Located in Maharashtra, Central India, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve or Tadoba National Park is one of the most preferred tiger destinations in India and the largest in the state. Tadoba has gained immense popularity in recent years as the top park for tiger sightings and is one of India’s forty-seven project tiger reserves.
Landscape of Tadoba National Park
This pristine, wild habitat is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, also referred to as the Vidarbha region. Connectivity to Tadoba is excellent as it is just 2-1/2 hours from Nagpur International airport. A quaint, beautiful jungle with hilly terrain and undulating landscape, Tadoba offers tiger and wildlife sightings galore.
Picture Credit: Sonam and Niranjan Parwate
Spread across an expansive landscape of 625.4 Sq.km, Tadoba includes the Tadoba National Park, created in the year 1955. The Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in the year 1986 and was integrated with the park in 1995 to establish the present Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
History
Tadoba Andhari National Park derives its name from God “Tadoba” or “Taru” worshipped by the local tribes. Taru was the brave village chieftain and was killed in a fierce encounter with a tiger. Therefore, a shrine was established in his name.
The name Andhari originates from the Andhari River.
Gond tribals, predominately inhabited the region and their descendants continue to live in the local villages.
Also Read: History of Tadoba National Park
Flora
A dry deciduous forest with mostly teak and bamboo trees, Tadoba has a mix of grasslands and dry forests. This type of vegetation allows better visibility throughout the forest and good sightings. The otherwise dry forest boasts of a few lakes and rivers ensuring abundant water sources for the park.
Tigers can be spotted on the tarmac road and even lying languorously in the man-made water sources.
Also Read: Best Gates In Tadoba
The perennial Irai lake is a major tourist attraction offering a residential territory for a wild array of birds and freshwater crocodiles.
The Tadoba Tiger Reserve is rich in flora and fauna. The flora includes: Teak, Ain, Bija, Dhauda, Hald, Salai, Semal, Tendu, Beheda, Hirda, Karaya gum, Mahua Madhuca, Arjun, Bamboo, Black Plum, and many others.
Here is a List of Top 9 Things to do in Tadoba National Park:
1. Jeep Safari for Tiger and wildlife sighting in Tadoba
A jeep safari is the most impressive way to experience nature and wildlife at their natural best. It offers ideal opportunities to sight the elusive tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and plenty of other fauna that abound in this forest.
Tadoba Tiger Reserve offers jeep safaris and can be accessed via Moharli gate, Khutwanda gate, and Kolara gate.
The other gates are NaveGoan, Pangdi, and Zari.
Safaris booking can be made at https://mytadoba.org/ site.
2. Boat ride in Irai lake
The forest department offers a boating facility on the backwaters of Irai lake. This is an ideal activity for birders and photographers. Some of the birds that can be seen are Crested Poachard, Grey Heron, Stork Billed Kingfisher, Cotton Goose, etc.
There are many migratory birds that also arrive at this lake.
Boat ride Timing: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Boating is closed in the monsoons (July – October end)
3. Bird Around the Lakes of Tadoba
Tadoba Lake and River and the Kolsa River wind their way through the reserve. The rivers and lakes of Tadoba are the hot spots for bird watching.
You could find a wide array of birds by the water bodies. Tadoba Lake is a favorite haunt for raptors like White-eyed buzzards, Oriental honey buzzards, and also paradise flycatchers, Indian rollers, Indian pitta, etc. Don’t be surprised if you spot a crocodile or two, while the deers gambol on the fringes of the river with langurs and wild dogs for company.
The lake can be accessed from the core gates and Irai can be done from a buffer zone safari. Irai lake can also be reached from outside the park and one can enjoy walks.
4. Night Safari in Tadoba
Night Safari is the latest addition to an array of activities in Tadoba. Night Safari is available in the buffer zone from Junona Gate and is for about 3 hours starting just after sunset.
It’s a great way to experience the nightlife in Tadoba National Park and has become popular for leopard & tiger sightings.
Good warm clothing for winter months and prior booking is recommended.
If looking for a luxury resort in Tadoba, in close vicinity of Tadoba National Park, Waghoba Eco Lodge by Pugdundee Safaris could be a great choice. This lodge has set new standards in eco-friendly construction with its sun-dried adobe bricks and Guna vault roofs. The lodge has 14 exclusive luxury cottages, done in handmade bricks and local stone. The lodge also has a swimming pool, nature library, and a lounge. The lodge is about 15 minutes drive from Khutwanda gate of Tadoba, and about 30 minutes from Moharli gate.
5. Loghut Stay
Simple log huts have been made above forest guard check posts in the buffer zone and are a unique experience of spending a night deep inside tiger country.
Filled with night calls of owls, nightjars, and occasional alarm calls to warn the forest residents of predator movements, this is a night to keep the adrenaline pumping.
Accommodation is basic and toilet facilities are available, authorized jeeps will pick and drop you from the log huts.
Log huts are available in several buffer gates including Junona Gate and Nevada Gate.
Prior reservations and a basic night kit are recommended (torches, water, snack & clothing as per weather).
6. Butterfly Garden
Near Agarzari gate of Tadoba an open-air butterfly garden and information centre have been opened.
This is a great opportunity to learn about butterflies. The garden has several host & nectar plants to attract local species of butterflies.
The butterfly park is on the main road from Moharali to Chandrapur.
7. Visit Ramdegi Temple
Ramdegi is a charming rural setup in the Chimur Taluk of Chandrapur. An idyllic countryside drive through lush, verdant fields on either side, transports you to the peaceful haven of Ramdegi. A temple dedicated to Lord Rama stands serenely, near the Ramdegi forest. It is also believed to be one of the spots where Rama stayed during his 14 years of exile. Thereby making it a popular spot for tourists and pilgrims alike.
There is a fascinating Buddha sculpture by a banyan tree, some 400 steps away, at Ramdegi, at Buddha Vihar.
It is believed that tigers too can be seen boldly walking into the temple complex under the cover of a dark night.
Ramdegi is also a great habitat for sloth bears and a good population it can be found around the area.
The temple pujari (priests) have many tales to share about the bears.
Ramdegi is a day drive well spent with friends and family, and an ideal outing with a picnic basket in tow.
8. Visit Sevagram, Gandhiji’s Ashram
Sevagram is a township, located 8 km from Wardha. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, set up the ashram on the outskirts of the village which became his home and residence from 1938, till his death in 1948.
There is a museum here that preserves artifacts from India’s freedom struggle. A disciple of Gandhiji, Seth Jamnalal Bajaj donated about 300 acres of land to the ashram. A picturesque location that brings forth memories from India’s freedom struggle, Sevagram is a fascinating day trip that is a must-do.
It is about 2 hours drive from Tadoba, depending on which gate you are staying at. This visit can be also made when traveling back and forth from Nagpur, as it’s a small detour from the highway.
9. Relish the famous Saoji Cuisine
A niche cuisine from the Vidarbha region in Maharashtra has gained popularity called the Saoji cuisine.
Primarily known for its non-vegetarian dishes, Saoji style of food is from a community of weavers known as Halba Koshtis, who had migrated to Nagpur from Madhya Pradesh. These people set up small eateries around Nagpur to showcase their fiercely spicy food. Though with its popularity the spice levels have been tempered down.
The masala used is an amalgamation of wet and dry, with over twenty-four ingredients. The proportion in which they are used provides balance to the dish. Each family running a Saoji eatery brings in its own twist to the recipe.
There are a number of outlets selling Soaji cuisine lined across the way to the park. Though guests who are not fond of spicy food should avoid this fiery cuisine.
Next time you plan a trip to the incredible tiger country of Tadoba, do get in touch with our trip curators at Pugdundee Safaris.
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Written By: Natasha Sinha