Part 1
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is reputedly the most famous of the 28 project Tiger Reserves in India. Established in 1935, this reserve, declared as the National Park 1955, is replete with pristine eco-system and rich bio-diversity. The 625 Sq, Km Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve consists of 116 Sq. Km of Tadoba National Park together with 509 Sq. Km of Andhari Wild life Sanctuary.
Referred to as the ‘Jewel of Vidharbha’, the flora and fauna of this incredible forest is relieved by smooth meadows and deep valleys. Unsurprisingly, therefore, scores of wildlife aficionados, nature lovers and adventure buffs clamour to come here throughout the year.
So, after booking your choicest Safaris Gates on-line, you pack your bags and with the Camera Gears board the Durondo Express; train that leaves Mumbai late in the evening to reach Nagpur early the next morning. At Nagpur, as planned, 3 other Wild life photography enthusiasts join you before embarking on a three- and half-hour-long journey towards the reserve.
For the information of those who would like to visit this place, they divided the wilderness of Tadoba into three forest ranges- Tadoba North Range, Moharli Range and Kolsa South Range. Each of these ranges promises to offer the best wildlife experience to its visitors. Also, within these ranges are ‘Core Zones’ and ‘Buffer Zones’ that lead to different areas within that range.
Tadoba Reserve covers the Chimur Hills, and the Andhari sanctuary covers the Moharli and Kolsa ranges. The nearest village to this place is Durgapur. Densely forested hills bound it on the northern and western sides. Thick forests are relieved by smooth meadows and deep valleys as the terrain slopes from north to south. Cliffs, talus, and caves provide refuge for several animals. They form the two forested rectangles of the Tadoba and Andhari ranges. The south part of the park is incidentally less hilly than the remainder.
- Tadoba National Park has a diverse landscape with valleys, spreading over an area of 625.4 square kilometers.
- Dense forest, smooth meadows, along with heavily forested hills ranging from 200 m to 350 m. encloses it
- The terrains of the national park inhabit Tropical Deciduous Forests, featuring Shorea robusta (Sal) as a dominant species, along with bamboo thickets and dense woodlands.
- The Kolsa Lake, Andhari River as well as Tadoba Lake make up wetland areas inside the park, supporting a good number of aquatic species with reported sightings of Mugger crocodiles.
To start with, after check-in at the resort situated right on the periphery of this park (separated by just one thin road), you leave this place in the car. Later, passing over cuchha-pucca road you reach ‘Khutwanta Gate’, a part of the Core Area of this park.
Here, after completing basic formalities at the gate (incidentally taken care of by the assigned guide), at sharp 2.30 you board one of the ubiquitous safari jeeps and along with the driver and guide drive in. It is a hot afternoon as the jeep rolls slowly over the muddy tracks amidst deciduous forest deeper into the abode of this diverse wildlife.
You watch Ain (crocodile bark), Bamboo, Bija, Dhaudab, Hald, Salai, Semal and Tendu trees pass by, though teak trees are arguably more prominent. However, most of them present a barren look having shed their leaves, presumably as seasonal ritual.
So, as the rendezvous with the wildlife commences, the first to welcome you is this Mortel Wood Owl. Sitting over the trunk of a dry tree, well camouflaged, it watches you warily while you take its pictures.
As you move forward, closely thereafter comes this area close to the pond with slush, in which you watch dark brown woodland deer with branched antlers called Sambars enjoying themselves in mud-water.
Then, as you drive along the Koshiknar road, you are in for your first Tiger sighting. Right on your left, not very far from the jeep, is this beautiful sub adult cub of tigress Tara resting nonchalantly over the dry grass. Elated, you halt to spend some time watching its moments while simultaneously capturing its pictures at every propitious opportunity.
As it engrossed you capturing pictures of this sub-adult cub, the driver of the jeep cautions you of the time limit you can enjoy staying in this forest. You thus prepare to leave. However, while you are on the way towards the exit gate, you see this famous Tigres of Tadoba ‘Maya’. Sadly, she is moving away from you and quickly turns and vanishes into the thick forest.
You wait for some time for her to reappear, but she presumably is not in the mood to oblige. A bit disappointed, you finally leave.
It is 7 pm, and you have reached the resort. After getting fresh, you rewind the day’s happenings with your friends over some beers, followed by a typical Maharashtrian dinner. Before ending this day, you plan to leave for the second safari into this fabled reserve at 6 sharp the next morning.
Day 2, 1st Safari
It is 6 in the morning sharp and you, with your other three friends, driving through the semi-pucca road, have reached one gate of Tadoba Tiger Reserve.
At the end of over 3 hours, you realize it to be an uneventful safari and you return with very few memorable pictures.
Day 2, 3rd Safari
It’s 2 pm and you have now left for the 3rd safari. this time toward the Agarzari Gate, a 15 minutes’ drive from the resort.
Agarzari lies in the buffer zone of the Tadoba Tiger Reserve. Just opposite the Agarzari gate, you can see the Dewada gate.
People around inform you that interesting sightings of the tiger are taking place in the area under the Dewada Zone. However, since you have booked yourself for the Agarzari Gate entrance in advance, it is now not possible to change.
Wishing yourself ‘best of luck’ you proceed as per the original plan.
Ruling out tiger sighting during this safari, you decide to make the best use of this time capturing some interesting birds(avians) instead.
The first encounter is with the beautiful Yellow Oriole followed by Greater Racket-tailed-Drongo, Honey Buzzard, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Bronze Winged Jacana – considered being on the verge of extinction, Red napped Ibis. and finally, a flock of Painted Stokes position themselves on the branches of huge dry trees securing themselves from the predators as the evening gets dark.
Now, as the day ends, you are once again back at the resort. You sit back to review the day’s captures and discuss with your other friends’ ways for better exploration of this famed forest during the next morning’s safari.
On the 3rd day, as planned, you shall enter the reserve through the Junona Gate. Area reputed to allow visitors some exciting sights of the big Cat.
So, with great optimism, you finish your drinks along with dinner comprising some fresh vegetables and meat. However, before going to bed, all promise to meet again at 5.30 early the next morning.
