The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a protected area in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state in India . Maharashtra's oldest and largest National Park, the "Tadoba National Park", also known as the "Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve" is one of India's 58 project tiger reserves existing in India. It lies in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state and is approximately 150 km from Nagpur city. The total area of the tiger reserve is 1,727 Sq.km, which includes the Tadoba National Park, created in the year 1955. In 1986, the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was established, and both were merged in 1995 to form the present-day Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.

The word 'Tadoba' is derived from the name of God "Tadoba" or "Taru," which is praised by local tribal people of this region and "Andhari" is derived from the name of Andhari river that flows in this area.  According to folklore, Taru, a revered village chief, lost his life in a courageous battle with a tiger. In his honor, the locals built a shrine by Tadoba Lake, a sacred site still visited by pilgrims, especially during the annual fair in the Hindu month of Pausha (December–January).

The Andhari River, which flows gracefully through the reserve, lends the second half of its name. The journey toward Tadoba becoming a premier wildlife sanctuary began in 1955, when the area was declared a national park.

The reserve is an ecological marvel, a stunning mosaic of rocky cliffs, rolling meadows, lush forests, and deep valleys. It is home to several water bodies, including Tadoba Lake, Kolsa Lake, and the Andhari River, which serve as lifelines for the park’s diverse wildlife. These water sources not only add to the mesmerizing beauty of the reserve but also attract a wide array of animals, particularly during the dry season.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of India’s famous tiger reserves, drawing wildlife enthusiasts eager to catch a glimpse of its thriving Bengal tiger population. The number of tigers in the reserve has steadily increased , thus making Tadoba one of the best places in India for spotting the majestic big cat in its natural habitat. Tadoba isn’t just about tigers! The reserve boasts an incredible variety of mammals including  Leopards ,Sloth bears, Dholes (Indian wild dog), Nilgai (blue bull), sambar deer, barkingdeer, chital (spotted deer), and the rare four-horned antelope (chousingha), adding to its rich biodiversity.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is from  October to February with pleasant temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for wildlife safaris and birdwatching. Summer months between March to June is the best time for tiger sightings, as animals frequently gather around water sources, but the heat can be intense, reaching 45°C. The monsoon  brings lush greenery, but safaris may be restricted due to heavy rainfall. For the best wildlife encounters, plan your visit between January and May, when animal activity is at its peak.

How to Reach

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is easy to reach by road, rail, or air.

 Nearest airport – Nagpur

Distance -  140 kilometers.

Travel time – Around 3 Hours

Nearest Railway Station - Chandrapur

Distance -45 kilometers

The reserve has well-marked entry gates at Moharli, Kolara, and Navegaon. Smooth roads and clear signboards make the journey hassle-free. Driving through the countryside adds to the experience. The moment visitors arrive, the rich wildlife and dense forests create an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether by air, train, or road, reaching Tadoba is simple and rewarding.

Safari Zones in Tadoba

The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is divided into three zones, each having different access gates.

Moharli (Mohurli) Zone: This zone is known for the best tiger spotting and is also popular for offering good accommodation facilities to the tourists. The Moharli Gate is easily accessible from other two zone of Tadoba namely Tadoba Zone and Kolsa Zone.

Tadoba Zone: The Tadoba Zone is popular for offering diverse wildlife and scenic locations to the tourists. It is also accessible from four gates at Moharli, Navegaon, Kolara, and Khutwanda.

Kolsa Zone: The Kolsa Zone is much liked for its striking forest landscapes as the possibilities of spotting the wild animals are relatively lower in this zone. Entry to this zone is possible through gates at Moharli, Pangdi, and Zari.

Safari Timing in Tadoba:

 The timings of the Jeep Safari for the winter and summer are mentioned below:

Period	Morning		Afternoon
	Entry	Exit	Entry	Exit
1st Oct to 30th Nov	6 AM - 8 AM	10:00 AM	2.30 PM – 4 PM	6.30 PM
1st Dec to 28th / 29th Feb	6.30 AM - 8.30 AM	11:00 AM	2 PM – 3.30 PM	6:00 PM
1st Mar to 30th April	5.30 AM – 7.30 AM	10:00 AM	3 PM – 4.30 PM	6.30 PM
1st May – 30thJune	5 AM – 7 AM	9.30 AM	3.30 PM – 5 PM	7:00 PM

Tadoba National Park is Segregated into Three Safari Zones:

Tadoba Zone/Range: (from Kolara and Navegaon Gates).

Moharli Zone/Range: (from Moharli and Khulwanda Gates).

Kolsa Zone/Range: (from Zari and Pungadi Gates).

Gates in Core Zone :

* Moharli

* Pangdi

* Kolara

* Kolara-zari

* Navegaon

* Khutwanda

 

Gates in Buffer Zone :

* Ramdegi Buffer Gate

* Junona Gate

* Kolara Buffer Gate

* Alizanza Zone

* Agarzari

* Devada- Adegaon

The difference between Tadoba Buffer zones and Tadoba Core Zone is that in Buffer area animals and the villagers co-exist. In this Buffer area you will experience interplay of forest area and villagers. Whereas in the Core Area, no villagers exist inside the core zone. Only forest exist in the Core zone. Even if any village exist in this area, they are shifted slowly. Sightings of Tigers are equally high in both Core and Buffer Zones.