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There was this small waterhole called “Katezhari”, where our jeep was stationed one early morning, when we suddenly heard the alarm calls of atleast 2 Barking deers coming from the north-west valley…..as minutes passed, the calls seemed closer and were with more intensity, surely the Big cat was coming towards the waterhole....Meanwhile another contrasting drama was unfolding in front of us .....a Brown fish-Owl was coolly hunting the myriad frogs from the pool; a superb male Paradise flycatcher was bathing leisurely wetting his dangling long ribbon-like tail streamers. An Indian Pitta was rummaging amongst the forest litter near-by, unmindful of the approaching alarm calls …..The atmosphere was both thrilling, chilling and happening.....our anticipation was at its peak……. We were experiencing this right inside the heart of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)……..
Tadoba National Park is situated in the district of Chandrapur in the north-eastern part of Maharashtra, often referred to as “The Jewel of Vidarbha”. It is the oldest national park of the State of Maharahtra and since 1995, a Project Tiger Reserve. It derives its name from the local God, "Taru". The legend goes that the village chief "Taru" was killed in an epic fight with the tiger. He is worshipped by all the local villagers as the deity of "Tadoba".
Tadoba-andhari Tiger reserve was established in 1995. The area of the Reserve is 625.40 sq. km. This includes Tadoba National Park, created in 1955 with an area of 116.55 sq. km. and andhari Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1986 with an area of 508.85 sq. km. Thickly clad hills form the northern and western boundary of the Tiger Reserve. To the southwest is a huge lake which acts as a buffer between the park's forest and the extensive farmland which extends up toIrai Lake.
A marvelous site for the wild life enthusiasts, Tadoba has rich collections 
of flora and fauna. Tiger, Panther and Wild dogs are the major carnivores in this area which feed on the herbivores. Sambar is the most preferred food of the Tiger and Chital comes second in preference. Wild boars and Gaurs are also hunted by the Tiger. Panther hunts common langur, female chital, Sambar fawns, Wild boar etc. Wild dogs hunt in packs feed on Wild boar, Chital, Sambar. Sloth bear is an omnivorous animal that feeds on fruits of mango, jamun, bel, tendu, mahuwa flowers, honey and termites. The common herbivores like Chital, Sambar, Gaur, Chausinga feed on Grasses, young shoots and leaves of Bamboo and other species like Ghoti, Apta, Ber, Khair and fruits of many species. There are 29 natural saltlicks in the Tiger Reserve.
The mesmerizing trails of Tadoba could be a treasured experience of a lifetime.
Flora : The land vegetation according to Champion and Seth's classification belongs to the sub group Southern tropical Dry Deciduous Forest with teak as dominant species. The main associates of teak are Ain, Bija, Dhauda, Haldu, Salai, Semal, Tendu and Bamboo. Almost 40% area is covered with bamboo. Trees of Jamun, Mango, Arjun are found in the moist area.Fauna : Mammals - Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur or Indian Bison, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Wild Boar, Four-Horned Antelope, Wild Dog , Langoor, Nilgai, Marsh Crocodile are commonly sighted in the Tiger Reserve by the tourists.Ratel, Flying Squirrel, Palm Civet, Indian Civet, Leopard Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Pangolin and Jackal are also reported.
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Area : 625 sq. Kms.
Place : Chandrapur district, Maharashtra
Best season : November to June, of which February to May is the best time to visit
Nearest Town : Chandrapur (45km)
Entry : Open on all days except Tuesdays
Park Timings : 6.00 am to 11.00 am and 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm.
Monsoon : 140 cm
Climate : Hot & Dry
Click here to see one of my old reports
http://addithebirde.blogspot.com/2004_05_01_archive.html
http://projecttiger.nic.in/tadoba.htm
Travel Iterinary
Day 1 (Wednesday 22nd April'09) : Board the 15:00 Hrs Sevagram Express from Mumbai CST to Chandrapur
Day 2 (Thursday 23rd April'09) : Reach Chandrapur at 10:00 Hrs – Proceed to MTDC resort, Moharli gate, Tadoba at 11:00 hrs – Lunch - Evening Safari (3 pm to 7 pm) - Before dinner, talk / presentationon on "Birds of Tadoba National Park" - Night halt in MTDC resort
Day 3 (Friday 24th April'09) : Morning Safari (6am to 11 am) – Return for Lunch – Rest - Evening safari (3 pm to 7 pm) – Before dinner talk / presentation on "Identifying Raptors" -Dinner - Night Stay in MTDC
Day 4 (Saturday 25th April'09): Morning Safari (6 am to 11 am) – Return for Lunch – Birdwatching around the lake overlooking the MTDC Resort – Proceed to Chandrapur station to board the BPQ CSTM Passenger Train to Mumbai at 17:25
Day 5 (Sunday 26th April'09) : Reach Mumbai CST by 12:00 Noon
Trip charges : Rs.5800/- (Includes Non- A/C room stay on Triple Sharing Basis in MTDC Resort, 1 kms from Moharli Gate, Local travel by 4x4 open jeeps, Total 4 Safaris inside the park, Veg. meals, Breakfast, Fruits, Park Permits, Park entry charges, Guide charges, Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water)…….This does not include Travel charges from Mumbai-Chandrapur-Mumbai or any charges other than the above. However, Assistance for train booking will be given ....
Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com with contact details and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.3000/- …..The remaining amount will be collected on the day of travel.
Kindly register soon to avoid the rush for train bookings……….
Group Size: Max 13 Pax only
Stay Arrangement: MTDC Resort, 1 kms from Moharli Gate, Tadoba on a triple sharing basis. This resort overlooks a large lake, an excellent place to spend your time watching birds while you take your afternoon siesta…. 
Mode of Payment: You can either
Name: Mr.Adesh Shivkar
Address: D/8, The Adi Janata Society, Behind HP Petrolpump, Opp. Hotel Shangrila, Sion(East), Mumbai-400022
Please Note:
1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 3000/- is strictly non-refundable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Ecotours
Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification …..For any other queries I am available on 9321463362 or 9820455713
Thanks for your patience.
Looking forward for a very rewarding trip with you all !!
Warm Regards,
Adesh Shivkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect and Conserve
