Tadoba – Andhari National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary
• Location :
In the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state, in Chandrapur district, at the originating area of the Andhari river, you will find the Tadoba Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Sanctuary Area :
• Tadoba–Andhari Sanctuary is divided into two zones.
• Tadoba–Andhari Core Zone Area : 625.40 sq. km
• Tadoba–Andhari Buffer Zone Area : 1100 sq. km
• Total Area : 1725.40 sq. km
• Travel Routes to Visit the Sanctuary :
• From Nagpur International Airport, the Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve is 140 km away.
• From Chandrapur, Tadoba Sanctuary is 45 km by bus.
• From Chimur, Tadoba Sanctuary is 32 km away.
• Chandrapur, being a district headquarters, is well connected to the rest of the country by road and rail.
• Local Information about Tadoba Sanctuary :
• Plant Life :
Tadoba Sanctuary falls in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
Due to the hot climate, South Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests are found here.
Major trees found here include —
Mahua, Dhauda, Apta, Behada, Khair, Bibba, Shisham, Tendu leaves, Teak (Sagwan), Ain, Bamboo.
These trees shed their leaves during the Shishir season (the transition period between winter and summer).
Evergreen trees like Mango, Jamun, and Arjun are also found here.
The Crocodile Bark Tree, which looks like crocodile scales, is also seen here.
Likewise, the Ghost Tree, which appears like a phantom at night, is also found in this region.
In newly afforested areas, certain portions are intentionally kept open, known as fire zones, to prevent the spread of forest fires.
The forest department obtains bamboo, timber, medicinal plants, and tendu leaves from this forest.
• Water Management :
Andhari River :
This is the lifeline of the sanctuary.
It is said that earlier, the forest here was so dense that even sunlight could not reach the ground.
Due to the darkness everywhere, the river came to be known as the Andhari River.
Tadoba :
Tadoba is the main lake here and holds a large amount of water throughout the year.
The sanctuary derives its name Tadoba from this lake.
Many small and large water bodies are also found here such as —
These water bodies fulfill the drinking water needs of the wild animals.
To avoid water scarcity in summer, the forest department has installed solar-powered pumps with borewells, creating artificial water sources for animals.
• Animal Life :
The Big Five animals found here are —
Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs (Dholes), and Indian Gaur.
Other animals include —
Blackbuck, Deer, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Barking Deer, Civet Cat, Wolf, Mongoose, Monitor Lizard, Chital, Nilgai, and Mouse Deer.
• Tiger :
The most important animal of this sanctuary is the tiger, known as the Royal Bengal Tiger.
• Male Tiger Territory : 40–45 sq. km
• Tigress Territory : 11–12 sq. km
If one tiger or tigress enters another's territory, conflict occurs.
Tigers mark their territory by —
• Scratching tree trunks and rocks with their claws
• Spraying urine
In the summer season, tigers can often be seen resting inside water bodies.
Tiger population is monitored using camera traps and sensors installed with the help of the American Wildlife Conservation Society.
Each tiger has a unique stripe pattern on its body, which is used for identification.
No two tigers have identical stripes.
The famous documentary “Tiger Sisters of Telia” was filmed near the Telia Lake area.
• Indian Gaur :
Due to abundant grass and water, large herds of Indian Gaur are seen here.
They are muscular, dark-colored, and have sharp, strong horns.
• Deer :
Beautiful blackbucks and spotted deer (chital) are found in large numbers here.
These are the main prey of tigers.
After killing a deer, the tiger eats the flesh and leaves behind the skull and bones, which are rich in calcium.
Porcupines chew on these bones, forming an important link in the food chain.
• Wild Dogs (Dholes) :
Packs of wild dogs are commonly seen here.
They hunt deer and wild boar.
• Leopard :
Leopards are mostly active at night, making them harder to spot.
• Sloth Bear :
Sloth bears eat fruits, honey, and small animals found in the forest.
• Crocodile :
After the tiger, crocodile is the most notable reptile found in lakes and marshy areas of this sanctuary.
• Bird Life :
Over 300 species of local and migratory birds are seen during safaris in the Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve.
Major birds include —
Egrets, Hornbills, Junglefowl, Storks, Kingfishers, Peacocks, Coucals, Cormorants,
and many seasonal migratory species.
• Why is it called Tadoba?
The Gond tribal community lives in this region.
According to legend, a brave tribal youth named Taru once lived here.
He protected his people from wild animals,
fought tigers fearlessly,
collected tendu leaves and forest herbs,
and performed many courageous acts.
One day, he died while fighting a tiger.
His last rites were performed near the lake.
Later, the tribals built a temple in his memory at the same spot and began worshipping him.
The lake and the forest were named Tadoba after Taru.
Even today, in the month of Paush, tribals gather here to celebrate a grand fair and festival.
Insects :
• In this sanctuary, you can see many small and large types of insects. Almost 175 species of butterflies are found here.
• Shikara Insect:
During summer, shikara insects breed here. Their lifespan is very short. Once they are fully developed, they start making a particular sound. At that time, water starts dripping from their body. After this process ends, they die. Their loud calling creates a fearful atmosphere in the forest. Many birds like to feed on them.
• Grass:
Many species of grass are found in this area. Their number is more than 60.
Reptiles :
Here, crocodiles, snakes, monitor lizards, etc., in total 54 types of reptiles are found.
Arrangement for Visiting Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve :
• To visit the sanctuary, there are 14 gates in the buffer zone and 6 gates in the core zone, making a total of 20 gates.
From these gates, one has to take permission passes to enter the forest.
Only 20% area is allowed for tourism.
The main core area is not open for entry.
Historical Information about Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve :
• In 1955, Tadoba was declared a National Park.
• In 1985, Tadoba and Andhari forest were merged and recognized as the Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve.
• In 2014, tribal villages like Jamni and Pandharpol were relocated outside the sanctuary area.
• Currently, the Forest Department provides tourism facilities here.
Rules and Conditions for Visiting the Sanctuary :
• Carrying any plastic items or paper inside the sanctuary is prohibited.
• Visitors must switch off and deposit their mobile phones before entering. Taking selfies is strictly prohibited.
• An entry fee is charged for the safari. Entry is allowed only after showing the ticket.
• Two types of vehicles—Gypsy and Canter—are permitted for safari.
• Getting down from the vehicle during safari is not allowed.
• Do not make noise on seeing animals or do anything that disturbs them.
• For drinking water, a glass bottle is provided at the entrance. Plastic bottles are banned.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol inside the sanctuary area is strictly prohibited.
• A guide and driver from the forest department accompany the safari.
• Cameras and binoculars are allowed, but additional charges apply.
• They can be purchased or rented from the shops near the gates.
• Near Moharli Gate and other gates, there are many restaurants and lodges where food and accommodation are available.
This is the complete information about Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
