The Ultimate Tadoba National Park Travel Guide
Tadoba National Park stands as a premier wildlife sanctuary in India, offering remarkable opportunities to encounter diverse wildlife. Nestled in the Chandrapur district, approximately 150 km away from Nagpur city, this park boasts rich biodiversity. This comprehensive guide aims to cover every essential aspect for planning an enriching trip to Tadoba National Park.
Insights into Tadoba National Park
Renowned as Maharashtra’s oldest national park, Tadoba was established in 1955. Later, in 1995, alongside the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, it became a designated tiger reserve. Covering an expansive area of 625 sq km, it operates under the official name of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
Tadoba Access Points
Accessibility to the park is primarily through well-connected roads from Nagpur and Chandrapur. For travelers arriving by air, Nagpur serves as the primary hub, followed by a convenient cab journey to the hotel.
Moharli Gate lies approximately a 3.5-hour drive from the airport, while Kolara gate is a shorter 2.5-hour journey away.
Tadoba National Park Entry Gates
Tadoba boasts 12 entry gates, each varying in proximity to one another. Optimal gate selection significantly depends on your accommodation’s location.
Key gates like Moharli, Kolara, Khutwanda, Navegaon, Pangdi, and Zari grant access to the core zones. Meanwhile, Agarzari, Devada-Adegaon, Junona, Kolara, Ramdegi-Navegaon, and Alizanza gates offer entry to the buffer zones.
Moharli and Kolara gates emerge as the most frequented, with Agarzari, Devada-Adegaon, and Junona being ideal for accommodations near Moharli.
Booking Tadoba Safaris
Embarking on the open jeep safari at Tadoba mandates prior online booking through the Maharashtra Forest Department website. Due to limited vehicle entries, securing your safari permit is crucial before finalizing accommodation.
Online bookings commence 120 days ahead and close four days pre-entry. A ‘tatkal’ category opens three days prior to entry, closing the subsequent day.
Tadoba Safari Cost
Safari costs at Tadoba range from ₹4,100 to ₹11,100, inclusive of gypsy charges, guide fees, processing fees, and entry charges.
Tadoba Safari Timings
| Months | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Oct | 6 to 10 am | 2:30 to 6:30 pm |
| Nov to Feb | 6:30 to 10: 30 am | 2:00 to 6:00 pm |
| Mar to Apr | 6 to 10 am | 2:30 to 6:30 pm |
| May to Jun | 5: 30 to 9:30 am | 3:00 to 7:00 pm |
Tadoba Safari Duration and Wildlife Encounters
For an enriching Tadoba experience, plan a 2-4 day trip encompassing exploration of both core and buffer zones. Opt for multiple safaris to heighten your chances of wildlife sightings, especially tigers.
Wildlife Diversity
Tadoba presents a wildlife haven, home to over 80 tigers and various other species. Guides, well-versed with the forest, often predict tiger sightings based on herbivore warning calls.
Sightings include tigers like Matkasur and Bajrang, alongside leopards, dholes, langur monkeys, and mugger crocodiles at Tadoba Lake.
Delving into Birdwatching
Beyond mammals, Tadoba’s avian inhabitants offer a treat to birdwatchers. Species like mottled wood owls, crested serpent eagles, Indian rollers, and diverse water birds grace the park’s skies and wetlands.
Best Time To Visit Tadoba National Park
Choosing the right time to visit is pivotal. While April to June offers prime tiger sightings due to the search for water, October to March ensures milder weather suitable for exploration.
Essential Preparations – Dress Code and Accommodation
Prepare for the expedition by donning comfortable, long-sleeved cotton or linen outfits. Opt for earthy tones like green, brown, or khaki to blend with the forest ambiance.
Several jungle lodges like Pugmark Jungle Lodge and Tadoba Trails Resort near Moharli gate offer a serene stay amidst nature. Choose accommodations strategically, aligned with your safari gate.
Traveler Guidelines
Carry the original ID used for ticket booking, as it’s necessary for verification at the entry gate. Ensure you carry a camera for photography, as mobile phones aren’t permitted.
Opt for full jeep bookings to avoid entry fee hikes. Plan safari bookings in advance, balancing availability and popularity.
Tadoba National Park, with its vibrant wildlife and serene landscapes, promises an unforgettable journey for every nature enthusiast. Strategically plan your visit, respecting nature’s marvels and embracing the untamed wilderness!
