Situated in the Central Provinces that included Central India during British Raj, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is the largest national park in Maharashtra. It is undeniably one of the most exciting national parks in India dedicated to conservation and preservation of Tigers. Predominantly known as the most popular grounds for hunting for the Gond rulers of the area; hunting was banned in the year 1935. Thereafter, almost two decades later in the year 1955, a part of it, with an area of 116.54 square kms was declared as a National Park. Still later, in the year 1986, Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was made on the adjacent jungle. In 1995 though, the amalgamation of both the park and the sanctuary was carried out to form the present Tiger Reserve.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) gets its name from ‘Tadoba’ or ‘Taru’ who is the god worshipped by the tribal people living in the deep woods of Tadoba and Andhari region and Andhari is the name of the river that snakes through the forest. It is believed by the tribal folk of the region that the Gond tribal chief was killed by a Tiger in this area in a mythological encounter leading to the formation of a shrine under a huge tree at the lake Tadoba, dedicated to God Taru. The adivasis hold a fair here in the Hindu month of Pusa.

Dominated by huge Bamboo shoots and Teak forest, the area is quite rugged with myriad cliffs, marshes, boulders scattered all over the streambeds, caves and perennial lakes dotting the place, giving it a unique semblance for an abundant biodiversity. With a total area of 1727.6 square kms, TATR has a core area of 625.82 square kms and the balance area of 1101.78 square kms comprises the buffer zones. The core area employs intense Tiger conservation measures, behaving as the critical habitat for the Tigers with human intervention kept to a bare minimum. Apart from the Tigers though, which can be seen in good numbers at its adjunct, there are many other endangered animals as well, with the likes of Leopard, Leopard cat, Ratel (Honey Badger), Sloth bear and Indian Gaur.

While Tadoba lies surrounded by the Chimur hills, Andhari consists of Kolsa and Moharli ranges. The undulating topography, with dense forest covered hills, deep valleys and grassy meadows of the park are alive with the rivers and lakes. Andhari river, Erai river, Tadoba lake, Kolsa lake and Junoria lake. The rivers, lake and rivulets are the lifeline of the park, allowing a great variety of plants and animals to thrive in the region.

Animal safaris provides enchanting experience to nature lovers. When you get to view animals in their natural habitat, they look more enchanting. Although zoos and animal parks are available, watching animals in the open is altogether different. To create awareness about wildlife and ecology, Governments of various countries introduce animal safaris for people. Kids to adults’ love to watch safaris and capture the animal’s actions in their memories forever. However, while going for safaris, tourists should keep in mind that your attitude should be to observe and nurture the surroundings. Unnecessary laughing, shouting names, making funny faces and weird sounds can disturb their habitat making them uncomfortable.

India has several jungle safaris and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is popular for tigers in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, which is one of India’s 41 ‘Project Tiger’-Tiger Reserves. It was established as the second tiger reserve in Maharashtra state in 1994-95. It boasts of viable population of Tigers with other animals like Leopard, Wild dog, Sloth bear, Gaur, Sambar, Barking deer, Cheetal, Chausinga, Nilgai, Wild boar along with rare ones like Ratel, Flying squirrel, Pangolin and Rusty spotted cat.

Situated near Navegaon Gate, TATR, Jharana Jungle Lodge has been complementing the growth of TATR through its services. Jharana Jungle Lodge wholeheartedly wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, photographers, nature lovers and tourists among others to our resort. We take utmost responsibility to ensure comfortable stay for you during your TATR safari. The resort organised various tiger safaris and other fun-filled activities for their patrons.

The climate of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is quite dry and humid. It becomes excessively hot and dry in the summers and very humid in the monsoon season. The winters are very cold but the temperature doesn’t drop as low as the Northern part of India. The winters begin from October and last until February when the climate remains cold. However the temperature varies over the months. While October faces a temperature of around 18°C, November and December experiences a lower temperature from 18°C to 9°C; again rising to about 25°C in the coming months of January and February. The summers begin from March and remain till June. The climate is hot and dry. While the heat is bearable with temperatures ranging over 15°C to 30°C in March-April, it gets unbearable in May-June with the temperature soaring as high as 45 °C. Monsoons bring a breath of relief and satiate the earth. The rainfall usually heavy with up to 50 inches rejuvenates the whole area and renders the landscape lush green. The monsoon season arrives in the mid of June and remains until September.

Weather-wise, the best time to visit the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is in the winter season, that is from the mid of October to February. March and April also make for a good time to visit the park since the climate is still tolerable during that time and the morning safaris are quite enjoyable then. May and June are very hot but are considered as the best time for Tiger sightings as most of the streams and water holes in the jungles get dried and the chances of spotting the majestic beautiful big cat near a few bigger perennial water bodies become higher.

TATR has several access gates like Kolara gate, Navegaon Gate, Pangadi gate, Moharli gate, Khutwanda Gate and Zari Gate among others. The easiest way to approach is nearest railway station Ballarsha at 70 km and Chandrapur 85 km. The nearest airport is Sonegaon Nagpur at 243 km and nearest bus stop is Chandrapur at 85 km and Ballarsha at 70 km.

While enjoying your safari, TATR has certain Do’s and don'ts for its tourists. Few of Do’s are take authorised guide for each vehicle after paying exact fixed guide charges, keep distance of 50 m in between two vehicles in the jungle, keep your entry pass and identity card ready if asked by Tiger reserve authority at any time, carry paper bag with you to put all plastic/garbage in it, try to wear clothes that merge with the environment, the vehicle speed should be 25km/hour and keep minimum distance around all wild life.

The few don'ts of TATR are don’t carry more than permitted capacity of passengers, do not get down at any place except at allocated places, don’t play any musical instrument or play song while in jungle premises, do not shout while sighting the animal or otherwise, stick to your own vehicle and don’t change the vehicle, avoid staying at a place for animal sightings more than stipulated time, shut down your mobile and reverse sound of your car among others.

Flora and fauna of the jungle maintain their ecosystem. The balance is maintained through the right presence of flora and fauna in the jungle. TATR represents Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests in the tiger habitat. TATR has dense woodlands comprising 87% of the protected area. Teak is the prominent species while other trees include Bija, Dhauda, Haldu, Salai, Semal and Tendu. baheda, hirda, karaya gum, mahua Madhuca (Crepe myrtle) and Lannea coromandelica (Wodier Tree). The species composition of different layers of habitat is given as overwood, underwood, shrubs, grasses, climbers, weeds, herbs and epiphytes among others.

Tadoba is home to many mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and birds. All are closely interconnected with the rich plant life found in the area. Among the carnivorous species the Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Leopard Cat and Rusty Spotted Cat earn the first mentions. Other than these there are Wolf, Small Indian Civet, Fox, Hyena, Indian Gaur, Jackal and Wild Dogs. The herbivores include the Spotted Deer in abundance with many other species like Sambar, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Chital, Rhesus Macaque, Chinkara, Barking Deer, Langur, and the Four Horned Deer.

The reptile clan consist of Indian Star Tortoise, Russel's Viper, Leaf Nosed Snake, Nastrix, Cobra, Indian Python, Rat Snake, Krait, Terrapins, Monitor Lizard, Bronze Tree Snake and freshwater Crocodile.

The insects form an integral part of this complex ecosystem. About 74 different species of Butterflies are found in Tadoba Andhari including Monarch, Pansies, Swordtails and Mormons. Other insects include Dragonflies, Moths, Stick Insects, Praying Mantis, Eggfly and Jewel Beetles alongside many species of spiders like Giant Wood Spider, Wolf Spider, Signature Spider, Red Wood Spider etc.