Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve, the oldest and largest in Maharashtra, lies in Chandrapur district amid teak forests, lakes and meadows spread around Irai lake and the Andhari river. Named for the tribal deity Taru, or Tadoba, it carries one of India’s highest tiger densities and is among the most reliable reserves in the country for a sighting.
The reserve is open from October to June, with the core zones closed from 1 July to 30 September; unusually for an Indian park, part of the buffer stays open through the monsoon. February to May offers the best tiger sightings as animals concentrate around water, though May and June turn fiercely hot, often above 45°C. The winter months of November to February are pleasant and rewarding for birdwatching.
The core is divided into three ranges: Tadoba in the north, Moharli — the most popular, tiger-rich and set beside Tadoba lake — and Kolsa in the quieter south, which is good for leopards. Numerous buffer gates such as Agarzari, Pangdi and Navegaon ring the reserve, so it pays to pick a gate close to your lodge.
Nagpur airport is roughly 140 km away, about a three-hour drive, while the nearest railhead is Chandrapur at around 45 km. From either Nagpur or Chandrapur the onward journey is by road.
New shared safaris coming soon.
The reserve holds the Bengal tiger alongside leopard, dhole (Indian wild dog), sloth bear, gaur, nilgai, sambar, chital and the four-horned antelope, with more than 190 recorded bird species.
Morning and evening jeep safaris are the mainstay, and a boat safari runs on Irai lake. Permits can be booked in advance, up to 120 days ahead.