Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, is the state’s oldest and largest national park. In recent years it has become one of India’s most reliable places to see tigers, thanks to a healthy population and dry teak forest where cats are easy to spot at waterholes and on forest tracks.
At a glance
| Best time | March to May for tigers; October to February for comfortable weather |
| Getting there | About 3 hours by road from Nagpur |
| Time needed | 2 to 4 nights |
| Big draws | Tigers, sloth bears, leopards, dholes, Tadoba Lake |
| Good for | Tiger sightings, short trips from Nagpur or Mumbai |
Wildlife
- Tigers: Tadoba’s tigers are often seen walking along tracks, drinking at waterholes and cooling off in lakes. See our tiger profile.
- Sloth bears: one of the best parks for them, especially in the hot season. See our sloth bear profile.
- Leopards, dholes, gaur, sambar, chital, nilgai and four-horned antelope.
- Mugger crocodiles in Tadoba Lake and other waterbodies.
- Birds: around 200 species, including crested serpent eagles, grey-headed fish eagles and paradise flycatchers.
Zones and gates
Tadoba has core and buffer zones, with several entry gates such as Moharli, Kolara, Navegaon and Khutwanda for the core, and many buffer gates. Moharli, on the southern side, is the most popular. Buffer zones often have excellent sightings and fewer vehicles.
How safaris work
- Jeep safaris in the morning and afternoon, with a compulsory guide.
- Permits are booked through the official Maharashtra Forest Department portal for Tadoba, and core permits for peak months sell out quickly.
- The core zone is usually closed on Tuesdays and during the monsoon (about July to September), but some buffer zones stay open in the monsoon, which makes Tadoba one of the few reserves where tiger safaris are possible then. Check current rules.
When to go
- October to February: pleasant weather, green forest.
- March to June: very hot (often over 45°C in May), but the best tiger sightings at waterholes.
- July to September: monsoon; core closed, some buffer zones open.
Getting there
Nagpur has good flight connections and is about 140 km (3 hours) from Moharli. The nearest railway station is Chandrapur, about 45 km away. Tadoba combines well with Pench (Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh), about 3 to 4 hours from Nagpur in the other direction.
Where to stay
Resorts and lodges around Moharli, Kolara and other gates, from budget to luxury.
Tips
- Book core permits early, but consider buffer zones too.
- Carry water, sunscreen and a hat in the hot season.
- Spend at least four safaris across different gates.
- Combine Tadoba with Pench for a Maharashtra–Madhya Pradesh tiger circuit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tadoba good for tiger sightings? Yes, it is one of the most reliable tiger reserves in India, especially from March to May.
Is Tadoba open in the monsoon? The core zone closes, but some buffer zones usually stay open for safaris.
How far is Tadoba from Nagpur? About 140 km, or roughly three hours by road.
Which gate is best in Tadoba? Moharli is the most popular, but Kolara, Navegaon and the buffer gates also have excellent sightings.
Related guides
- Best places to see tigers in India
- Central India tiger safari itinerary
- Ranthambore National Park guide
- Animal profiles: Tiger, Sloth bear, Leopard
Cover photo: Stephenekka, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons