Tadoba

Maharashtra's oldest & largest tiger reserve

One of 50 tiger reserves in India, Tadoba-Andhari national park is named after the local tribal word for god – ‘tadoba’ and the river Andhari that runs through it. After years as a Gond tribal territory, the region banned hunting in 1935, and was soon declared a tiger reserve. Over the years, Tadoba’s heavily populated villages have been engaged in man-animal conflict – yet in recent years, tiger populations are reviving and the villagefolk are being rehabilitated. With its dry deciduous forests, Tadoba’s climate hits extreme temperatures through the year; biting cold in winter and scorching heat in summers. Yet with a river and a perennial lake, Tadoba offers refuge to numerous wild creatures; royal Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, Indian Gaur, ‘nilgai’ or blue bull antelope, striped hyenas, civet cats, among others. The water channels also play host to many reptiles and birds. With over 195 species of birds, Tadoba offers a perfect wildlife vacation.

Image credits: Svasara Jungle Lodge, Tadoba