Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park, famous for frequent, close tiger sightings in teak forest and around Tadoba lake.

Plan this trip

Established: 1955 (Tadoba National Park) · 1995 (tiger reserve)
Area: About 625 km² core
District: Chandrapur
Safari gates: Moharli · Kolara · Navegaon · Khutwanda · Zari & buffer gates
Season: Core October to June; buffer open most of the year
Nearest airport: Nagpur (about 3 hours)

History

How the park came to be

Tadoba was declared a national park in 1955, the first in Maharashtra. The Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was added in 1986 and the two were joined as a tiger reserve in 1995.

The name comes from Taru, a local deity, and the Andhari river that flows through the reserve. The reserve's tiger population has grown steadily, making it one of India's most reliable parks for sightings.

Flora

Forest & landscape

Southern tropical dry deciduous forest with teak dominant, plus bamboo, ain, bija and mahua, around Tadoba lake and the Irai reservoir.

Fauna

Wildlife you can see

Bengal tiger
Leopard
Sloth bear
Dhole (wild dog)
Gaur
Sambar
Chital
Nilgai
Barking deer
Ratel (honey badger)
Mugger crocodile

Birds: Around 200 species, including the crested serpent eagle, changeable hawk-eagle and many waterbirds on the lakes.

On the ground

Things to do

Core-zone safari

Moharli and Kolara are the classic tiger gates.

Buffer-zone safari

Good sightings and open in more months.

Tadoba lake

Crocodiles and waterbirds.

Night safari (buffer)

Selected buffer areas.

Travel tips

Fly into Nagpur and drive about 3 hours
Summer is hot but excellent for sightings
Combine with Pench (about 4–5 hours)

Combine with

Pench National ParkKanha National Park

See all 18 parks →