocks and terrains provide shelter to the wild animals here.
It has a dense forest area, smooth meadows, deep valleys, and a great atmosphere to stabilize more numbers of tigers.
The main attraction of the Tadoba National Park is Jungle or Tiger Safari in an open top gypsy.
There is good chance to spot the shy Sloth Bear and Wild Dogs.
One can find some of the Central India’s best native woodland bird species in this forest.
Accommodation facilities are available and are mainly concentrated among two of its popular entrance gates i.e. Kolara Gate and Mohurli Gate.

The Tadoba National Park is divided into three separate forest ranges, i.e. Tadoba north range, Kolsa south range, and Morhurli range, which is sandwiched in between the first two. There are two lakes and one river in the park, which gets filled every monsoon, the ‘Tadoba Lake,’ ‘Kolsa Lake,’ and ‘Tadoba River.’ These lakes and rivers provide vital ingredients needed to sustain the park’s life.

Flora in Tadoba National Park

Teak, bamboo, ain (crocodile bark), bija, dhauda, hald, salai, semal, and tendu dominate about 87% of the southern tropical dry deciduous forest of Tadoba National Park. The park is also dotted with patches of lush meadows, and many medicinal climbers and plants. Some of the common trees and plants in Tadoba tiger reserve are:

Ain (Crocodile Bark) Bija
Dhaudab Hald
Salai Semal
Shisham Sisoo
Shivan Surya
Sirus Tendu
Beheda Bel
Chichwa Dhawada
Kusum Hirda
Karaya Gum Mahua Madhuca (Crepe Myrtle)
Lannea Coramandelica (Wodier Tree

Bija
Hald
Semal
Sisoo
Surya
Tendu
Bel
Dhawada
Hirda
Mahua Madhuca (Crepe Myrtle)

Fauna in Tadoba Tiger Reserve

The largest wildlife reserve in Maharashtra, Tadoba National Park is home to about 88 tigers (2018 tiger census) and several other mammals. The park is also inhabited by a variety of reptiles including the marsh crocodiles and the endangered Indian pythons. There are also 195 species of birds and 74 species of butterflies ensuring an unmatched wildlife experience.

Some of the major wild animals that are commonly found in Tadoba include:

Hyenas
Spotted Deer
Wild Boars
Barking deer
Gaurs
Four horned Antelopes
Blue bulls
Indian Pangolins
Common Langoors
Porcupines

Best Time to Visit Tadoba National Park

An ideal time to visit Tadoba tiger reserve is the winter season (December to February) when several animals including the tigers can be witnessed basking in the sun. Another best time to visit Tadoba is right after the monsoon (October) when the forest turns lush green. Those interested in tiger sighting can also visit in the summer months, between April and June. During this time, tigers frequently come out in the day time in search of water.

FAQs about Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

How do I reach Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve?

The nearest airport to Tadoba is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, which is about 150 km away. From Nagpur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the reserve. The nearest railway station is Chandrapur, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Chandrapur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the reserve.

What is the best time to visit Tadoba National Park?

The best time to visit Tadoba National Park is during the winter season (December to February) when the weather is pleasant, and animals can be easily spotted. The post-monsoon season (October) is also a good time to visit as the forest is lush green. Summer months (April to June) are ideal for tiger sightings as they come out in search of water.

What is the duration of a safari in Tadoba National Park?

The duration of a safari in Tadoba National Park is typically around 3-4 hours. The park offers both morning and afternoon safari slots. Morning safaris usually start early in the morning around sunrise, and afternoon safaris start in the afternoon and continue until sunset.