About Destination :
The name 'Tadoba' is the name of the God "Tadoba" or "Taru", praised by the tribal people who lived in the dense forests of the Tadoba and Andhari region, while the Andhari River that meanders through the forest gives the 'Andhari' name. The Gond kings once ruled these forests in the vicinity of the Chimur hills. Hunting was completely banned in 1935. Two decades later, in 1955, 116.54 km2 was declared a National Park. Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was created on the adjacent forests in 1986, and in 1995, both the park and the sanctuary were merged to establish the present Tiger Reserve.
It is the largest national park in Maharashtra. To the southwest is the 120 ha (300 acres) 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. Other wetland areas within the reserve include the Kolsa lake and Andhari river. 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. Thick forests are relieved by smooth meadows and deep valleys as the terrain slopes from north to south. Cliffs, talus and caves provide refuge for several animals. The two forested rectangles are formed of Tadoba and Andhari range.. Teak is the dominant tree species. Other deciduous trees include Ain, Bija, Dhauda, Haldu, Salai, Semal, Tendu. Beheda, Hirda, Moha, Karu etc.
At the waterhole at Panchadhara, huge arjun trees are seen. Patches of grasses are found throughout the reserve. Bamboo thickets grow throughout the reserve. Panchadhara is a place where one can spot Brown Fish Owl easily. Apart from the rich population of Tigers, Tadoba Tiger Reserve is home to other mammals, including Leopards, Sloth bears, Gaurs, Nilgai, Wild Dogs, Small Indian Civet, Sambar Deer, Spotted deer, Barking deer, and Chausingha. Tadoba lake sustains the Marsh Crocodile, which were once common all over Maharashtra. Reptiles here include the endangered Indian python and the common Indian monitor. Terrapins, Cobra and Russel's viper also live in Tadoba. The lake is an ornithologist's paradise with a wide diversity of water birds, and raptors. The Grey-headed fish eagle, the Crested Serpent Eagle, and the Changeable Hawk-Eagle are some of the raptors seen here.