Want to Watch Tiger? Come to Tadoba-Andhari!

Do you dream often of a real jungle and tigers roaming freely within, which you can watch with your own eyes? And then do you get disappointed with a thought that such a jungle couldn’t exist where you can watch tigers so easily? If yes, don’t – because such a jungle really exists! Its name is Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and it is in India. What is so special about this tiger reserve? The specialty is its tiger sighting, which is more than any other tiger reserve in India, even renowned tiger reserves like Ranthambore, Corbett or Kanha!

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in Chandrapur District of a western Indian state, Maharashtra. It has a tremendous variety of landforms like hills, valleys, plains, caves, cliffs and many more. Plus, it has a number of water sources and so, an ever flourishing flora as well as fauna.

The Name

Tadoba is the name of a deity of the local tribes and Andhari is the name of a river flowing through the forest. The temple of Tadoba or Taru is under a huge tree ashore Tadoba Lake, where the tribal people come to worship, particularly during their annual fair during the Hindu month of Pausha (December-January).

Structure of the Forest

The area of the reserve is 625.4 sq. km and includes Tadoba National Park, Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary and an adjoining Protected Forest area and Other Areas. Densely wooded hills form the northern and western boundaries of the reserve. They range between 200 m to 350 m in elevation. Tadoba Lake lies to the southwest of the jungle in the buffer zone. The wetland of the TATR is formed by this lake together with Andhari River and Kolsa Lake.

Zones

There are three zones of TATR, Tadoba, Kolsa and Moharli. Tourists always seek after Tadoba zone, because of its highest tiger sighting. This zone has three gates, viz. Khutwanda, Kolara and Navegaon. Moharli has only one gate of the same name. Actually Moharli has more diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. It also offers the best accommodation facilities, guides and vehicles. The Kolsa zone has two gates, Zari and Pangdi, but this zone can be accessed from Moharli gate too.

Wildlife

Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the flagship species of TATR and with the help of Project Tiger, an Indian wildlife protection program for the conservation of tigers, their number has reached up to fifty. You can see tigers frequently in this forest and so your safari gives full value of your money. Much of the credit goes to the employees of the Forest Department, i.e. your guide and driver, who remain in contact with each other on phone and spread the tiger news. And once they get news that tiger has arrived somewhere they take tourists there.

But tiger is not the only attraction of TATR. There are more wonders here than you think of! There are leopards, gaur, jungle cat, striped hyena, Nilgai (bull deer), barking deer, sambar, spotted deer, chital, chausingha (four-horned antelope), sloth bear, reptiles like Indian cobra, Indian python, Russel’s viper, Indian star tortoise, Indian monitor lizard and many more. 74 species of butterflies have been recorded in the forest, including Mormon, Swordtail, Pansies and Monarch.

195 birds including raptors like changeable hawk-eagle, grey-headed fish eagle and crested serpent eagle, and other birds like orange-headed thrush, lesser golden-backed woodpecker, warbler, paradise flycatcher, crested honey buzzard, Indian pitta, crested treeswift, stone curlew, bronze-winged jacana and many others are found in Tadoba-Andhari.

Other Places to Visit

Tadoba Lake is a 300-acre perennial lake in the forest and is a perfect habitat for Mugger crocodile. It is also a perfect place for bird-lovers. White-eye buzzard, orange-headed ground thrush, Indian pitta, Indian roller and many other birds frequent this lake.

One more place is the Katezari valley, which is a must-see for its greenery.

Plus, there are Telia Lake, Andhari Nala (canal), and villages of tribal people, viz. Moharli Village and Kolsa Village.

Safaris

4-wheeled, 6-seater open top gypsies are permitted for safaris and it is compulsory to take the guide of Forest Department. You can do advance booking only before 28 days, that too only manual booking as of now.

Timings

The safari timing is from 6 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 6 pm in summers. Winter timing is 6.30 am to 10.30 am and 2 pm to 5.30 pm. The reserve is closed on Tuesdays.

Accommodation

All the accommodation facilities have now been shifted outside the reserve. Tadoba Tiger Reserve Forest Lodge is in the Chinchghat Valley, which is near the core zone. Five other rest houses are available for tourists. MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) Resort is available at Moharli. And a number of private resorts are available too, with good food and comfortable accommodation. Camping can also be done in the buffer zone, at Kolsa and Moharli.

How to Reach

Nearest airport is Nagpur which is 140 km. From there, you will have to come to Chandrapur first and then to TATR. Chandrapur is the nearest railhead. From Chandrapur, you can get taxis or jeeps or 12 or 25 seater minibuses towards TATR.

Precautions

• Charges for gypsy, guide, camera and Forest Department are all included in the safari charges.
• Two-wheelers are not allowed inside the reserve.
• Getting down from the jeep and shouting is strictly prohibited and you should remember that it doesn’t only disturb animals, but also your driver and guide may lose their jobs.
• Carry ample drinking water, a good camera and binoculars with you.
• Morning safaris are considered the best.
• You cannot carry firearms, pets, non-vegetarian food and alcohol.
• You are strictly prohibited to: trek, drive in the reserve before or after designated timing and on the non-designated routes, cook inside the forest, smoke, litter with plastic bags, tetra packs, etc, play music, blow horns, shout, tease animals, chase or feed animals, and wear bright-colored clothes and perfumes, once you are inside the reserve.

So, if you are dreaming of watching the royals of the jungles roaming freely in their very own home, come to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and your dream will be fulfilled!