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Tadoba National Park complete detail – updated. Geography of Tadoba National Park. Dominant flora and fauna of Tadoba National Park. How to Reach Tadoba National Park. The word ‘Tadoba’ is the name of the God “Tadoba” or “Taru”, praised by the tribal people who live in the dense forests of the Tadoba and Andhari region, whereas “Andhari” is derived from name of Andhari River that flows in this area.
Total area of the park is 116.55 Km2. It was declared as a National Park in the year of 1955. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of the finest & largest tiger reserve in Maharashtra. The park has endless treasure trove of large number of species of trees & plants and wildlife. The wildlife include tigers, hyenas, leopards, gaur, sloth bears, wild dogs, jackals, barking deer, sambar etc.
National park is an area which is strictly reserved for the betterment of the wildlife & biodiversity, and where activities like developmental, forestry, poaching, hunting and grazing on cultivation are not permitted. Their boundaries are well marked and circumscribed.
Tadoba National Park
Tadoba National Park is a beautiful place, located in the Chandrapur district of the state of Maharashtra. It is a part of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
It was declared as National Park in the year of 1955. Total area of the park is 116.55 Km2. The park was declared a Project Tiger reserve in 1995. It is one of the best tiger reserves of India as tiger population has increased rapidly. Tadoba National Park and Andhari wildlife sanctuary together form the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
The word ‘Tadoba’ is the name of the God “Tadoba” or “Taru”, praised by the tribal people who live in the dense forests of the Tadoba and Andhari region, whereas “Andhari” is derived from name of Andhari River that flows in this area.
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According to mythology, Taru was a village head who was killed in encounter with a tiger. The shrine dedicated to God Taru, is located on the banks of the Tadoba Lake.
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of the finest & largest tiger reserve in Maharashtra. There is few lakes in Tadoba forest area which ensures rich in water resources for the park and nestles rich aquatic life.
These lakes are also the prime residential place for marsh crocodiles, those were knowing once to spread in across Maharashtra.
The park has endless treasure trove of large number of species of trees & plants and wildlife. The wildlife include tigers, hyenas, leopards, gaur, sloth bears, wild dogs, jackals, barking deer, sambar etc.
The park is also home to about 181 species of birds, which includes endangered and water birds. For the convenience of tourists, jungle safaris are organized to facilitate tiger spotting.
The park is open for visitors throughout the year. Excursions are permitted only by daylight i.e. sunrise to sunset. Official guides are compulsory for all excursions. The best times to visit are early mornings and late afternoons.
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
Tadoba National Park and Andhari wildlife sanctuary together form the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. The total area of the Tadoba-Andhari tiger reserve is about 1,727 km2.
Tadoba National Park was established in the year of 1955. Total area of the park is 116.55 Km2.The Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in the year 1986. Total area of the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary is 508.85 Km2.
Total core area of the tiger reserve is 625.40 Km2. Total buffer area of the tiger reserve is 1101.60 Km2. The reserve also includes 32.51 Km2 of protected forest and 14.93 Km2 of other areas.
Densely forested hills form the northern and western boundary of the tiger reserve. The elevation of the hills ranges from 200 m to 350 m.
Tadoba Lake which acts as a buffer between the park’s forest and the extensive farmland which extends up to Irai water reservoir. This lake is a perennial water source which offers good habitat for Muggar crocodiles to thrive.
Tadoba reserve covers the Chimur Hills, and the Andhari sanctuary covers Moharli and Kolsa ranges. It’s bounded on the northern and the western side by densely forested hills.
The two forested rectangles are formed of Tadoba and Andhari range. The south part of the park is less hilly.
Tadoba tiger reserve has high rate of man tiger conflict. Several instances have also been reported of wildlife killing domestic livestock.
History
The word ‘Tadoba’ is the name of the God “Tadoba” or “Taru”, praised by the tribal people who live in the dense forests of the Tadoba and Andhari region, whereas “Andhari” is derived from name of Andhari River that flows in this area.
It is believed that Taru was a chief of village, who was killed in a legendary encounter with a tiger. After this, a shrine was made dedicated to the God Taru that exists under a huge tree and on the bank of Tadoba Lake
Earlier, the kings of Gond ruled this forest in the vicinage of the Chimur hills. During 1935, hunting was totally restricted.
Tadoba National Park was established in the year of 1955. Total area of the park is 116.55 Km2. Andhari wildlife sanctuary was established in the year f 1986.
Tadoba National Park and Andhari wildlife sanctuary together form the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. It was declared a Project Tiger reserve in 1995. It is one of the best tiger reserves of India as tiger population has increased rapidly.
There are about 43 tigers (2010 National Census on Tigers) in the reserve.
Geography
Tadoba National Park is located in the Chandrapur district of the state of Maharashtra. It is a part of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
Tadoba lies in the confines of Chimur Hills and the latter comprises of Kolsa and Mohurli Ranges. The topography comprises of Hills which are densely covered with mixed forests and belts of bamboo. The deep valleys, river beds, and small grassy meadows provide suitable habitat to many life forms.
Total area of the Tadoba Park is 116.55 Km2 and the area of Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary is 508.85 Km2. Total core area of the Tadoba Andhari tiger reserve is 625.40 Km2. Total buffer area of the tiger reserve is 1101.60 Km2. Tadoba Andhari Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in Maharashtra.
The area is overshadowed by teak & bamboo, and with a magical landscape of rugged cliffs, marshlands, lakes etc.
The lifeline of the park are the Andhari River, Erai Dam, Kolsa Lake, Junoria Lake and the Tadoba Lake. Besides small water bodies, rivulets and creeks exists in the confines of dense forests in plains and hills. Manmade water holes and small dams add to a life sustaining environment.
The above water sources in the forest area, which ensures rich in water resources for the park and nestles rich aquatic life.
Temperature – Maximum – 47o C
Minimum – 5o C
Rainfall: 1,275.00 mm
Dominant flora
Bamboo, Ain, Bija, Dhaudab, Haldu, Salai, Semal, Shisham, Sisoo, Surya, Sirus, Bel, Chichwa, Dhawada, Kusum, Hirda, Karaya Gum, Tendu, Char, Mahua, Palas, Harra, Bahera, Kurlu, Ber etc.
Dominant fauna
Mammals – Wolf, Jackal, Wild dogs, Fox, Hyenas, Spotted Deer, Wild Boars, Barking deer, Gaurs, Four horned Antelopes, Blue bulls, Indian Pangolins, Common Languor’s, Porcupines, Sambar, Spotted deer, Rhesus macaque, Leopard, Rusty spotted cat, Jungle cat, Leopard cat, Sloth bear etc.
Birds – Honey buzzard, Shy jungle fowl, Grey-headed fishing eagle, Paradise flycatcher, Peacock, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Painted Francolin, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Golden Oriole, Black Naped Blue Flycatcher, Plum Headed Parakeet, Gray Jungle Fowl, Bonelli’s Eagle, Crest Serpent Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Mottled Wood Owl, Warblers, Munias, Drongos, Pipits, Larks etc.
Reptiles – Indian python, Terrapins, Star tortoise, Cobra, Russell’s viper, Krait, Bronze tree snake, Rat snake, Leaf nosed snake, Indian Python, The fresh water crocodile, Monitor lizards etc.
State wise list of Wildlife Sanctuaries of India – updated
Other Attractions
Tadoba Lake
Museum at Tadoba
Panchadhara waterhole
Vasant Bhandara waterhole
Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir
Shiv Mandir
Urjanagar Lake
St. Michael Church
Durga Maa Temple
Ayyappa Temple
Ramdegi Temple
Mahakali Temple
Jain Temple
Best time to visit
The best time of the year to visit the Tadoba National Park is between the months of November to May.
The park is open for visitors from 15th October to 30th June every season. Tadoba national park remains closed for visitors on every Tuesday.
Safari Timings
Summer
Morning Jeep – 6.00 AM to 10.00 AM (entry allowed until 8.00 a.m.)
Afternoon Jeep – 3.00 PM until 6.00 PM (entry allowed until 4.30 p.m.)
Winter
Morning Jeep – 6.30 AM to 10.30 AM (entry allowed until 8.30 a.m.)
Afternoon Jeep – 1.30 PM until 5.30 PM (entry allowed until 3.30 p.m.)
Note – The Park is closed on Tuesday.
Entry Fee
Adult Rs. 10/-
Child Rs. 5/-
Car / Jeep 20/- Rs. per day / per vehicle
Heavy vehicle Rs.50/- per day / per vehicle
Still Camera 2/- Rs. per day,
Two & Three Wheelers are NOT permitted in the park
There is an additional entry charge of 1,000 rupees levied on private vehicles.
Entry Fee – 750 rupees per car/jeep and 1,500 rupees per minibus, Monday to Friday.
1,000 rupees per car/jeep and 2,000 rupees per minibus on weekends and government holidays.
Camera Fee – 200 rupees for lenses 250 mm and above.
Gypsy fee – 2,000 rupees per vehicle (seats six).
Guide fee – 300 rupees
Elephant Ride
Rs. 300/- for Indians on weekends and government holidays, and Rs. 200/- during the week.
Rs. 1800/- for foreigners on weekends and government holidays, and Rs. 600/- during the week.
Entry Gates for Safari in Tadoba
Moharli Gate – Moharli Gate is the oldest entrance to the park. There is entry of nine vehicles each morning and evening for tiger safari from this gate.
Kuswanda – The distance between Nagpur and Kuswanda Gate is 140 km and the number of vehicles allowed for tiger safari from this gate are four each morning and evening.
Kolara Gate – The number of jeeps allowed for tiger safari from this gate is nine each morning and evening hence eighteen rides are available for the tourists in a day.
Navegaon Gate – The distance from Nagpur to the gate is 140 km. The park authority permits the entry of six vehicles each morning and evening for tiger safari from this gate.
Pangdi Gate – The distance between Pangdi gate and Nagpur is 250 km and the number of vehicles allowed for tiger safari are two each morning and evening, making it a total number of four rides a day.
Zari Gate – Zari Gate is located at a distance of 190 km from Nagpur and it allows six vehicles each morning and evening for tiger safari hence twelve rides are available for the tourists in a day.
Safari Zones in Tadoba
Moharli (Mohurli) Zone
Tadoba Zone
Kolsa Zone
How to Reach
By Air – Nearest airport is Nagpur airport, about 140 Km from the Tadoba National Park. Nagpur airport is well connected by road network to Tadoba National Park.
By Rail – Nearest railway station is Chandrapur railway station, about 45 Km from the Tadoba National Park. Chandrapur railway station is well connected by road network to Tadoba National Park.
By Road – Tadoba National Park is well connected to Major Cities and Places by road network. There are a number of government and privately operated vehicles that go to Tadoba National Park at frequent intervals. Nearest main bus stand is Chandrapur and Chimur.
Distance from Nearby and Major Cities
Nagpur – about 132 Km
Pune – about 788 Km
Raipur – about 333 Km
Thane – about 897 Km
Aurangabad – about 530 Km
Mumbai – about 919 Km
Bangalore – about 1,075 Km
Secunderabad – about 479 Km
Nasik – about 754 Km
Bhopal – about 501 Km
Accommodations
Accommodation is available at Tadoba National Park. Maharastra Tourism Development Corporation hotel (Mohrali) and the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra guesthouse and dormitory room are also perfect for comfy accommodation. Apart from this, Eco huts provided by the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra are also good for those who are looking for budget lodging in Tadoba National Park.
Other private hotels and restaurants are also available for accommodation.
Useful Contacts
The Deputy Conservator of Forests, Tadoba National Park, Chandrapur, Maharashtra – 442401. Tel.: 07172-251414; E-mail: cf@wildlife-vidharba.org
Other National Parks in Maharashtra. Name of National Parks, Year of Notification and Total Area is as follows…
| S. No. | Name of National Park | Year of Notification | Total Area (Km2) |
| 1 | Chandoli National Park | Maharashtra | 2004 | 317.67 |
| 2 | Gugamal National Park | Maharashtra | 1975 | 361.28 |
| 3 | Navegaon National Park | Maharashtra | 1975 | 133.88 |
| 4 | Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park | Maharashtra | 1983 | 86.96 |
| 5 | Pench National Park | Maharashtra | 1975 | 257.26 |
