Why Tadoba Tiger Reserve Safari is the Best in India (and the Mistakes to Avoid!)

Not everyone has the privilege of randomly watching a wild cat walk by while sitting comfortably in a jeep. But the Tadoba Tiger Reserve gives you several chances to enjoy watching a tiger in all its glory. If you plan on exploring the wild, the best Tiger Reserve in India is waiting for you. Want to know why? Let the adventure begin!

Tiger Sightings at Tadoba Tiger Reserve Safari – Why it’s the Best in India

Until recently, tiger sightings were no-holds-barred. However, keeping in mind the ecological system and the safety of wildlife, officials have limited daily entries. 

Prepare to have your breath taken away by the beauty of the greenery and wildlife of the oldest and largest Tadoba Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. The people of Tadoba consider the tigers here as divine beings who are protectors of the forest and who also contribute to their livelihood through employment. 

Famous Tigers of Tadoba Tiger Reserve Safari – Meet Mowgli, Choti Madhu & Bijlee

These fiery-eyed royal beasts offer their unique personality to the locals and tourists.

• Mowgli – The Pride of Tadoba

Mowgli is a beautiful male tiger born to Gangaram and Kuwani. He has two siblings, Paras and a sister. 

• Choti Madhu – Queen of Moharli Zone

Choti Madhu, queen of the Moharli zone, is a female tiger. She is easily identifiable by the M mark above her right eye.

• Bijlee – Expanding Her Territory

Bijlee is among the popular tigresses who has expanded her territory in the forest, and has a male cub from her mate, Yuvraj.

World-Class Safari Experience at Tadoba: Jeep, Canter, and Night Safaris

You can explore the wild either by Jeep or Canter Safaris, day or night. Not more than six people can go for the jeep safari that costs Rs 5000 per person. The Canter Safari (2.5 hours) can take up to 18 people who pay Rs 800 per seat. 

At the same time, the night safari is for those who would love to browse through the silent wilderness of a jungle. The Night safari can take place in private jeeps or as a group. For those planning overnight stays at the reserve, the Machan at the Wildcat Resort Tadoba is the best place to pick. The machans are accommodations strategically built across the buffer zones. For overnight stays, Tadoba Safari Stay offer unique accommodations in buffer zones.

Like every wildlife national park, the Tadoba Tiger Reserve has a core and buffer zone too. The buffer zone is where visitors can flexibly explore the forest. However, the core zones are where key areas where human visits are not allowed unless the safaris are booked in advance. The core is where wildlife is at its highest, and must therefore not be disturbed by overwhelming human activities.

The core zones include the following gates:

• Moharli Zone – Best for Tiger Sightings
  • Khutwanda Gate
  • Moharli Gate – Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears

• Tadoba Zone – Landscapes & Tigers
  • Kolara Gate – Tigers, Indian Rollers, Spotted Deer
  • Navegaon Gate – Indian Gaurs, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs

• Kolsa Zone – Wildlife & Forest Views
  • Pangadi Gate
  • Zari Gate – Wild Dogs, Leopards, Barking Deer

Rules and Guidelines for Visitors to Tadoba Tiger Reserve Safari and Tiger Sightings

• Listen to what the guide recommends and instructs before and during the safari.
• Wear attire that is comfortable based on the weather and the right footwear. Make sure not to wear bright, shaded clothing.
• Always keep your valid ID proof with you, including the Safari permit that was given to you.
• Respect the space animals need from humans. 
• While using your cameras, do not use flash photography.
• Do not smoke or throw food wrappers and other waste in the forest.
• Do not make very loud sounds or quick hand movements that may trouble the animals around.

How to Reach Tadoba Tiger Reserve Safari – Road, Rail & Air

The Tadoba Tiger Reserve has been made extremely easy to visit. The park is 140 km away from the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur. Flights are available if you are visiting from outside Maharashtra. Alternatively, you can travel by train or by road as well.

By road from Nagpur to Tadoba, it may cost you Rs 1100 to Rs 1700 with a drive time of around 2 hours.

It’s easy to travel by train as well, where you can arrive at the Chandrapur Station. Then take a taxi or a bus to go to the Moharli gate. 

While you book your Safari at Tadoba, don’t forget to book accommodation as well. Remember to only stay at green-listed resorts that comply with forest and wildlife conservation regulations. 

Some of them are listed below:

• Bamboo Tree Resort

• Tadoba Safari Stay Resort

• Singh Estate Resort

• Tadoba Tiger King Resort

• Swaswara Resort

• Red Earth Resort

• Taruvan Resort

You may get access to restaurant services, indoor games, jungle or tiger safaris, a kids’ play area, a bonfire, and so on. Higher-priced resorts may also offer swimming pool facilities, a lounge, bar, free parking, paid airport transfers, laundry service, free Wi-Fi, etc.

To ensure you spot a tiger or two, and more, plan your Tadoba online booking between March and May. It is quite hot during these months, which makes the animals come out, increasing the likelihood to spot them easily. However, for a pleasant safari experience, visit the park in the winter season between November and February.

Tips for Planning Your Tadoba Tiger Reserve Safari 

Tadoba Tiger Reserve Safari Booking & Planning Tips

• Which months are you comfortable visiting the Tadoba Tiger Reserve? Consider the factors like the weather most suited to your liking, while also understanding the frequency of wildlife sightings. Make sure you are booking three to four months before visiting the park.
• Once you’ve picked a month to visit, make sure you book the zone where you want to do Tadoba tiger reserve safaris. You could book multiple zones as well, with a combination of core and buffer zones. However, many visitors like to stay in the Moharli Zone. It has a connected route to two other zones, Navegaon and Pangadi.
• Book Tiger Safari groups that are renowned for their services by checking their online reviews. 

The best tiger reserve in India may undoubtedly be the Tadoba Tiger Reserve, attracting hundreds of tourists every year. You don’t have to look elsewhere when this reserve is easy to find and is accessible in all seasons for an unforgettable jungle safari in India.