Tadoba National Park is the oldest national park of the state of Maharashtra and since 1993, a Project Tiger Reserve. It derives its name from the local god "Taru". The legend goes that the village chief "Taru" was killed in an epic fight with the tiger. He is worshipped by all the local villagers as the deity of "Tadoba". To date the shrine, situated under a large tree on the shore of Tadoba lake, is visited by adivasis (local tribals) during a large annual fair held in Pusha maasa (between December and January). Tadoba has been referred to as "The Jewel of Vidharba". Tadoba a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, is a rich dry deciduous forest, a great place to walk and enjoy nature.
This splendid museum of Flora and Fauna holds more than thousand species of plants, 28 species of mammals, 181 species of birds, around 20 species of reptiles, 5 species of amphibians, besides large variety of fishes, insects and other life forms.
Tadoba is famous for its Gaur or Wild Ox (Bos gaurus) and Crocodiles(Crocodylus palustris). As its main carnivora the park supports Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris), Leopards (Panthera paradus), Sloth Bears (Melursus ursianus), Doles or Wild Dogs (Cuon alpinus) and Hyenas. Various other animals like Nilgai, Sambar (largest deer in India), Spotted Deer or Chital (Axis axis), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Mongoose, Civet Cat, Jungle Cat (Felis bengalensis), Langurs and Macques are commonly seen. The park is also rich in birds and insect life.
For centuries, the forest around "Chimur Hills" in Chandrapur district of erstwhile Central Province in Central India was famous for its wildlife. Dynasties of Gond kings once ruled this mystic place. In 1905, Shikar (hunting) was restricted only to wild animals and was completely prohibited from 1935. An area of 116.54 sq.km. (44.50 sq. miles) was declared as Tadoba National Park in 1955, vide Madhya Pradesh National Park Act. This area was transferred to the state of Maharashtra in 1956. An adjacent area of 509 sq.km. (196.56 sq. miles), has been declared as Andhary Wildlife Sanctury in 1986. It has been integrated with Tadoba National Park to ensure better wildlife management and since 1993 it is a Project Tiger Reserve.
This park lies about 45 km. (28 miles) north of the district headquarter and an industrial town of Chandrapur in the Western Indian State of Maharashtra. The area of the park lies between longitude 79°15' to 79°28' and latitude 20°17' to 20°24' covering an area of approx. 116 sq. km. ( 44.5 sq. miles).
The terrain is undulating with panoramic views of hills (ranging between 200-350 meters in altitude with a gradual descent from North to South), valleys, lakes and meadows. Tadoba lake is situated almost in the centre of the park. Tadoba is marked with thick forests interspersed with meadows and areas which appear scrub forest.
The mean annual temperature is 32°C (89.6°F) with a range of 9°C-47°C (48.2°F - 116.6°F) over the period. The weather is pleasant from November to February. The relative humidity during monsoon is around 76% while in summer it goes down to 20-25%.
The South-West monsoon bursts around mid June and continues till September. The mean annual rainfall is 1275 mm. The maximum rainfall occurs in July and August.
The forest type is classified as South Indian Dry Deciduous type by Sir Harry Champion and Mr. S.K. Seth. Tadoba has tremendous floral biodiversity in terms of deciduous trees. Along with Sag or Teak (Tectona grandis) the other very common trees are Tendu or Tembhurni (Diospyros embrayopteris) - the fruit of which is eat by herbivores and humans. The leaf is a very important minor forest produce as it is used to roll beedi the poor man's cigarette in India. Bheria(Chloroxylon swietenia) whose leaves are used as insect repellent. Ain or Crocodile bark (Terminalia tomentosa/ crenulata) is good timber and source of tanin. Dhavada or Axle wood (Anogeissus latifolia) is fire resistant, used in charcoal making and agricultural implements. Kalam (Mitragyna parviflora) is a good timber tree. The gum of Kuru or Karayagum (Sterculia urens) extracted by making slits in the bark, finds variety of uses in medicines, chocolate manufacture, etc.
Mahuwa (Madhuca indica) one of the most important trees for the tribals. The Gonds use the flowers to sweeten bread, the seeds as cattle feed, even as food in difficult times. Flowers are also a source of liquor which is compared to Ambrosia or nectar of the god. A strong Man-Nature relationship can be observed in this part of India. It is said that in most of the adivasis/ gond families, when a child is born the nectar of the Mahuwa flower is touched to its mouth even before mother's milk. At the time a promise is made by the parents, that the child will look after the tree all life long and a promise contracted from the tree to support the child for rest of his life.
Palas or flame of the forest (Butea frondosa) is important culturally and economically. Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium) is one of the chief medicinal gums of the world. has medicinal use, its gum has commercial value. Beheda (Terminalia belerica) and Hirda (Terminalia chebula) commonly found here are extremely important for medicinal purposes and in making of dyes respectively.
Around the lake one sees a large number of Jamun or Black plum (Syzigium cumini). They have the ability to survive even when the lower part of the tree is submerged for prolonged periods when water level in the lake rises in the monsoon and post monsoon period. At some of the important water holes like Panchadhara one sees huge tree of Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) whose gum is used as a drug in the northern parts of India.
Tadoba has extensive growth of Bamboo thickets (Dendrocalamus strictus). Among the climbers Kach Kujali(Mucuu prureans) is very common. Contact with the pods can create a painful itch, which spreads as one scratches. The plant is medicinally important while it cannot cure Parkinson's disease it can arrest the spread of this disease. Tadoba is definitely a botanists delight.
Tadoba is definitely a haven for mammals. Troops of Leaf monkeys or Hanuman langur greet the visitors as one enters the forest and they are common specially around the lake. The Spotted deer or Chital (Axis axis) is common near the lake and tourist complex as well as the many grassland patches in the forest. Population of the Indian Ox or Gaur (Bos gaurus) is significant and one encounters Gaur near the lake or in different forest patches.
The Blue bull or Nilgai reportedly named by Emperor Aurangazeb to prevent large scale slaughter of this magnificent Antelope, can be seen in pairs or singly early morning or late evenings. The Sloth bear (Melursus ursianus) is found in the hilly areas, behind the main tourist guest house, near Vasant Bhandara and deep inside the forest at Katezari which is now out of bounds for visitors as it has been declared as the core area. The Dole or Wild dog (Cuon alpinus) is commonly seen. Hyenas, though not common, are encountered suddenly near thickets. |  The Blue bull or Nilgai |
 Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) | Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) population is around 25, sighting though not as common as in more famous national parks as Kanha, they have been seen by many individuals and groups. Sighting of the Leopard (Panthera paradus) have been rare, though the number of leopards id estimated to be around 30. The Palm civet is usually encountered at dust peering out from trees, as they come to scavenge in dustbins specially near the youth hostel which is at one end of the lake. Flying squirrels are commonly seen at dusk. |
Bird life is rich starting with the magnificent Grey Headed Fishing Eagle (Ichthyophaga icthyaetus), the Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela), the Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhyncus). The forest resounds with the call of the Peacock (Pavo cristatus). More than 181 species of birds have been recorded here. The Crested Tree Swift (Hemiprocne longipennis), the Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), the Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), Bronze Winged Jacana (Metopidius indicus), the Lesser Goldenbacked Woodpecker (Dinopium benghalense) are just a few of the interesting birds which one sees at Tadoba. |  Lesser Goldenbacked Woodpecker (Dinopium benghalense) |
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Thirteen species of snakes have been recorded at Tadoba including the Cobra (Naja naja), the Rock Python and the Russels Viper. Monitor lizards, terrapins and star tortoises are some of the other significant reptiles. The pride of place however goes to the Mugger or Fresh Water Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) which is found in substantial numbers in the lake. Sighting of the crocodile are varied as you sometimes encounter them strolling on forest paths and feeling can be eerie when you bump into one. The board near the lake says "Swimming strictly prohibited, Survivors will be prosecuted". |
| Dragon flies, Praying mantises and other Mantises, Stick insects, Jewel beetles in a fascinating range of colours and shapes and an array of butterfly species including Pansies, Monarch, Mormons, Swordtails, provide the nature lover with an exciting world to explore. |  Lemon Pansy [Photo courtesy : Mr. Mahesh Kadam] |
 Signature Spider | Giant wood and Red wood spiders with their large webs, specially in the monsoon and post monsoon periods, are a real fascinating sights. In Tadoba one has encountered birds like Warblers, Black naped blue flycatcher stuck in the web and unable to free themselves. Signature spiders also provide interesting viewing. Hunting spiders like Wolf spiders, Crab spiders, Lyux spiders are also very common. |
Tadoba is an excellent place for the nature lover as with permission and a guide in tow, one can walk through the thick forest filled with wonderful sounds, smells and colours.
Out of the three Indian crocodiles, the Marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), the Salt-water crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), only the Marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is found in Maharashtra. This species was common in the State few decades ago and most of the lakes, rivers and reservoirs had sizable populations of these crocodiles. A survey indicated that the species was on the verge of extinction and its habitat was confined to more protected lakes and reservoirs in Sanctuary and National Park.
In order to build up sizable population of Muggers under controlled conditions i.e. by hatching the wild laid eggs and rearing the hatchlings, till they attain appropriate sizes to fend for themselves when released back into the wild, to augment the already depleted stocks in nature, Tadoba Crocodiles project became operational on November 5, 1977. The centre was very successful and many lakes and waterbodies including Tulsi lake in Mumbai were stocked with crocodiles from the breeding farm. By 1994 as the breeding centre had met its objectives and was closed.
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Situated in the heart of Tadoba National Park is a 120 hectare water body, called Tadoba Lake. This perennial water body is the main source of water in the drier months. A motorable road runs along the perimeter of the lake along which a leisurely stroll can provide excellent wildlife viewing. Two watch towers have also been erected for observing wildlife. Adivasis carry sacred water of Tadoba lake to sprinkle on their crops during rainy season, as they believe that it prevent and protects their crops from any pest attack. |
Nearest Town : Chandrapur - 45 kms (28 miles)
Railway Station : Chandrapur - 45 kms (28 miles)
Airport : Nagpur 205 km ( 127.4 miles) via Chandrapur
By Road : Entry into the park is from Moharli (Khatoda gate) and Chimur. State transport buses are available from Chandrapur. Taxi's/ Jeeps are also available at Nagpur and Chandrapur. Timings The park is open for visitors throughout the year. Excursions are permitted only by daylight i.e. sunrise to sunset. Official guide is compulsory for all excursions. The best time is early morning and late afternoons.
The park is a typical Dry deciduous forest of Central India and has three major seasons - the rainy, the cold and the hot.
The park blooms with intense green vegetation and different kinds of insects on the outburst of monsoon in mid June which prevails till late September. Because of the thick undergrowth, visibility is poor. Winter (November - February), is the best season of the year. The day temperature ranges between 25°-30°C (77°-86°F). Vegetation is green and atmosphere is pleasant. Though summer ( March - June) in Tadoba is harsh, with day temperatures souring upto 47°C (117°F) at times, it is the best season for serious mammal tracking as water supply is limited and visibility is the greatest. Machan (watch towers) give excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography. Most of the people prefer to visit Tadoba between December-February.
A stay of 3-4 days is advisable. However mid December to first week of January is to be avoided as it coincides with the winter session of the State Legislature at Nagpur and the place is swarming with representatives of the people and bookings may also not be available.
The tourist complex is on the banks of a lake which is scenic surrounded by thick forests, giving it a certain etheral quality. Rest houses, Guest house, Holiday home and a Youth hostel are available for visitors on prior reservations with Dy. Conservator of forest between 10.00 to 17.00 hrs on working day.
Canteen facility is leased to a private contractor for providing light refreshments and meals to the visitors on advance intimation at reasonable cost.
Reception centre to Vasant bandhara : Involves walking uphill, interesting terrain, lairs of bear, leopards and tiger can be visited.
Reception centre to Panchdhara (5 kms one way) : A good walk to an excellent water hole - the site of a check dam, there is a good hide, tiger movement is significant around this area.
Reception centre to Jamunbadi (5 kms one way) : Walk through grassland, open forest and some through thick forest.
Reception centre - lake round along sasa road (3 kms one way) : Gets you a good feel of the forest, though a short one. The black naped hare is common with a nature trail route also named sasa road. All destinations except Vasant bandhara is accessible by vehicles preferably jeeps. There is a forest department bus which goes on select routes, usually around Jamunbadi. |  Trail route -Sasa road [Photo courtesy : Mr. Prakash Parab] |
Machan (Watch towers) :
 Panchadhara Machan [Photo courtesy : Mr. Prakash Parab] | Tadoba has four machans where one could do animal watching specially at dusk located at the Panchadara water hole, Vasant Bhandara water hole and two around the lake. |
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