Tadoba National Park vs Sundarban: Comparing India’s Best Tiger Reserves
AnirbanNS
Are you on the lookout for the best tiger reserves in India? With so many options, it can be challenging to choose between them. But here’s an interesting way to decide: would you like to see a tiger walking on land or swimming in water? Let’s pick the first option and see what it has to offer.
If you want to experience tigers on land, Tadoba National Park in Maharashtra is one of the best places to visit. In this guide, we’ll compare Tadoba National Park with Sundarban National Park, explain safari types, the best months to visit, how to reach, and share tips to plan your trip.
Overview of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
Maharashtra is home to the largest safari park for tigers with forests that surround the wildlife. It has 90 tigers that you will find living peacefully, taking strolls, claiming their territory, or even hunting their prey along the grasslands and lakes.
Apart from these regal wild cats, you will end up taking hundreds of photos of the cute sloth bears, dholes, and leopards. Also, you won’t be able to take your eyes off of the colourful birds that fly high above your heads. Want to venture through this forest? The Tadoba guides will assist you through jeeps or canter safaris through any of the six core gates or sixteen buffer gates. They also offer the Cruiser Safari which is like the Gypsy Safari that can take up to nine people on-board.
Overview of the Sundarban National Park
The Sundarban National Park Boat Safari is the hub of Royal Bengal Tigers, and is situated between India and Bangladesh, spread across 40,000 sq km. It stretches from the West Bengal Hooghly River in India to the Baleswar River in Bangladesh. This forest has 64 plant species that survive in brackish waters and saline flooding. It also has about 78 species of mangroves that play a significant role in the thriving of marine organisms. Apart from the flora, nothing beats this form of tiger spotting in India, as does the safari in this park. Here, you will see tigers, crocodiles, macaques, fishing cats, wild boars, flying foxes, and more.
Tadoba National Park vs Sundarban: Safari Comparison
If you are still unsure of picking the best tiger reserves in India, here’s a comparative list of both these parks.
| Features | Tadoba National Park Safari | Sundarban National Park Boat Safari |
| Safari Styles | Jeep Safari | Boat Safari |
| Duration to visit | Depends on the package: Ranges between 2 Nights – 3 Days to 16 Nights – 17 Days. | |
| Timing | 6.00 AM to 10.00 AM.
2.30 PM TO 6.30 PM. |
8.30 AM to 4.30 PM.
Boats are prohibited from entering after 6.30 PM. |
| How to get there? | You can arrive by train, air, or by road. | You can arrive by train, air, road, or by jetty and boat rides. |
| Group Size |
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| Vibes | Dense forest area, deep valleys, and smooth meadows. | The air feels damp. You will hear the melodious singing of birds while riding the boat amid the mangrove forests. |
Wildlife and Tiger Spotting in Tadoba National Park
One of the best tiger reserves in India is the Tadoba National Park, as it gives you the chance to take pictures of the magnificent Royal Bengal Tigers. They can be explored through jeep safaris in any of the three zones:
- Moharli Zone: Considered the best place to spot tigers!
- Tadoba Zone: The Tadoba Zone offers not just tiger sightings but also other wildlife animals.
- Kolsa Zone: Finally, the Kolsa Zone offers a great view of the forest landscapes. The chances of spotting tigers are comparatively low in this zone.
How to Reach Tadoba National Park and Sundarbans
Towards the Tadoba National Park, you can take the train, book a flight or travel by car. You must obtain permits from the park authorities, which are available online or at the entrance gates. You must have the permit and your original ID while entering the park. Make sure to do an advanced booking for your accommodation that is closer to the park. Pack essential items with you like sunscreens, binoculars, mosquito repellents, and so on.
While planning to go to the Sundarbans, you can either go by road or a designated water route. You could also book or take the train, which offers different routes as well. Here, you are rarely going to be walking on land. You will be on boat rides most of the day, so carry necessary items like a charged phone, extra food and water. Take responsible care of your cameras and mobile phones, and other expensive and crucial items. Make sure to book a room in advance to stay near the safari park, especially during the peak season.
Best Time and Season to Visit Tadoba National Park
March to May are the ideal months to explore the Tadoba Tiger Reserve. This way you can avoid the summer, as it can get pretty hot and uncomfortable due to the tropical forest. Another great time would be between October and November. These months fall after the monsoon season, which makes it easier to explore the safari.
Between November and March mark the best months to visit the Sundarban National Park. It’s when tigers are most visible. So, make sure to ride in the mangrove forest during these months.
Which Tiger Safari Should You Choose – Tadoba or Sundarbans?
If you would love to watch a tiger swim graciously across rivers, then the Sundarban National Park would be your best bet. However, if you love dry land and prefer witnessing tigers on land, then the Tadoba National Park jungle safari is your go-to.
Tigers in the Sundarbans are known to be smaller in comparison. Studies reveal that they need less food, weighing lean animals of not more than 50 kg compared to the Gaur or Sambar.
These tigers are known for their swimming abilities while they hunt in the morning between 5 am and 10 am. On the other hand, tigers from Tadoba walk down jeep trails or rest at waterholes. They hunt throughout the day whenever they see fit to their appetite. There is no saying which are the best tiger reserves in India. However, we would say that your safari will only deepen if you explore both parks. These parks offer their uniqueness in ways that make you realise, it is not just about the tigers, it’s the journey that counts.
