The core area of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve covers about 625.4 sq. km and includes Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra.
The official safari portal currently groups Tadoba’s core and buffer gates four tourism zones: Moharli, Navegaon, Kolara, and Pangdi & Zari. While making a Tadoba Safari Booking, you can choose a gate according to your travel plans, accommodation location and permit availability.
1. Moharli Zone – Core and Buffer Safari Area
Moharli is one of the main tourism zones of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and includes both core and buffer safari gates. The zone is known for its forest landscape and wildlife habitat. Accommodation options, including hotels and resorts, are available around the Moharli side.
Apart from safari rides, this Tadoba Safari zone also offers activities such as visiting Butterfly World, going kayaking, exploring the adventure park, nature camping, and more.
Tip: Safari availability can vary, so booking in advance is useful if you prefer the Moharli Zone.
Entry Gates in Moharli Zone:
- Core: Moharli Gate, Khutwanda Gate
- Buffer: Agarzari, Adegaon, Dewada, Junona
2. Navegaon Zone – Core and Buffer Safari Area
This zone has dense forest cover, and visitors may encounter leopards, wild dogs and other wildlife depending on natural animal movement. These animals are elusive and can be difficult to spot in dense forest areas. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching during a safari, depending on the season and habitat conditions.
If you love listening to the sounds of the forest, this Tadoba Safari zone offers an opportunity to experience the forest landscape and birdlife. The availability of accommodation and the most convenient route can vary depending on the selected gate.
Tip: Safari availability can vary, so booking in advance is useful if you prefer the Navegaon Zone.
Entry Gates in Navegaon Zone:
- Core: Navegaon Gate
- Buffer: Nimdela Gate, Navegaon Ramdegi Gate
3. Kolara Zone – Core and Buffer Safari Area
Kolara is one of the main tourism zones of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and includes one core gate along with several buffer gates. Wildlife sightings vary with season, habitat conditions and natural animal movement. Tigers, sloth bears, deer, nilgai and other wildlife may be encountered during a safari.
Kolara Zone can also be explored by visitors interested in birdlife and nature. You can also try kayaking at Gondhomali-Belara and nature camping at Madnapur in the Kolara Zone.
Tip: Safari availability can vary, so booking in advance is useful if you prefer the Kolara Zone.
Entry Gates in Kolara Zone:
- Core: Kolara Gate
- Buffer: Kolara Chauradeo, Madnapur, Belara, Alizanza, Shirkada, Palasgaon (Noon Buffer)
4. Pangdi & Zari Zone – Core and Buffer Safari Area
Pangdi & Zari is one of the four tourism-zone groups listed on the official TATR safari portal. Visitors may encounter herbivores such as deer and nilgai along with other wildlife, depending on natural animal movement. Predators are also present in the Tadoba landscape, but sightings are unpredictable.
This zone includes forest landscapes and is suitable for visitors interested in wildlife and nature. It is better to choose accommodation near your selected safari gate to reduce travel time.
Entry Gates in Pangdi & Zari Zone:
- Core: Pangdi Gate, Zari Gate
- Buffer: Pangdi Aswal Chuha, Keslaghat, Zari Peth, Mamla, Somnath
Which Zone Should You Choose?
- Tiger sightings can occur across different core and buffer safari areas, but no zone can guarantee a tiger sighting.
- For birdwatching and nature viewing, consider the season, habitat and current gate availability when selecting a zone.
- For wildlife photography, select a zone based on permit availability, season and the location of your accommodation.
- For a first safari, choose a gate that suits your travel route, hotel location and permit availability rather than assuming one zone is always the best.