TheeraYatra

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to June
Weather: Hot summers, pleasant winters, humid monsoons
Budget: ₹3,000–₹15,000/day
Speciality: Maharashtra’s oldest and largest tiger reserve

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur, ~140 km from Tadoba
By Train: Chandrapur Railway Station, 45 km from the park, connects to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai
By Road: Well-connected via NH353 and state highways; buses and cabs available from Nagpur, Chandrapur, and Chimur

Where to Stay?

Moharli Gate Area – closest to the popular Moharli zone, wide range of resorts and homestays
Kolara Gate Area – peaceful setting, good for buffer zone safaris and offbeat experiences

Packing List

• Comfortable safari clothes in neutral colors (khaki, olive, brown)
• Sturdy walking shoes or boots
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Binoculars and camera with zoom lens
• Light jacket for early morning safaris
• Reusable water bottle

Top Places to Visit

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

A 625 sq km wildlife sanctuary home to over 90 Bengal tigers, along with leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and 280+ bird species.

Tadoba Lake

A serene perennial lake within the reserve, perfect for spotting crocodiles, water birds, and animals coming to drink.

Irai Lake

A picturesque reservoir offering boating facilities and excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially during winter.

Mahakali Temple, Chandrapur

An iconic temple dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, drawing thousands of devotees, especially on Tuesdays and during festivals.

Chandrapur Fort

A historic 13th-century fort built by Gond King Khandkya Ballal Sah, featuring eight unique gates and beautiful architecture.

Bhadravati Jain Temple

An ancient temple known for intricate carvings and peaceful ambiance, a significant site for Jain pilgrims.

Anchaleshwar Mahadev Temple

A spiritual haven near Chandrapur Fort, revered for housing a sacred toe of Lord Shiva and traditional Gond architecture.

Erai Dam

Located 15 km from Chandrapur, offering boating facilities, parks, and restaurants for a relaxing family outing.

Must-Try Experiences

Tiger Safari in Core Zones

Embark on thrilling jeep safaris through Moharli, Kolsa, or Tadoba zones for the best chance to spot Bengal tigers in their natural habitat.

Birdwatching at Irai Lake

Enjoy boat rides and spot water birds like egrets, herons, kingfishers, and seasonal migratory species.

Visit the Butterfly Garden

Explore the butterfly garden at Agarzari buffer zone, home to over 80 species including the rare Blue Mormon.

Night Safari in Buffer Zones

Experience the forest after dark on a guided night safari from Junona Gate, perfect for spotting leopards and nocturnal wildlife.

Nature Walks and Cycling

Take guided nature walks or cycling tours through buffer zones to explore the flora and fauna up close.

Watch Tower Experience

Sit atop a watch tower overlooking the jungle, listening to forest sounds and watching for wildlife movement.

Local Cuisine

• Breakfast: Poha, upma, sabudana khichdi
• Lunch: Zunka bhakri, varan bhat with ghee, masalebhat, bharli vangi
• Snacks: Vada pav, bhakarwadi, misal pav with spicy curry
• Desserts: Puran poli, shrikhand
• Beverages: Solkadhi (kokum drink), masala chai

Culture & Local Life

Tadoba is located in Chandrapur district, known as the “City of Black Gold” for its coal reserves. The region is home to tribal communities, particularly the Gond people, whose cultural heritage is deeply connected to the forest. The name “Tadoba” comes from the tribal god “Taru” or “Tadoba,” worshipped by local tribes. The reserve was created by merging Tadoba National Park (1955) and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary (1986) in 1995, representing one of India’s most successful tiger conservation stories. Local festivals showcase tribal folk dances like Dandar, Gondi, and Rela, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Local Insights

• Languages: Marathi (official), Hindi, English widely understood in tourist areas
• Getting Around: Safari jeeps for park entry, private taxis or cabs for local transport, buses from Nagpur and Chandrapur
• Safari Bookings: Book online through Maharashtra Forest Department website at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season
• Safari Timings: Morning safari 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM; Evening safari 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
• Best Zones for Tigers: Moharli and Kolsa zones offer highest chances, though all zones have regular sightings
• Photography Tips: Bring telephoto lens (300mm+), avoid flash, wear neutral colors, stay silent during wildlife encounters
• Safety Tips: Never exit the vehicle during safari, follow guide instructions, maintain distance from wildlife, avoid bright clothing

Enjoy Your Yatra!