Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve: A majestic wildlife sanctuary and the MTDC Tadoba Resort
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, India, is not only Maharashtra’s oldest but also its largest national park. Spanning 577.96 square kilometers of reserved forest and 32.51 square kilometers of protected forest, this reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The Rich History and Cultural Significance
The name “Tadoba” originates from the local deity “Tadoba” or “Taru”, venerated by the tribes in the Tadoba and Andhari region. A shrine dedicated to Taru, who, according to legend, was a village chief killed in an encounter with a tiger, lies beneath a large tree beside Tadoba Lake.
Geographical and Ecological Overview
The reserve, the largest national park in Maharashtra, covers 625.4 square kilometers, including Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. The area features diverse landscapes, including smooth meadows, deep valleys, cliffs, talus, caves, and two forested rectangles formed by the Tadoba and Andhari ranges. The region’s climate varies seasonally, with lush green winters and hot summers, making it an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife.
Wildlife in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is a thriving habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, making it one of India’s most significant Project Tiger Reserves. As of 2020, it was home to approximately 115 tigers, including 88 within the forest and 27 in the surrounding areas.
Mammals
The reserve is most famous for its Bengal tigers, but it also shelters other mammals such as Indian leopards, sloth bears, gaur, nilgai, dhole, small Indian civet, jungle cats, sambar, barking deer, chital, chausingha, and honey badgers.
Aquatic and Reptilian Life
Tadoba Lake within the reserve is a crucial habitat for the marsh crocodile, once common across Maharashtra. The reserve also houses endangered species like the Indian python and common Indian monitor, along with terrapins, Indian star tortoise, Indian cobra, and Russell’s viper.
Avian Species
The reserve boasts a rich avian diversity with 195 recorded bird species, including endangered ones like the grey-headed fish eagle, crested serpent eagle, and changeable hawk-eagle. Other birds like the orange-headed thrush, Indian pitta, crested treeswift, stone curlew, crested honey buzzard, paradise flycatcher, bronze-winged jacana, lesser goldenbacked woodpecker, various warblers, black-naped blue flycatcher, and the Indian peafowl add to the ornithological richness.
Insects and Spiders
A wide variety of insects, including endangered species like the danaid egg-fly and great eggfly, along with dragonflies, stick insects, jewel beetles, and praying mantis, are found here. Notable spider species include the signature spider, giant wood spider, red wood spiders, wolf spiders, crab spiders, and lynx spiders, making the monsoon season particularly interesting for entomologists and nature enthusiasts.
In May 2018, a rare sighting of a black panther was reported, a unique occurrence since black panthers typically inhabit evergreen forests, unlike the dry deciduous forests of Tadoba.
MTDC Tadoba Resort: A Gateway to Wilderness
Adjacent to this natural marvel is the MTDC Tadoba Resort, offering a family-friendly holiday experience with 15 charming suites and homestead cottages. The resort, known for its magnificent swimming pool, traditional garden, and interactive kitchen, provides an immersive experience for visitors.
Activities at the Resort
To enhance the experience, the resort offers a range of activities including:
Visitor Reviews and Feedback
The resort has garnered mixed reviews. While some visitors praise the well-maintained cottages, clean washrooms, and its proximity to the reserve gate, making it ideal for families, others have expressed concerns regarding the management and infrastructure, reflecting on the state’s efforts in promoting tourism.
How to Reach Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
Reaching the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is convenient, with multiple options available for travelers:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, approximately 140 km from the reserve. This airport is well-connected with major Indian cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata, as well as international destinations like Doha. From the airport, visitors can hire a cab to reach the reserve.
- By Rail: The closest railway station is Chandrapur Railway Station, situated on the New Delhi-Chennai line. It serves several cities including Chennai, Jodhpur, Vijayawada, Bhopal, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram with daily, bi-weekly, and weekly trains. Popular trains include the Kerala Express and Shraddha Sethu Express. From Chandrapur, travelers can take a bus or a taxi to the reserve.
- By Road: The reserve is accessible by road, with many visitors preferring to drive from cities like Nagpur and Hyderabad. The nearest towns are Chandrapur (about 40 km away) and Chimur (about 31 km away). Local buses and taxis are available from these towns to the reserve.
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The reserve’s location in Chandrapur district, about 150 km from Nagpur, offers easy access from other cities in Maharashtra and across the country.
In summary, the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, with its rich history, diverse ecosystem, and the adjacent MTDC Tadoba Resort, provides a unique blend of wildlife adventure and comfortable accommodation. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region while enjoying the amenities and activities offered by the resort.
