Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve – Tadoba is a national park, while Andhari is a wildlife sanctuary – lies almost in the centre of India and yet escapes notice. The 625-sq-km reserve is one of the unsung sanctuaries of India. Not touted as much as the parks of Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan, this tropical, deciduous, dry forest harbours some 43 tigers. Its biggest asset is the possibility of frequent sightings.

Tadoba is named after a temple by Tadoba Lake, practically at the centre of the park, dedicated to a local Gond eminence called Taru. According to legend, he died while fighting a tiger.

This reserve is interesting because there doesn’t seem to be a core forest area that visitors are denied entry into; indeed, the whole reserve, not being very hilly, is accessible by roads.

Entry per vehicle ₹750-1,000 (for 6 pax); Reserve timings 6.00-11.00am & 3.00-6.00pm; Closed Tuesday; Guide ₹300

Bison at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Courtesy MTDC

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

This lush forested area has a wide variety of tree species. Bamboo thickets appear to contain infinite mysteries, tiny streams gurgle everywhere, and copses intersperse with meadows.

There were 43 tigers at the sancutary according to the tiger census in 2007. Other mammals at the reserve include the panther, bear, flying squirrel, cheetal, sambar, nilgai, chousingha, barking deer and gaur, besides many species of birds, butterflies, and crocodiles. Tourists note: the waterholes dotted around the reserve are a beacon for animals, especially in high summer.

Safari

The roads inside the park, largely unpaved, are very manageable by any car with a good suspension. Gypsy cars (seating six persons) are available for ₹2,000 for a safari.

Tadoba Lake

Tadoba Lake has nearly 20 marsh crocodiles, which may be seen floating by, or sunning on the banks. The temple dedicated to the local deity Taru is under a large tree by Tadoba Lake.

A majestic tiger on the prowl, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Courtesy MTDC

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

The best option here is Tiger Trails Jungle Lodges (Nagpur Tel: 0712-6541327, Cell: 09822930703; Tariff: ₹8,000-10,000, per person, with meals) – a country-style guesthouse in the Chichghat Forest Valley. The luxurious Svasara Resort (Reservations Cell: 09370008008; Tariff: ₹10,000, per person, with meals and safari) is near the Kolara Gate. The MTDC Tourist Lodge (Cell: 08879222057; Tariff: ₹1,800-2,250) in Moharli village is situated on the Irai Lake.

Other good options at Tadoba National Park include Tadoba Tiger Resort (Cell: 09325718691, 09372335355; Tariff: ₹2,700-3,600, dorm bed ₹900) and Resort Saras (Cell: 09422139353; Tariff: ₹4,000-4,500), both at Moharli.

When to go November-March is pleasant but April-May is the best time for tiger spotting. Park closes during June-July for the monsoon Location In the Vidarbha region of eastern Maharashtra Air Nearest airport: Nagpur Rail Nearest rail: Chandrapur but Nagpur has better transport options