Description
Tadoba National Park came into being in the year 1955 under the Wildlife Protection Act. It is the oldest and the largest in Maharashtra. From the year 1986 it is known as the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. The area is about 625 km. Almost 100 tigers roam the different parts of the Tadoba forest region. You will spot not one tiger but a group of them. Besides tigers, you see a number of other animals like the Leopard, Jackal, Flying Squirrel, Chausingha and the Langur. Within the park lies a crocodile breeding farm. It is one of India’s 41 ‘Project Tiger’. It is in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra State in central India. Tadoba got its name from a local deity ‘Taru’. Not only animals but trees also abound the forests of Tadoba namely Teak, Salai, Jamun, Tendu etc.
Location
Tadoba is in the Chandrapur District which lies to the northeast of Maharashtra.
How to Reach
Tadoba is about 140 km from Nagpur. It takes about 3 hours. Nagpur can be reached by air, rail or road. It is 40 km from Chandrapur via rail and road.
When to visit
The best time to visit it is from February to May. However, the tiger population is best spotted from March to May. The climate is tropical. During monsoon the vegetation becomes thick, and it’s considerably difficult to spot the animals.
You can enter it from any entry point, though the tourist enter from Chandrapur through the Mohali Zone. Here you will find tourist guides, safari vehicles and interpretation centre.
Opening Hours
Morning Safari timings are 6 am to 10 am. Afternoon Safari is from 3 pm to 6 pm. On Tuesdays it is closed.
Safari Fees
For the vehicle the price is negotiable. You have to pay a fee for the Guide. The rates differ on weekdays, holidays, weekends and for foreigners.
Hotels
You can book a hotel room in advance from any Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation website. Do try an eco-hut if on a budget. You can also hire luxury tents. Other higher budget resorts are also available inclusive of meals. So take your pick. If you wish to be in the midst of the forest, then book one of the Forest Rest Houses through the Forest Department. No matter where you put up, have a dream come true ‘Exploring Time’.
