Tadoba Resorts: All You Need To Know

Good news for tiger lovers!

According to the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species Assessment, the global tiger population has increased by about 40% in 2022. This miracle became possible in 2010, 13 countries with tiger ranges came together in Russia to discuss ways to increase the population of this majestic species, which was on the brink of extinction.

Their efforts have paid off as the global tiger population has increased gradually from 3,200 in 2015 to 4,500 as of July 2022. Of this number, 76% of tigers hail from South Asia, with India and Nepal leading the count.

 

See also: Resorts in Nashik that you must visit for a great family time

 

Where is Tadoba?

Currently, there are about 53 protected tiger reserves in India, and more are being established. The Tadoba-Andhari National Park, Maharashtra, is one of the most popular ones, as it guarantees tiger and other rare wildlife sightings on almost every trip. The beautiful wild habitat and protected tiger reserve is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra and is about 2-2 and a half hours from the Nagpur International airport.

 

Tadoba at a glance

The Tadoba National Park spreads across a hilly terrain of 625.4 square km and is home to the rarest bamboo, Ahauda, Semal, Madhuca, Arjun, Black Plum, and Teak species. The forest area is particularly dry, and the grasslands offer better visibility, thus ensuring more sightings.

Although most of the area is covered by dry forests, there are several lakes and small rivers to ensure abundant water for the animals. Tigers can be sighted along the Tarmac road or near man-made water reservoirs. Tadoba Lake, located in this area, is also a favourite place for bird watchers, as you may sight several exotic birds here.

 

How to reach Tadoba?

By Air: The Nagpur International Airport is about 140 km away from the Tadoba National Park. You can hire a cab or talk to your hotel executives to arrange for a pick-up.

By Rail: The Chandrapur Railway Station is located about 45 km away. This railhead is connected to all the major cities, like Mumbai, Delhi, Jhansi, Chennai, Hyderabad and more.

By Road: If you take a bus from Nagpur, Chimur and Chandrapur are the nearest bus stands at distances of 32 km and 45 km, respectively. If you are travelling in a car, take the Hyderabad NH to reach Jab, and then move over to the State Highway via Bhandak and Warora. It is the shortest route (160 km drive) to reach Tadoba.

 

Best time to visit Tadoba

Like any other forest area, the Tadoba Wildlife Sanctuary comes alive during the monsoon, i.e., from July to mid-September. This is the time when you can witness the real beauty of the jungle and enthral in it. However, post-monsoon is a good time to visit the place as well. You can plan a trip any time in October-November to witness the lush green and experience some rare wildlife sightings.

 

Top 4 Tadoba resorts to enhance your trip 

If you are planning to visit Tadoba, choosing the right place to stay is essential. There are several hotels and resorts in the area, some of them located close to the National Park, while some are farther away. In this list of the top four Tadoba resorts, we have enlisted the most popular ones based on location, convenience and comfort.

 

01. Jharna Resort, Tadoba

Source – Jharanajunglelodge

 

2-star resort

Average price – Rs 6,650/day onwards

Check-in: 1 PM

Check-out: 12 PM

 

This beautiful luxury stay is one of the most preferable Tadoba resorts among tourists who come here. Located within 200 metres of the Navegaon Park Gate, the resort offers a quaint and nature-enriched ambience to the guests. It is 71 km away from the Nagpur International Airport and it takes about 2 and half hours via NH 44 to reach the resort.

With 22 luxury cottages, an open gym, a dedicated kids’ play area, a gaming room, a swimming pool, a sports ground and several other amenities, the resort offers one hell of a stay in Tadoba. Besides, it also organises guided jungle safaris, so you do not have to take the toll of booking one. The Jharna Jungle Lodge also offers nature walks and bird-watching activities to bring alive the nature lover in you.

Reasons to stay here:

• Proximity to the Tadoba National Park
• Kids’ recreation facilities along with adults’
• Healthy food, including all kinds of organic veggies and seasonal fruits are available
• Guided nature walks and bird-watching adventures
• Tadoba Jungle Safaris twice a day
• Exceptional luxury facilities, like pools, gaming zones, play areas, and even a library

 

02. Irai Safari Retreat

Source – Iraisafariretreat

 

3-star hotel

Average price – Rs 3,500/night onwards

Check-in: 12 PM

Check-out: 12 PM

 

Located at a distance of 1.5 km from the Tadoba National Park, the property is so named because of its proximity to the Irai Lake. While Chandrapur Airport is located about 15 km away, The Babupeth Railway Station is about 9 km from the property.

If you are looking forward to experiencing the untouched jungle beauty and listening to the sounds of the forests while sipping your evening coffee, then this is the best place for you.

One of the most sought-after Tadoba resorts, the Irai Safari Retreat is about 2.5 km from the main gate (Moharli Gate) of the National Park. Bhamdeli, a tribal village, is situated on the other side of the retreat, giving the property a touch of rural beauty besides the jungle ambience. From jungle safaris, nature walks and bird-watching to foot massage, board games and badminton, the resort goes the extra mile to treat its guests in the most luxurious way possible.

Reasons to stay here

• Proximity to the National Park and the Irai Lake
• Clean, spacious and air-conditioned rooms
• Luxury tents with attached bathrooms, mini pantry and more amenities

• Gaming facilities for adults and kids alike
• Cycling, swimming, and other kinds of sports
• Mini gym for fitness freaks
• Several activities around the retreat, including Bhamdeli village walks

 

03. 7 Tigers Resort

Source: 7tigersresort

 

5-star hotel

Average price: Rs 6,853/day onwards

Check-in: 1.30 PM

Check-out: 11 AM

 

The 7 Tigers Resort in Masol Village, Chimur district, is a 6 min drive from the Kolara Gate of the National Park. It spreads over 5 acres of forest area, untouched and raw, ready to serve nature enthusiasts in the most amazing way. It offers personalised care facilities along with activities like nature walks, bird-watching, village walks and many more. One of the most popular Tadoba resorts, the 7 Tigers also offers exquisite dining facilities with an extended menu that includes organic veggies from their farm.

The Nagpur International Airport is located about 83 km away from the resort premises. You can talk to the resort executives regarding airport pick-ups and drops. Further, the Itwar Junction is located 102 km from the resort. The place also offers free parking (if you are road travelling), free Wi-Fi, a dedicated kids’ play area, an outdoor sports zone, a swimming pool, etc., to make your trip memorable.

Reasons to stay:

• Close to one of the popular tiger sighting zones – The Kolara Gate
• Luxurious rooms, all 600 sq ft with private balconies
• 675 sq ft suites with designer bathrooms and lavish interiors
• Swimming pool and outdoor sports
• Dedicated kids’ play area to keep them engaged and happy

 

04. Tiger’s Heaven Resort

Source: Tigersheavenresort

 

3-star hotel

Average price: Rs 3,500/day onwards

Check-in: 12 PM

Check-out: 10 AM

 

The resort is located just about 5 km from the Tadoba National Park and about 100 km from Nagpur. Despite its raw and natural setting, it is one of the popular Tadoba resorts that offer world-class luxury amenities to its guests. Each room comes with air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, a dedicated clothes rack, a safe, desks, complimentary toiletries, a warm shower, and, not to mention, room service.

Besides, the property offers free parking, 24-hr security facilities, a restaurant and cafeteria, and a secure baggage storage unit. An array of buffer zones around the property ensures an untouched forest beauty with guaranteed bird sightings. You may book planned holidays with the resort that includes accommodation, guided jungle tours, nature walks, bird-watching, and many more exciting activities.

Reasons to stay:

• Peaceful, natural ambience coupled with modern facilities
• Kids’ play zone and free Wi-Fi lobby
• Restaurant offering all kinds of veg/non-veg cuisines
• Organic farm that grows exotic veggies and fruits
• Organised jungle tours and nature walks
• Affordable yet luxurious

 

What are some exciting things to do in Tadoba?

Tadoba is a paradise for nature lovers. From wildlife sightings and bird-watching to hiking and exploring nearby towns, there are ample activities to keep you engaged for a weekend trip or a longer one.

Here are some activities that you can indulge in while staying in one of the exquisite Tadoba resorts near the National Park:

 

Jungle Safari

Source: Pinterest

 

Well, this is the primary attraction of Tadoba National Park. The forests are home to a plethora of fauna besides tigers, like sloth bears, leopards, wild dogs, and more. You can rent a jeep from Khudawanda Gate, Moharli Gate or the Kolara Gate and roam around, sighting wildlife and taking pictures. If the jeep sounds too open and risky for you, or if you are travelling with a large group, there are 22-seater mini buses that you can hop on to and explore the wild habitat. On renting a vehicle, you will also get an experienced guide who knows the place well and will show you around the best spots. Of late, the reserve has also introduced night safaris for some extra thrills.

 

Bird-watching 

Source: Pinterest 

 

If you want more birds, you can explore the areas around Tadoba Lake, the Tadoba River and the Kolsa River. Although you can spot several of them on your Jungle Safari, these places are the best places to view them up close and take zoomed photographs. There are more than 200 bird species in Tadoba, like Indian rollers, paradise flycatchers, Indian Pitta and Oriental honeybirds, and more. These can be seen flying around or perching on the trees surrounding the water bodies. Take as many photos as you can.

 

Open-air butterfly garden

Source: Pinterest 

 

There is this open-air butterfly garden near the Agarzari Gate of Tadoba. The spot also has an information centre where you can learn more about butterflies. This place is home to various nectar plants, which have been carefully planted to attract butterflies. The butterfly garden is located on the road from Moharali to Chandrapur. If you are into adventure tourism and love nature, this is a must-visit while on your trip to Tadoba.

 

Visit the villages

Source: Pinterest

 

The buffer zones of the Tadoba Tiger Reserve are lined with several tribal villages that you can explore with your guide. Take a stroll along the villages and let your guide inform you about the traditions and customs of the local tribes. This educational recreation tour will open your mind to the various tribes, like the Gonds, Korkus, Andh, and their respective lifestyles. These people are mostly artisans and craftsmen/women who carve beautiful artefacts on bamboo and other materials. You can watch them while they work, take photos and hold live sessions for your social media channels.

 

Visit Ramdegi

Source: Pinterest

 

Ramdegi is located in the Chimur Taluka of Chandrapur and is a picturesque rural setup with exquisite natural beauty. A countryside drive through lush green vegetation on either side is one rejuvenating trip that you must take while visiting Tadoba.

Also, do not forget to visit the temple of Lord Rama near the Ramdegi forest. It is considered a pilgrimage site, as Lord Rama was said to have stayed here in his exile days. Buddha Vihar, located some 400 steps away from this spot, holds a marvellous Buddha sculpture by a majestic Banyan Tree. You should not miss this out at any cost. If you are lucky, you may even spot some tigers roaming around this place and sloth bears that are said to inhabit this area.

 

Rock Museum

Source: Pinterest 

 

The private museum, owned by renowned geologist, Suresh Chopane, opened in 2010 for tourists and the general public. If you are into anthropology, geology, palaeontology or archaeology, this place will surely blow your mind. It exhibits a plethora of rocks and fossil remains from the paleontological age, some of those dating back to 2.5 billion years ago. The geologist has also included some rocks from other planets in his collection. Are you thrilled already? Visit this place to satisfy your lust for knowledge about rocks and fossils.

 

FAQs

Who to contact to rent a jeep for a jungle safari in Tadoba?

You may either visit the DFO office at Chandrapur district or book on the spot at the Navegaon Gate. You can also hire jeeps from the local cab stands in the area. However, you can skip it all and talk to your resort manager to organise pre-planned jungle safaris from their premises.

What animals can I spot in the National Park?

Apart from the Royal Bengal Tiger, you can spot several wild animals roaming the area. Indian leopards, Nilgai, Sloth Bears, Sambar, Marsh Crocodiles, Cheetahs, Barking deer and the honey badger are some of them. The place is also home to some dangerous reptiles, like the Indian Python, Russel’s viper, Indian cobra, etc. Then there is also the Grey-headed fish eagle, the changeable hawk eagle, the crested serpent eagle and many more hunting birds that you may see here.

How to camp in Tadoba?

There are several private agencies offering jungle camping facilities to tourists. You can get the names from the internet and contact them for more information. Or you may even talk to the manager of the resort where you are staying.

Can I opt for a Machan watch in Tadoba?

Yes, you can! The buffer zones have Machans for the tourists so that they can watch the wildlife with greater visibility and from a safe distance. Carry your food and refreshments to keep you awake and well, as the Machan watch may extend over long durations.

Are the tigers in Tadoba dangerous?

The Royal Bengal tigers are more aggressive than any other tiger species. But if you are with a guide, you will be safe. Just follow the guide’s advice and do not venture on your own.