Frequently Asked Questions About Tadoba

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. Chandrapur and Nagpur are the main nearby cities, while Nagpur is the nearest major airport. Travel distance and driving time from Nagpur depend on the safari gate you choose, so it is better to check your confirmed gate before arranging transport.

Core safari gates currently operate from 1 October to 30 June, while the official TATR schedule also lists buffer safaris from 1 July to 30 September. Core gates remain closed on Tuesdays and buffer gates on Wednesdays. Gate or route availability may also change because of rain, emergencies or management requirements.

The TATR Phase IV monitoring exercise in 2024 recorded 95 adult individual tigers during camera-trap sampling across the core and buffer landscape. Tiger numbers change over time, so population figures should always be mentioned with the survey year rather than treated as a permanent count.

The current official TATR biodiversity portal lists more than 300 bird species in the Tadoba landscape. Visitors may encounter species such as Indian pittas, fish eagles, serpent eagles, paradise flycatchers and many other resident and seasonal birds.

Tadoba supports a wide variety of wildlife besides tigers, including leopards, sloth bears, dholes (wild dogs), Indian gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar, crocodiles and several smaller mammals. The reserve also supports species such as the rusty-spotted cat and Indian pangolin, although wildlife sightings depend on natural animal movement.

The current official TATR safari portal groups the safari gates under four tourism zones: Navegaon, Moharli, Kolara, and Pangdi & Zari. The core gates are Navegaon, Moharli, Khutwanda, Kolara, Pangdi and Zari. Each zone also has separate buffer gates.

You can learn more about the Tadoba safari gates before selecting your safari and accommodation.

Regular gypsy safaris for Tadoba's core and buffer gates can be booked through the official TATR booking portal, subject to availability. Regular online booking currently opens up to 120 days in advance. MyTadoba.org is a private travel-agency website and can provide safari booking assistance, but it is not the official TATR booking portal.

You can also read our Tadoba safari permit tips for information about booking windows, ID requirements and permit rules.

Yes. A guide accompanies the gypsy safari as part of the safari arrangement. The guide helps visitors follow forest rules, understand the habitat and identify wildlife signs or species during the ride. Visitors should follow the instructions of the guide and Forest Department staff throughout the safari.

Regular online gypsy safari booking currently opens at 12:00 AM IST up to 120 days before the safari date. Popular dates and gates can have limited availability, so visitors with fixed travel plans may prefer to book early.

For a detailed explanation, see our safari permit tips.

Tatkal booking is a last-minute booking option subject to available permits. Under the current TATR rules, online Tatkal gypsy booking opens at 8:00 AM IST three days before the safari date. Tatkal bookings cannot be cancelled and no refund is permitted.

The current official TATR online safari payment includes the applicable entry fee, guide fee and gypsy or vehicle fee. Charges vary according to the safari area, booking window and weekday or weekend category, so visitors should check the latest fee structure before payment.

If you are comparing safari options, you can start with our Tadoba safari booking page.

Visitors must carry the original ID proof used during the booking. A photocopy alone is not accepted for entry. The personal details entered during the booking must match the original ID presented at the safari gate. Foreign visitors should carry their original passport.

Visitor details should be entered carefully before confirming the booking. Current TATR rules do not permit visitors to use fake, modified or another person's pass, and the original ID must match the booking details. Do not assume that visitor names can be replaced after confirmation.

Cancellation eligibility depends on how far in advance the safari was booked and when it is cancelled. Under the current policy, some booking windows are non-refundable, while eligible cancellations may receive a partial refund. Tatkal and full-day safari bookings have separate no-refund conditions. Always check the latest cancellation table before booking.

Yes. Under the current TATR rules, children below 8 years may enter free without being mentioned in the booking, with a maximum of two children below 8 years allowed in a single gypsy under this provision. Check the latest rules when booking because conditions can change.

Under the current official safari schedule, core gates remain closed on Tuesdays and buffer gates remain closed on Wednesdays. Safari schedules can also change because of weather, emergencies or management requirements, so check the current status before travel.

Core and buffer are different management areas of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, and both have designated tourism routes and safari gates. Core areas provide access to the protected central habitat, while buffer areas surround and support the wider tiger-reserve landscape. Wildlife can be seen in both areas, and no zone can guarantee a tiger sighting.

See our guide to Tadoba tourism zones to understand the different safari areas.

No. Tiger and other wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Sightings depend on natural animal movement, season, weather, habitat and the safari route. Visitors should enjoy the overall forest experience rather than expecting a guaranteed tiger sighting.

November to February is suitable for visitors who prefer cooler and more comfortable safari weather. March to June becomes much hotter but can offer good wildlife-viewing opportunities near water sources. During July to September, the current official schedule lists buffer safaris while core safari timings resume from 1 October. The best period therefore depends on whether your priority is weather, wildlife viewing or monsoon greenery.

For a seasonal breakdown, visit our best time to visit Tadoba guide.

Choose your accommodation after confirming your safari gate. Tadoba has multiple gates spread across different tourism zones, and staying near your selected gate can reduce early-morning or evening travel time. The official TATR trip-planning guidance also recommends booking accommodation close to your chosen gate.

Also make sure you understand the Do's and Don'ts in Tadoba before your safari.