Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Credit: Neha & Chittaranjan Desai

TADOBA ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of the largest national parks in Maharashtra. It is among one of India’s 47 tiger reserve projects. Its name ‘Tadoba’ is inspired from the name of a divine being “Tadoba” or “Taru” who is honored by the local tribal people, whereas “Andhari” is derived from name of Andhari River. It is believed that Taru was the village chief who was killed in a fierce battle with a Tiger and thus a shrine was made in the name of this divine man – Taru. The local tribal people still revere him. Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary together form the famous Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.

Along with the 50 tigers that are protected here, the Tadoba Andhari National Park is also a safe home for other wildlife animals like leopard, spotted deer, Sambar, Barking Deer etc., The park is also famous for the frequent sighting of leopard. Crocodile is another major attraction for the tourists. The park harbours reptiles like Indian Python, Indian Monitor and the Russel Viper etc. The park is a treasure trove for entomologists which also have 74 species of butterflies located here. Apart from butterflies, the National Park is home to 94 species of birds making it a lucrative destination for ornithologists. Hence, Tadoba Andhari National park is a hotspot of mega diversity.

The forest of this national park is covered with dry deciduous trees, teak being of prime importance. The national park is picturesque with beautiful lakes which act as water sources for the wildlife here. Among them Ira Lake is a famous tourist attraction. Tadoba National Park remains CLOSED for visitors on every Tuesday.

Location	Chandrapur District (Maharashtra)
Nearest Airport	Nagpur Airport: 140 km (3.5 hrs. drive)
Nearest Railway Station	Chandrapur Station: 45 km (1.15 hr. drive)
	Nagpur Station: 125 km (3 hrs. drive)
Key Wildlife Attractions	Tiger, Indian Leopard, Leopard Cat, Asiatic Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Hyena, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Blue Bull, Four-Horned Antelope, Indian Pangolin and Porcupine.
Total Area Covered	623 sq. km.
Established in Year	1955
Vegetation	Southern tropical dry deciduous forests with grasslands.
Best Time to Visit	Tropical climate makes winter season the best time to visit Tadoba National Park. However, the best season to sight tigers would be the hotter months (March to May). Post monsoon is also a good time to visit Tadoba Wildlife Sanctuary when the jungle becomes lush green and is filled with flowers.
Climate	Winters stretch from November to February and day temperatures is between 25°-30°C
	Summers are too hot in Tadoba as the temperature increases to 47°C

TADOBA ANDHARI SAFARI TIMINGS

Season	Date	Session	Entry Timing	Exit Time
Winter	1 Jul-30 Nov	Morning	6:00 – 8:00 am	10:30 am
		Evening	2:30 – 4:30 pm	6:30 pm
	1 Dec-28/29 Feb	Morning	6:30 – 8:30 am	11:00 am
		Evening	2:00 – 4:00 pm	6:00 pm
Summer	1 Mar-30 Apr	Morning	6:00 – 8:00 am	10:30 am
		Evening	2:30 – 4:30 pm	6:30 pm
	1 May-30 Jun	Morning	5:30 – 7:30 am	10:00 am
		Evening	3:00 – 5:00 pm	7:00 pm

TADOBA ANDHARI SAFARI ZONES

Safari Zones	Gate No.
Moharli (Mohurli) Zone	Entry into Moharli Zone can be made via Moharli Gate which is closer to the other two zones of Tadoba – Tadoba and Kholsa Zone
Tadoba Zone	Entry into Tadoba Zone can be made through four gates – Moharli, Navegaon, Kolara, and Kuswanda
Kholsa Zone	Entry into this zone can be made through – Moharli, Pangdi and Zari gates