Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, India, is one of the country's premier wildlife sanctuaries and the oldest national park in the state. The reserve, which spans approximately 1,727 square kilometers, is named after the local deity Taru and the Andhari River that meanders through the forest. This expansive sanctuary is divided into a core zone and a buffer zone, each playing a vital role in the conservation and management of its rich biodiversity.

Core Zone
The core zone, covering around 625.40 square kilometers, is the heart of the reserve. This area is dedicated to preserving the natural habitat and providing a safe haven for wildlife. It is renowned for its dense population of Bengal tigers, making it one of the best places in India for tiger sightings. Alongside tigers, the core zone is home to a variety of other wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, gaur (Indian bison), spotted deer, wild dogs, and an array of bird species. The flora in this zone includes teak, bamboo, and other deciduous trees, creating a lush and diverse landscape.

Buffer Zone
Surrounding the core zone, the buffer zone covers about 1,101.77 square kilometers. This area acts as a transition zone between the core zone and human settlements, helping to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. The buffer zone supports sustainable tourism and eco-development activities, providing alternative livelihoods for local communities and reducing pressure on the core area. It offers additional wildlife experiences, such as nature walks, bird watching, and safaris.

Tourism and Conservation
Tadoba is accessible through several gates, with Moharli, Kolara, and Navegaon being among the most popular. These gates lead to designated tourist routes within the core and buffer zones, allowing visitors to explore the park's natural beauty and observe its wildlife responsibly. Conservation efforts in Tadoba focus on habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement to ensure the long-term protection of its diverse ecosystems.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is not only a critical conservation area but also a testament to the successful coexistence of wildlife and human communities, offering a model for sustainable wildlife tourism and preservation.

Flora

The major tree species are: Teak, Ain, Bamboo, Bija, Dhaoda, Haldu, Salai, Semal and Tendu. Along the moist areas, species like Mango, Jamun and Arjun are found. Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) is spread over 40% of the habitat. There are 667 species of flowering plants.

Fauna

The notable faunal species include: tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, gaur, chital and sambar. As many as, 280 species of birds are found, apart from reptiles (54 species), amphibians (11 species) and fishes (84 species).
 

By Air
Tadoba National Park is 140 Km away from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur. Regular flights fly from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata to Nagpur. Hire taxis or cabs from the airport to reach the park.

By Train
Chandrapur Railway Station is the nearest railhead from the National Park as it is at the distance of 45 Km. Chandrapur railhead is well connected to other major cities like Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Jhansi. Taxis and buses are available from railway station to reach the Tadoba Tiger Reserve.

By Road
Tadoba National Park is at the distance of 45 Km from Chandrapur and 32 Km from Chimur. It is also well connected by road with all major cities.