Tadoba Andhari National Park

Tadoba Andhari Overview

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, India, stands as a significant and vibrant ecosystem recognized for its rich biodiversity and, particularly, its thriving tiger population. Established as a National Park in 1955 and later designated as a Tiger Reserve in 1993, Tadoba spans an expansive area of approximately 625.4 square kilometers (about 241.5 square miles). This includes the Tadoba National Park and the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, which together form the reserve’s core and buffer zones.

Located in the Chandrapur district, the reserve is named after the local deity “Tadoba” or “Taru,” worshipped by the tribal people in the region, and the Andhari River that meanders through the forest. Tadoba’s landscape is characterized by rugged hills and valleys, dense teak forests, and a mosaic of meadows, lakes, and rivers, creating a habitat that supports a wide array of flora and fauna.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is acclaimed for being one of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild, alongside a variety of other wildlife species such as leopards, sloth bears, gaur (Indian bison), dholes (Indian wild dogs), and an impressive diversity of birdlife. The reserve’s water bodies, like the Tadoba Lake and Andhari River, play a crucial role in sustaining the park’s wildlife, especially during the dry months, and provide spectacular settings for wildlife viewing.

Visitors to Tadoba can explore the park through guided jeep safaris, which offer the chance to witness the majestic Bengal tiger and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The reserve’s commitment to conservation and its success in increasing tiger populations have made it a pivotal site for wildlife protection in India.

With its untouched natural beauty, significant tiger sightings, and role in conservation, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve offers an unparalleled wildlife experience, drawing nature enthusiasts, photographers, and conservationists from across the globe.