The eternal quest and craving for spending quality time in the midst of nature is innate in all individuals. India with its rich biodiversity heritage offers among the most desirable destinations for wilderness tourism across the globe. With its long list of tiger reserves, national parks, and wild life sanctuaries, there is ample scope for one and all to spend thrilling moments in the forests of India, for observing a favorite bird or an animal in its natural habitat.
Of the twenty eight tiger reserves in India, ‘Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve’ (TATR) certainly stakes its claim for being one among the best for various reasons. TATR is considered among the best tiger reserves of India, where tiger population is increasing rapidly. It has a richer and denser population of tigers, making it a tiger trailer’s paradise.
It is this quest, for experiencing the magnificence of a wild tiger in its awe inspiring grandeur and grace, that brings nature lovers to TATR; where one enjoys seeing the tiger in its natural habitat and behavior. TATR is unique as the park remains open throughout the year.
TATR can take more visitors, but for the shortage of adequate facilities for overnight stay and accommodation, especially during peak season, which is the main deterrent for the guests. Camp Serai Tiger therefore adds one positive step forward for providing world class accommodation.
The forests spanning over TATR and ‘Chimur Hills’ are classified under ‘southern tropical dry deciduous forest’ of deccan peninsula, which are dominated by teak interspersed with bamboo thickets and other indigenous trees like mahua, ain, dhawda, tendu, bija, haldu, salai, semal and jamun.
TATR is spread over 623 square km area, consisting of two forested rectangles of the Tadoba and Andheri ranges. The TATR is included in a continuous forest patch of 2000 square km, with Tiger occupancy in 775 square km.
| General Information about the reserve forest | |
|---|---|
| Area | 575.78 SQ. KM. |
| Core | 218.76 SQ. KM. |
| Buffer | 357.02 SQ. KM. |
| Latitude | 20°4’53” N And 20°25’51” N |
| Longitude | 79°13’13” E And 79°33’34” E |
| Altitude | Average 284.07 M. Above MSL. |
| Rainfall | 1175 MM. |
| Temperature | Minimum: 3°C & Maximum: 48°C |
| Seasons | |
|---|---|
| Summer | February to June |
| Monsoon | July to September |
| Winter | October to January |
The TATR is unique and spectacular because of its sheer richness of flora and fauna. The animals that can be sighted throughout the year include: Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Gaur (bison), Hyenas, Jungle Cats, Small Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Wild Dogs, Rusty Spotted Cats, Rattel, Four Horned Antelope, Flying Squirrel and many species of ungulates like Sambar, Cheetal, Nilgai, Indian Mouse Deer and Barking Deer.
TATR remains open throughout the year! However, the best time to visit is from October to May. In the summer when water becomes scarce, most of the animals including tigers can be seen near the water holes. Hence, one’s best chance to spot a tiger is (between) February and June with temperature soaring up to 48 degree Celsius!
Anaya Naik,Rashu Naik,Priti Naik,Bharat Naik,Kunan Naik
Brian and Linda Matthews
