People more often call many tourist places a hidden gem but this is the place with the true meaning of hidden gem. If you want to explore real life in the forest then this is a place for you. Tadoba national park is spread across 625 square kilometers in the heart of the Maharashtra. The state Maharashtra Is famous for beautiful beaches, mountains and rich culture. Tadoba is in Chandrapur district aproximate 100 KM from Nagpur. Tadoba is a very dense forest with teak and bamboo trees, vibrant flora and fauna.
Tadoba is very famous for jungle safari where you get a opportunity to see wild animals including tigers from just few feets away (if you are lucky) in a open Jeep.
Visitors can enjoy here both day and night safari and experience the free roaming of all kind wild animals and witness the life in Jungle.
Tadoba is not only for Animals but you can find various types of. birds, snakes, crocodiles, huge trees, lakes and many more things.
How to reach
Nagpur is the nearest airport from where you can reach by flight and then either take a bus, taxi or train to reach Chandrapur.
Tadoba is in Chandrapur district, from Chandrapur it is approximately 45 Kilometers.
If you you directly coming by train then Chandrapur railway station is the nearest stations where you can get down.
Where to stay
You can find may resorts around Tadoba at reasonable price. Some of the resorts are very close to forest where you can experience even forest life. You can visit to find out the resorts available.
How and when Tadoba National Park established
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve was established in 1995 in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. It is named after Tadoba lake and the Andhari river which flows from this area.
It was created to protect the natural habitat especially the Bengal tiger, since its inception there is a prominent increase of tiger population. This was a major step of a Maharashtra government in wildlife conservation in this area.
It is having two zones namely Core and Buffer zone.
More about Tadaboa
According to latest report there are about 115 tigers in Tadoba National park which makes it the most populous in India.
Each tiger is named and the most popular tiger name is Matkasur, he is the most dominant tiger in Tadoba. He belongs to Buffer zone. Matkasur is called as a King of Tadoba.
So if we have a King then there must be queen as well right? Yes, Tadoba had a queen as well and her name is Maya. Unfortunately she died recently in November 2023, the reason said to be a natural death. Maya gave birth 5 times and contributed 13 curb in total. Maya was born in 2010.
Things to do in Tadoba national park
Tadoba is famous for its Safar in open Jeep, you can get a guide in a Jeep who will explain about the natural habitat, they will try all possible way so that you can get a chance to see a tiger or tigress. There is one butterfly garnden as well near to Tadoba Andhari gate
Dos and Don’ts
In Dos I would say just enjoy the safari, there are too many don’ts, you can not carry a mobile or plastic bottles, once you are boarded the Jeep you are not allowed to get down. They will stop vehicle at some designated places where you are allowed to get down for washroom breaks.
You have to handover your mobile to Jeep driver who will keep the mobile in box and put a lock to it. Box will be kept in the Jeep itself.
You are not allowed to throw any eatables outside of Jeep and you have to be silent and can not create a noise.
If you are going in summer and that too afternoon safari then you should carry things to get protected from high heat. This part is known for high temperature hence you may get dehydrated very soon and may face direct heat from sun as its an open jeep. So carry hats or caps or anything to protect yourself.
Safari in Tadoba
You can have day or night safari, both safari will give you a different experience all together where you can feel the Jungle life very closely in a open Jeep.
Generally the Jungle safari is closed during rainy season.
Mostly in summer there are more chances that you will see a tiger as they are mainly found near various natural lakes or man made ponds.
There are still some villages in close proximity of Tadoba and you will really think how they are living, what kind of challenges these people must be facing in day to day life.
Some of the villagers run shops and restaurant in Tadoba, you can even take lenses or camera on rent from these shops.
Tadoba will give you an experience which you may not have in your life, you will feel that you have witnessed altogether a different world. A world of wild animals, dense forest and dark nights within it.
