TADOBA NATIONAL PARK

Situated in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state in central India, Tadoba is the largest & oldest National Park in Maharashtra. Created in 1955, it is one of India’s project tiger reserves existing in India and plays an important role as a functionary of Project Tiger. Tadoba National Park has diverse landscape with Beautiful Valleys, Dense Jungles, Smooth Meadows, along with heavily forested hills ranging from 200 m to 350 m which make up its scenic boundaries. The terrain of Tadoba is filled with bamboo thickets and dense woodlands. Deciduous forest dominates and is witnessed throughout the protected region. The reserve is also famed for its wetland areas which include the Kolsa Lake, Andhari River as well as Tadoba Lake where one can witness a good number of Mugger crocodiles. A network of man-made water holes and two major lakes in the park provide perfect hunting grounds for birds and tigers.

The name ‘Tadoba’ is derived from the name of God “Tadoba” whereas “Andhari” is derived from the mesmerizing Andhari River which meanders through the forest. As per legends, Tadoba used to be the village chief of the local tribal, and praised by people who live in the dense forests of the Tadoba and Andhari region. It is believed that Tadoba was killed in a fierce encounter with Tiger and thus a shrine/temple was built in remembrance of God Tadoba on Tadoba Lake’s banks, which is thronged by the devout Adivasis. This region was predominantly ruled by Gond tribes whose descendents can still be seen in local villages. The reserve shines and provides security to endangered animals that refuge in the various cliffs and caves spread throughout the region. Tadoba Tiger Reserve is a treasure trove of threatened species and has earned the distinction as the jewel in the state’s crown.

Flora, Fauna & Avifauna

  • With dense woodlands, Tadoba reserve is a predominantly tropical Dry Deciduous Forest. Predominant tree species in these forests are teak which is found in abundance along with Bamboo Thickets, Dhauda, Salai, Semal, Tendu, Arjun and Black Plum Trees. This place is also renowned for Axlewood, a fire-resistant species growing here.
  • Around 65 species of mammals can be spotted in these thick forests e.g. leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur, wild dog, lesser cats, several deer, antelope species, Flying Squirrel etc. Sighting of Royal Bengal Tiger and Marsh crocodile, offers a welcome surprise for photographers as well as for wildlife lovers and enthusiasts.
  • Over 195 species of birds have been recorded in Tadoba. The birds found in this park include changeable hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, crested tree swift, grey headed fish eagle, lesser golden backed woodpecker and orange-headed thrush. The enchanting peacock has got the status of celebrity among all of them.
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