Majestic Wilderness of Tadoba
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Tadoba National Park – At a Glance
Tadoba National Park better known as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is one of the oldest and the largest national parks of Maharashtra. The reserve is at a distance of 150 kms from Nagpur, in Chandrapur district. The forest is incredibly known for its dense population of Royal Bengal Tigers. It is also one of the frequently visited wildlife destinations in Maharashtra, which has been a point of attraction for the celebrities like ‘Master Blaster’, “Sachin Tendulkar”!
During the jungle safari in Tadoba, on his recent visit in the park on January 2020, Sachin was elated to witness the sight of royal big cats and other wild animals and enjoyed the untamed environment of the enthralling wilderness.
Covering a total landscape of 1727 sq km, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is formed by combining Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the popular tiger reserves near Nagpur, extended from Chimur Hills to Moharli and Kolsa Ranges. To the southwest of this extensive woodland lies the 300 acres Tadoba Lake. It separates the forest zone and the farmland region. This lake is a perennial water source and habitat for Muggar crocodiles. Other water sources of TATR are Kolsa Lake, Andhari River and several other waterbodies. The mesmerizing landscape of TATR are densely forested hills, smooth meadows and deep valleys. TATR is indeed is one of the best wildlife destinations in India that is also known for its lush green and quaint ambiance.
History
According to a legendary tale, Taru was a village chief who was killed in a mythological encounter with a tiger. Post which the villagers deified and a shrine dedicated to Taru later known as “God Tadoba”, which now exists beneath a large tree on the banks of Tadoba Lake. The name “Tadoba Andhari” was derived after the name of “God Tadoba” worshipped by local tribes and river “Andhari” passing through this thick woodland. The Gond kings once ruled these forests.
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve was functional from the year 1995. As it is home for a large number of Royal Bengal Tigers, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) was formed by combining Tadoba National Park and Andhari Tiger Reserve in the year 1995. It is the 41st tiger reserve in India. According to the National Census on Tigers in the year 2010, it is home for more than 40 tigers.
Flora
This dense national park is comprised of southern tropical dry deciduous forest. Almost 90% of floral prominence include species such as Teak, Arjun, Bamboo, Bheria, Ain (Crocodile Bark), Black Plum, Bija, Tendu, Dhauda, Semal, Shesham, Sisoo, Beheda, Hirda, Hald, Salai, Bel, Mahua Madhuca, Wodier Tree and plenty more. Starting from tall trees till varied grasslands, the diversity in floral species makes the reserve one of the best forests for naturalists in India.
Fauna
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is famous for housing impressive volume of Royal Bengal Tiger. Tiger sightings in Tadoba is one of the thrilling activities for wildlife lovers. The reserve is also the home for other wild species such as Indian leopards, Gaur, Nilgai, Dhole, Sloth bears, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cats, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Marsh Crocodile, Indian Python, Indian Cobra, Russel’s Viper and so on, as primary inmates. Considerable sightings of Indian Leopards are also in the news at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR). Thus, excitement for jungle safari at Tadoba, has many reasons to suffice.
Moreover, Tadoba is also famous for housing unique bird species, making it an ideal destination for bird lovers and hence bird watching in Tadoba is another attractive activity. Some of the bird species found are Short Toed Snake Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Grey Headed Fish Eagle, Pallas Fish Eagle, Ospray, Brown Fish Owl, Spot Bill Duck, Rudy Cell Duck, Pin Tail, Gadwall, Indian Seg, Large Cormorant, Little Egret, Medium Egret, Large Egret, Purple Heron, Open Bill Stork, Wooly Neck Stork, Purple Moor Hen, Red Collared Dove, Rose Ring Parakeet, Indian Silver Bill, Red Avadavat, Scale Breasted Munia, Orange Headed Thrush, White Breasted Kingfisher, Chest Nut Shoulder Petronila, Paradise Flycatcher, Tickles Blue Flycatcher, Paddyfield Pipit, Black Red Start, Ashy Crown Sparrow Lark, Singing Bush Lark, Black Hooded Oriole, Golden Oriole etc.
Best Accommodations Near Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)
There are plenty of resorts in Tadoba, but an opportunity to experience a camping in the middle of a dense jungle is truly an enthralling feel. Bodhivann Resort located near Alizanza and Kolara Gate, is an amazing jungle camp and tent resort in Tadoba. This artistically created Tadoba resort covers 6 acres of vast landscape right at the middle of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) core. The impeccably planned resort has a rustic look, within secured boundaries. The exclusive airconditioned tent accommodation at Bodhivann Resort offers a lavish stay within thrilling jungle limits.
Entry Gates for Tadoba Jungle Safari
The entry gates to the Tadoba Tiger Reserve provides access to the thrilling world of wilderness. As a renowned destination for tiger sighting during Jungle safari in Tadoba, Tadoba Tiger Reserve is divided into different Zones.
Kolara
It is one of the popular entry gates in Tadoba core zone, located at a distance of 120 km from Nagpur. It takes you to the Tadoba Zone, with total six vehicles available each morning and evening for Tadoba jungle safari.
This zone is at a merely 15 Kms from the Bodhivann Jungle Camp Resort.
Kolara Buffer: It is located around 104 Km from Nagpur. This zone is also at a distance of 15 Kms from Bodhivann Jungle Camp Resort in Tadoba near Navegaon.
The jungle safari in Kolara buffer is also available for the morning and evening slot with six vehicles each. Sharmili is another Tigeress often witnessed by tourist in Tadoba Safari. she is around 8 years of age, seen with 3 cubs and lives in the territory of Kankazari Tiger.
Alizanza
This zone in Tadoba toward Kolara is known for it’s natural serenity and amazing landscape that is appropriate for the photographers. The one who wish to experience an exclusive amalgamation of surreal nature spaces and amazing forest life can tap this zone for Tadoba Jungle safari. Alizanza zone in Tadoba is located at 7 Kms from Bodhivann Jungle Camp Resort with the entry of six vehicles each morning and evening.
The dominant royal beasts of this zone are Zarni (female), Mowgli (male), Mayuri (female) and P3 (female). They are spotted near Joga moga, Zaran, Kumbhai, Kini Chuha, Navegaon Meadow and Ramdegi. Zarni is a 10 years old tigress spotted with her 2 months old 4 cubs from the fourth litter. Mayuri is a 4 years old tigress reported to have cubs from her first litter, however, the cubs are not yet sighted. P3 is the sister of famous Tigress Maya, who is 9 years old and have cubs from her third litter.
Madnapur
It is one of the latest gates opened to promote eco-tourism in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) buffer zone. The distance from the Bodhivann Jungle Resort in Tadoba is 18 Kms, the entry of six vehicles each morning and evening. The important tiger sighting areas of this place are Juna bai temple and various waterbodies.
Interesting fact is Madnapur is now ruled by majestic tigress Junabai, named after she was spotted near Junabai Temple. She is seven years old, adult and active female, dominant with her 3 months old cub, from the second litter with male tiger Kankazari. The other active royal big cats in the region are tigress Sharmili aged 8 years, who can be spotted with her three cubs from the second litter and royal male tiger- the famous Matkasur.
Sirkada
The distance from the best resort in Tadoba Bodhivann Jungle camp to Sirkada Zone is 30 Km. The entry of six vehicles each morning and evening are permitted to Sirkada Zone.
Sirkada is currently the territory of Male B7, Dadiyal and female Patlin Bai. Dadiyal is 10 years old and one of the biggest tigers of Tadoba frequently spotted near Patil Talao. Patlin Bai is 8 year old adult female and has 3 cubs of 18 months age.
Navegaon
This gate is located at a distance 140 km from Nagpur. The entry of four vehicles each morning and evening for Tadoba jungle safari to the core zone are permitted from this gate. Bodhivann Jungle Camp Resort in Tadoba Kolara is located at 18 Kms from Navegaon zone.
The dominant royal beasts frequently sighted in this zone are Matkasur (Male), Choti Tara (Female) and Maya (Female). Matkasur is the gigantic royal male and has made this zone his territory. However, several frequent territorial fights with the young generation have forced him to lose confidence on his power off late. Maya and Choti Tara aged 9 and 10 years respectively are sighted with their cubs in the areas like N Body, Pander Poni, Jamun Body, Jamuni Meadow and Tadoba Lake.
Ramdegi- Navegaon
Located at a distance of 104 Km from Nagpur, this is one of the buffer zones that offers jungle safari in Tadoba, like its other counterparts. The entry of six vehicles each morning and evening are permitted in this zone. The distance of Ramdegi-Navegaon Zone from Bodhivann Jungle Resort is 23 Km.
Whether core or buffer zone, abiding the rules and regulations for Tadoba Jungle Safari is very important. Avoid littering, making loud noise, using mobile phones, getting off from the jeep or feeding animals, to maintain the enigmatic environment of the jungle. This will help in contributing our part in conservation of nature and wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)
As part of the Indian subcontinent, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) enjoys tropical climate. The forest majorly enjoys three major seasons-Summer Monsoon and Winter. Hence, the ideal time to visit Tadoba is the winter season for the month of November till February, when the temperature ranges between 5- 15-degree Celsius. However, the best season for tiger sightings would be the hotter months of the summer season from March to June. The partial park of park remains closed during the monsoon season from July till September. All the premium zones are open through out the year. However, that depends on the discretion of the park authorities. Post monsoon is also a good time to visit Tadoba especially for the months of October till March, when the jungle becomes lush green and boasts diverse floral richness.
How to Reach Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)
By Air: The closest airport is at Nagpur (135 km approx.), from where one can take a cab to reach TATR.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Chandrapur (49kms) and Nagpur (151kms), cab facilities are available from both the rail stations till Tadoba.
By Road: There are frequent buses from Chandrapur to Tadoba- Mohrali Village. Additionally, plenty of cab/taxi facilities are is also available. One can also drive down from Nagpur which hardly takes 2.30- 3 hours to reach Tadoba Tiger Reserve.