Tadoba National Park is the oldest national park in Maharashtra and is also known as ‘The Jewel of Vidharba’ (where Vidharba refers to north-eastern part of Maharashtra). The area around Tadoba was once highly populated by the Gond tribes. In fact, the Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary together form the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. The park derives its name from ‘Taru’ the local deity, whereas the Andhari River meanders through the forest.
Tadoba is the brightest & latest star on the horizon of Indian Wildlife. The lake inside the park forms another gleaming attraction and is natural habitat for many water birds. Watching innumerable birds found in this park,which glides beautifully with the wind, listening to their deep and mesmerizing calls is one of the best birding experiences.
Flora & Fauna
Tadoba is not only famous for tiger sighting, but is also an infinite reserve of innumerable species of mammals including sloth bear, wild dog, chital, sambar, barking deer, leopard, chousingha, gaur, nilgai, civet cat, ruddy mongoose, jungle cat, porcupine etc. Apart from mammals, a large number of birds such as Indian pitta, Asian paradise flycatcher, racket-tailed drongo, Oriental white-eye, yellow footed green pigeon, Eurasian thick-knee, adjutant stork etc. are sighted based on seasonal variations.
The park is also rich in forest having an extensive collection of deciduous trees like the teak, gardenia, satinwood, jamun, mahua, ain, tendu, Bamboo etc.
Summers (March – Mid June): Summers are extremely hot in Tadoba, with max temperatures going up to 47°C in May and June.
Monsoons (Mid June- September): The monsoon starts in June with humidity at about 66 per cent. The forest becomes lush green and is good for vegetation and insect sighting.
Winters (November to February): Temperatures range between 25°-30°C during day and goes down to 9°C in the night. Weather is pleasant during the day but mornings and evenings are cold.
Visitors are advised to carry enough warm clothes during winters as safari vehicles are open and one experience more cold during moving vehicles. During summers, one should carry light clothes to protect them from heat.
Tigers in Tadoba
Shivaji, a male tiger is one of the most handsome tiger famous for his remarkable mane and aggression. Waghdoh male is the dominant male of Mohurli range.
Ideal time to observe Wildlife and Photography
The park is open round the year. However, only few roads remain open from 1st July to 15th October. And from 16th October to 30th June all areas of the park opens.
From mid-October to February (Winters),weather is more comfortable and is good for bird watching, and sightings of marsh crocodiles and members of the cat family such as tigers and leopards. Good for photography, considering the lighting conditions and the landscape of the jungle.
From March to June (Summers), sightings of tiger and other animals are maximum as they come to the waterholes to quench their thirst. For photography, lighting conditions are favorable during early morning and late evening.
From July to mid-October(Monsoons), only few roads remain open, therefore animal sightings are limited. During monsoons, the jungle mesmerizes one with its lush green and offers spectacular photography opportunities.