Tadoba National Park Safari Booking
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most celebrated tiger reserves and is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. Popularly known as the “Jewel of Vidarbha,” the reserve attracts thousands of wildlife enthusiasts every year for its excellent tiger sightings and rich biodiversity.
One of the most common challenges visitors face while planning their trip is understanding the location of the different safari gates. Tadoba has 12 safari entry gates, spread across the Core and Buffer zones, and many of these gates are located far from one another. Choosing the right gate is important because changing safari gates between morning and afternoon safaris or on consecutive days may involve several hours of road travel.
This guide explains the different safari gates, the approximate distance between them, and how to plan your safari more efficiently.
Planning Multiple Safaris – A Common Mistake
Many first-time visitors assume that booking safaris from different gates will automatically increase their chances of spotting a tiger. Looking at Google Maps, this idea may seem practical, but in reality it often creates unnecessary travel.
Each safari gate provides access to a different part of the reserve, and the gates are not connected internally. Travelling from one gate to another usually requires driving around the reserve on public roads, which can take anywhere from one to four hours depending on the locations.
Instead of selecting different gates randomly, it is better to stay near the gate from which your safaris are booked. This reduces travel time, allows you to reach the entry gate comfortably before reporting time, and makes your wildlife experience more enjoyable.
Safari Booking Options
Regular Jeep Safari
Book jeep safaris for the most popular Core Zones including:
- Kolara
- Moharli
- Navegaon
- Zari (Pangadi)
Regular jeep safaris are conducted twice daily and offer the best opportunity to explore Tadoba’s forests and observe its wildlife.
Canter Safari
Canter Safari is available only from the Moharli Core Gate and is offered on a per-seat basis. It is an economical option for visitors who prefer a shared safari experience.
Wildlife Tour Packages
Visitors can also choose complete wildlife tour packages that include:
- Hotel accommodation
- Jeep safari bookings
- Local transfers
- Experienced naturalists
- Customized itineraries
History of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
The forests surrounding Tadoba were once part of the kingdom ruled by the Gond dynasty. Raja Khandkya Ballal Shah, founder of Chandrapur, played an important role in the history of this region.
The reserve derives its name from Taru, a respected Gond tribal chief. According to local folklore, Taru died while protecting his village from a tiger. The tribal community later began worshipping him as a local deity, known today as Tadoba. A shrine dedicated to him stands beneath a large tree near Tadoba Lake, where an annual fair is held during the Hindu month of Paush (December–January).
Wildlife conservation in the area began in 1935, when hunting was prohibited. In 1955, approximately 116 sq. km was declared Tadoba National Park. The neighbouring forests were later notified as Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary in 1986, named after the Andhari River flowing through the reserve.
In 1995, Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary were merged to create the present-day Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, one of India’s most successful tiger conservation landscapes.
Wildlife and Forest
Tadoba is Maharashtra’s oldest national park and one of India’s premier tiger reserves. The reserve is famous for its healthy tiger population, making it one of the best places in the country for tiger sightings.
The forest consists mainly of Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, with teak trees dominating the landscape. Dense bamboo thickets, open meadows, grasslands, rocky hills, marshes, lakes, and river valleys together create diverse habitats for wildlife.
Apart from Bengal Tigers, visitors may also encounter:
- Leopards
- Sloth Bears
- Indian Gaur
- Wild Dogs (Dholes)
- Sambar Deer
- Chital
- Barking Deer
- Nilgai
- Wild Boar
- Marsh Crocodiles
- Over 280 species of birds
Tourism in Tadoba
While jeep safaris remain the primary attraction, there are several interesting places worth visiting around the reserve.
Tadoba Lake
Situated in the south-western part of the reserve, Tadoba Lake is one of the most picturesque locations inside the park. It serves as a year-round water source for wildlife and is famous for birdwatching.
Visitors can often spot:
- Marsh Crocodiles
- Kingfishers
- Eagles
- Storks
- Herons
- Numerous migratory birds
The lake separates the forest from nearby agricultural fields and contributes significantly to the reserve’s ecosystem.
Moharli
Moharli is one of the oldest and busiest safari gates in Tadoba. Located close to many resorts and hotels, it serves as the main entrance to the famous Moharli Core Zone.
Most safari vehicles and tourism facilities are concentrated around this area, making it a preferred choice for visitors.
Kolsa
Kolsa lies in the southern part of the reserve and is known for its peaceful forests, scenic landscapes, and comparatively lower tourist traffic.
The area is ideal for visitors looking to experience untouched wilderness and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
About Tadoba National Park
Located in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is among India’s finest protected forests.
Originally established as Tadoba National Park in 1955, it later expanded with the addition of Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. Today, the reserve covers approximately 1,727 square kilometres, making it one of Central India’s largest tiger habitats.
The reserve derives its name from the tribal deity Tadoba (Taru) and the Andhari River, which flows through the forest.
Apart from its thriving tiger population, Tadoba is renowned for its pristine forests, rich biodiversity, beautiful lakes, and outstanding wildlife photography opportunities. Whether you are a first-time visitor or an experienced wildlife enthusiast, Tadoba offers an unforgettable jungle safari experience.
Geographical Facts About Tadoba National Park
- Total Area: Approximately 1,727 sq. km
- Core Area: Approximately 625 sq. km
- Buffer Area: Approximately 1,102 sq. km
- Forest Type: Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest with extensive teak and bamboo vegetation
- Major Water Bodies: Andhari River, Erai Dam, Tadoba Lake, Kolsa Lake and Junona Lake
- Mountain Ranges: Chimur Hills, Kolsa Range and Moharli Range
- Summer Temperature: Up to 47°C
- Winter Temperature: Around 5°C
- Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 1,275 mm
Distance Between Tadoba Safari Gates
Since Tadoba has multiple safari gates spread over a large landscape, visitors should always book accommodation close to their allotted safari gate. Travelling between gates can take considerable time and may result in missing the safari reporting time.
Before confirming your safari bookings, check the distance between your hotel and the safari gate to ensure a smooth and hassle-free wildlife experience.