In the Chandrapur district of
Maharashtra, which is in the north-eastern part of the state, lies the Tadoba
National Park which was created in 1955.
It is considered to be the largest and the oldest national park in the state. It is a quiet and secluded park which hasn’t become quite popular but is definitely a must visit place.
The most
common trees you will find out here is Bamboo and teak, but the most important
feature of this park is the rugged cliffs, marshes and lakes. This park also
has a diverse wildlife which makes it all the more interesting. In the olden
days this was a favourite destination of the hunters, locally known as the
Shikaras. Along with the Adhari Wildlife Sanctuary this park makes up the
Tadoba Adhari Tiger reserve.It is considered to be the largest and the oldest national park in the state. It is a quiet and secluded park which hasn’t become quite popular but is definitely a must visit place.
This is definitely one of the best places in India
to see the Tiger. Spread over an area of 625.40 kms, this park has about 43
tigers in the core area, 22 in the buffer area and 35 in the surrounding park
according to the 2012 census. When you visit this park the question would not
be whether you have seen a tiger or not, but how many in totally as you are
sure to see atleast a few of them.
The reserve is divided into three
zones – Moharli, Tadoba and Kolsa and multiple entries are available. The most
common entry point is the Mohali gate because it is the closest to Chandrapur,
the nearest town and commercial centre. The Tadoba zone lies in the north and
covers the Chimur hills and also has the picturesque Tadoba Lake.
This resort
is a simple and quite one. There aren’t many places for accommodation as this
place has recently become popular among the tourists, so you need to plan your
trip in advance. Guides are available for touring the park, which would be
highly beneficial to properly enjoy the safari.
To reach here the closest railway
station is at Chandrapur, about 40 kms away. From here you can take a bus or a
taxi which are quite frequent.
Entry and safari fees – for
safaris it is Rs 750 per vehicle on weekdays and Rs 1000 per vehicle on
weekends and government holidays.
If you don’t have your own vehicle and want
to hire a Gypsy you can do the same by paying Rs 2000 per vehicle which seats
six passengers. Guides can be hired at Rs 200. Elephant ride is also available.
The rates are Rs 150 for Indians and weekends and government holidays and Rs
100 on weekdays. For foreigners it is Rs 600 on weekdays and Rs 900 on weekends
and government holidays.
Visiting timings –morning safaris
are between 6 am to 10 am and evening safaris between 3 pm to 6 pm. For the
morning safaris entry is allowed till 8 am and for the evening safari entry is
till 4:30 pm. The park is closed on Tuesdays.