Maharashtra’s rugged terrain, especially in the deciduous Vidarbha region, is a paradise for safari lovers. Tadoba Andhari National Park in Chandrapur is one such safari zone that is known for its booming wildlife and safari tours in this region. As the land of Royal Bengal tigers, Tadoba for first-time visitors can be a little confusing or intimidating. So worry not, here is a complete guide for first-time visitors visiting Tadoba that you’ll definitely find helpful.
How Many Safaris To Do In Tadoba For First Time Visitors: A Detailed Guide
About Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park. Spanning over 625 sq. km., it is a brilliant example of the wildlife conservation efforts in the state. The TATR gets its name from local legends revolving around Taru, the revered village chief here. He lost his life in a courageous battle with a tiger, and it is in honor that the locals decided to build a shrine near Tadoba Lake.
The Andhari River that cuts through the reserve lends the reserve the second half of its name. The area was first declared a national park in 1955. Then the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1986. The two eventually merged in 1995 to form the present-day Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
Best Time To Visit Tadoba National Park
There can be different ‘best times’ to visit Tadoba National Park depending on the kind of experiences you wish to be part of. For pleasant temperatures, wildlife safaris, and birdwatching, November to February is the ideal season. Daytime temperatures hover around 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for those seeking comfortable weather and fair chances of spotting wildlife.
The best time to visit Tadoba for tiger sightings is from March to June. While temperatures during this season are higher, it is a great time to spot predators roaming in the wild, especially around water sources.
Avoid visiting TATR during the monsoon months of July to September. This is because it is likely that the reserve might be closed or restricted due to heavy rainfall.
How Many Safaris To Do In Tadoba For First Time Visitors
The number of safaris you take is more or less proportional to the duration of your stay in the TATR. Most visitors, especially those who visit for the first time, explore the TATR over the course of three to four days. This duration is enough to spot a variety of wild animals, birds, and even big animals like tigers and leopards.
In a three- to four-day stay, you can have about four to five safaris. You can plan morning as well as evening safaris, and in the summers, even night safaris are open. Prioritize your safari goals – do you wish to only observe the wildlife without gaining in-depth information about their habitat and lifestyle? Or do you wish to observe the complex web of life that unfolds in Tadoba? Decide what you want from your safari and decide the number of safari trips accordingly.
“How many days to spend in Tadoba for tiger sighting?”
About three to four days are quite sufficient!
Tadoba Safari Booking: Prices, Jeeps, Guides
You can book safari rides on the official website of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Do not make safari bookings from any other unauthorized websites. In case of grievances, here are the official email ID and helpline number:
Email ID : infotadoba@gmail.com
Helpline number : 95791 60778
You can opt for safari in either the ‘core’ or ‘buffer’ zones. While it is a common misconception that core zones are better for spotting animals compared to buffer zones, it is not true. The buffer zones at TATR are equally rich in wildlife and guarantee spectacular views and sightings.
Core Safari fees: Starting INR 5,800 up to INR 12,800
Buffer Safari fees: Starting INR 6,000 up to INR 7,000
Full-day safari fees: Ranging between INR 50,000 to INR 70,000
To refer to safari timings, the official website has a month-based timings calendar for both morning and evening safaris. Kindly refer to that chart to get a detailed schedule and plan your trip accordingly.
Also Read: What Is A Wildlife Sanctuary? Importance And Features Explained
Jeep VS Canter Safari Tadoba: Which Is Better For Tiger Spotting?
TATR offers jeep and canter safaris for travelers, so let’s understand the perks of both these different kinds of safari experiences.
The jeep safari is arguably the best way to experience the abundant beauty of Tadoba. It has spacious seating and is open from the above. This allows you to get an unobstructed view of the vast safari zones. The open structure of the jeep also gives you ample opportunities to spot animals and manoeuvre camera lenses if you intend to capture some great shots!
The canter is not the most ideal way to explore Tadoba’s beauty. While it can accommodate more people than a jeep, it has a closed roof unlike the jeep. It is ideal for a large group of people, especially suitable for the elderly and kids. However, canter safari offers limited range of vision as you’ll have to observe the jungle only through the window next to your seat.
So to sum it up: jeep safari is better for tiger spotting. However, if you’re someone who just wants to witness wildlife from a safer distance or are traveling in a large group, canter safari is also a decent option.
Also Read: India’s First Cheetah Safari Opens At Kuno National Park, Here’s Your Full Booking & Travel Guide
How To Reach Tadoba Safari?
The TATR is situated in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra and is well-connected by road, rail, and air.
Nearest international airport: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (107 km)
Nearest railway station: Nagpur Railway Station (about 105 km); Chandrapur Railway Station (about 36 km)
From the airport as well as the railway stations, you can get cabs and buses to reach near the entry gates of Tadoba. Most popular entry gates include Moharli, Kolara, and Navegaon.
Summing Up
In this brief guide, we answered quite a few questions about exploring Tadoba. From answering “how many safaris to do in Tadoba?” to guiding you through the best time to visit, safari fees, and helping you choose between a jeep and a canter, we’ve got it all covered. Now all you need to do is make your bookings (at least 60 to 120 days in advance), pack your bags, and set out on an unforgettable safari adventure in Maharashtra.
