Flora of Tadoba

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is predominantly a Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, with dense woodlands covering approximately 87% of the protected area.

The forest is richly populated with Teak and Bamboo, which dominate the tree cover. Other prominent species include Ain (crocodile bark), Bija, Dhauda, Hald, Salai, Semal, and Tendu. Medicinal and economically important trees like Beheda, Hirda, Karaya Gum, Mahua (Madhuca), and Lannea coromandelica are also found throughout the reserve.

The fire-resistant Axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia) thrives in the park, while the vibrant Palas or Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperma) adds bursts of red-orange color. Black plum trees flourish in riparian zones around Tadoba Lake, and the majestic Arjun trees are a notable feature at the Panchadhara waterhole.

Grasslands and bamboo thickets are abundant across the reserve. The climber Kach Kujali (Velvet Bean) found here has medicinal properties and is known for treating Parkinson’s disease. Bheria leaves are traditionally used as insect repellents, while Bija and Beheda have therapeutic value in Ayurveda.

Fauna of Tad

Known as the Land of Tigers and the Jewel of Vidarbha, Tadoba is home to a thriving population of Royal Bengal Tigers. Other large predators include Leopards, Sloth Bears, Dholes (Indian Wild Dogs), and Hyenas.

Herbivores and ungulates found here include Indian Gaur (Bison), Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Nilgai (Blue Bull), and Chausingha (Four-horned Antelope). Primates such as Langurs and carnivorous mammals like Rusty Spotted Cats, Indian Civets, Ratels, and Flying Squirrels are also present.

Tadoba’s ecosystem supports over 30 species of reptiles including the endangered Indian Python, Star Tortoise, Terrapins, and Indian Cobra. During monsoons, species like Giant Wood Spiders, Signature Spiders, and Redwood Spiders become more visible.

Butterfly enthusiasts can spot more than 75 species of butterflies including Pansies, Monarchs, Mormons, and Swordtails.

Additionally, over 20 species of freshwater fish inhabit the lakes and waterbodies throughout the reserve, enhancing the aquatic biodiversity of Tadoba.

Birds of Tadoba

Tadoba Lake is often called an ornithologist’s paradise. It is one of the most popular birding destinations in Maharashtra, featuring dense bamboo thickets, open meadows, and wetland ecosystems that support both woodland and aquatic bird species.

The presence of the Andhari River inside Tadoba National Park further enhances the diversity of waterbirds, migratory species, and raptors seen here. Every year, Tadoba welcomes migratory birds from East Africa and Siberia, especially during summer and winter.

Birdwatchers can spot a wide variety of fascinating and rare species in the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Some notable species include:

• Songbirds & Thrushes: Orange-headed Thrush, Indian Pitta, Paradise Flycatcher, Black-naped Blue Flycatcher, Warblers, Ruby Throat, Blue Throat
• Woodland Birds: Crested Treeswift, Lesser Goldenbacked Woodpecker, Indian Roller, Indian Robbin, Brahminy Myna, Grey Tit
• Raptors: Crested Honey Buzzard, Oriental Honey Buzzard, White-eyed Buzzard, Pariah Kite, Eurasian Sparrow Hawk, Black Shouldered Kite, Shikra, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Kestrel
• Wetland Birds: Bronze-winged Jacana, Open Bill Stork, Black Ibis, Bar-headed Goose, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Brahminy Duck, Comb Duck, Little Grebe, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Large Egret, Median Egret, Indian Shag
• Waders: White-breasted Waterhen, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper
• Game Birds: River Tern, Painted Sandgrouse, Jungle Bush Quail, Indian Peafowl, Spotted Owlet
• Common Residents: Forest Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, House Sparrow, Common Stonechat, Asian Pied Starling, House Crow, Large-billed Crow

With over 250 bird species recorded, Tadoba is a paradise for bird photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Best Time to Visit Tadoba

Tadoba offers a unique and varied experience in every season, making it a year-round destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Tadoba National Park remains open throughout the year, although only buffer zones are accessible during the monsoon season (from 1st July to 30th September). The best time to visit Tadoba depends on the kind of experience you’re seeking.

Winter Season (October to February)

With a tropical climate, winters in Tadoba are the most comfortable and scenic. Daytime temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C. This season is ideal for wildlife sightings, especially as the flora is dense and green, attracting many animals and birds.

Migratory birds also arrive during winter, making it a rewarding time for birdwatchers. The mild and pleasant weather makes Tadoba a romantic getaway for couples looking to escape into the wilderness.

Summer Season (March to May)

The best chance to spot tigers is during the scorching summer months, particularly in April and May. With rising temperatures and water scarcity, animals gather around water bodies, increasing your chances of sightings.

Skies are usually clear, and visibility is excellent for photography. Despite the heat (temperatures can soar above 40°C), this season is the most popular for tiger sightings in Tadoba.

Monsoon Season (June to September)

The monsoon brings a refreshing transformation to the Tadoba forest. While core zones are closed during this period due to accessibility issues, buffer zones remain open and offer a lush, peaceful jungle experience.

Heavy rains begin in June and provide much-needed relief after the summer heat. The monsoon season is less crowded, and the park turns vibrantly green. It’s a magical time for those who enjoy nature in its rawest form.

Weather and Climate of Tadoba

Tadoba has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons:

• Summer (March to May): Dry, hot, and best for tiger sightings. Temperatures can reach up to 48°C.
• Monsoon (June to September): Lush, humid, and rejuvenating. Buffer zones open; core zones remain closed.
• Winter (October to February): Pleasant weather, rich greenery, excellent for wildlife and birdwatching. Temperatures range between 20°C to 30°C.

Each season paints a different picture of Tadoba’s ecosystem — from parched trails in summer to misty mornings in winter and glistening foliage in monsoon.

Tadoba, the forest is named after the god ‘TARU’ praised by the local tribal, situated in and around the vicinity. Situated in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, Tadoba has a hilly terrain with an average altitude of about 200-350 m.

Tadoba and the vicinity were once ruled by the Gond kings who used these forests as hunting grounds until it was banned in 1935. In 1955, 116.54 sq km of the forest was declared Tadoba National Park.

The folklore says that TARU was the chief of the village who is believed to be killed in the tiger conflict. The temple of God TARU still exists beside the picturesque Tadoba Lake under a huge tree.

The temple of God TARU still exists beside the picturesque Tadoba Lake under a huge tree.

The Temple of God TARU still exists beside the picturesque Tadoba Lake under a huge tree.

Earlier, there used to be a fair in the Hindu month of Pausha i.e between December and January, when the tribes used to gather at the temple. At present, the fair is restricted.

Andhari region, named after the river ‘Andhari’, a minor river of Wainganga basin, meandering through the area, the river passes through Tadoba, Mohurli & Kolsa.

In the year 1995, Tadoba National Park and Andhari Tiger Reserve were subsequently integrated and declared as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) which comprises of Tadoba and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary.

Today it is one of the Project Tiger Reserves Existing in India.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is the biggest and oldest tiger reserve in Maharashtra comprising an area of about 625 sq.km. of the core zone.

Tourism is permitted in the core and buffer zone.

Flora of Tadoba

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is predominantly southern tropical dry forest with dense woodlands comprising about 87 per cent of the protected area.

Teak and Bamboo are the most popular species of the trees that are found here. Other trees include Ain (crocodile bark), Bija, Dhauda, Hald, Salai, Semal and Tendu. Beheda, Hirda, Karaya Gum, Mahua Madhuca (crepe myrtle) and Lannea coromandelica are other common species.

Axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia) is a fire-resistant species that can be found here. Palas or Flame of the forest (Butea monosperma) adds vibrant colour to the forest. Black plum trees grow in the riparian habitat around the lake.  One can be easily mesmerized by huge Arjun trees that are seen at the Panchadhara waterhole.

Grass and Bamboo can be  found in abundance throughout the reserve.The climber Kach Kujali (velvet bean) found here is a medicinal plant used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

The leaves of Bheria are used as an insect repellent and Bija is a medicinal gum.

Beheda is also an important medicine found here.

Fauna of Tadoba

The Land of Tigers also known as Jewel of Vidarbha, apart from Royal Bengal Tiger Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is home to, Leopards, Sloth Bears, India Gaur (bison), Wild Dogs (Dhole), Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Barking deer, Four-horned Antelope (Chausinga), Blue Bull (Nilgai), Langoor, Rudy Mongoose, Rusty Spotted Cat, the Small Indian Civet, the Palm Civet, the Ratel,  Flying Squirrel, Hyenas, Wild Boars, Indian Pangolins, Porcupines to name a few.

Over 30 species of reptiles are also found in this park such as endangered Indian python, terrapins, star tortoise, cobra, etc. Apart from this, giant wood spider, the signature spider, and redwood spiders are also found during monsoon season.

More than 75 Species of Butterflies have been recorded here Pansies, Monarch, Mormons and Swordtails, to name a few.

Over 20 species of fishes can be found in and around Tadoba waterbodies

Tadoba lake is also known as an ornithologist’s paradise. It is one of the best birding goals in Maharashtra with thick, bamboo zones, meadows, and wetlands that suit both the woodland and the wetland flying creatures.

The presence of Stream Andhari inside the Tadoba National Park offers a route to a wide decent variety of water-winged creatures, and raptors.

Tadoba also witnesses summer and winter migratory birds from East Africa and Siberia every year.   The intriguing feathered species found in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve including the migratory  are, Orange-headed Thrush, Indian Pitta, Crested Treeswift, Stone Curlew, Crested Honey Buzzard, Paradise Flycatcher, Bronze-winged Jacana, Lesser Goldenbacked Woodpecker, Warblers,

Black-naped Blue Flycatcher, Oriental Honey Buzzard, White-eyed Buzzard, Pariah Kite, Eurasian Sparrow Hawk, Black Shouldered Kite, Shikra, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Kestrel, Open Bill Stork, Black Ibis, Bar Headed Goose, Black Strok,

Lesser Adjutant Strok, Brahminy Duck, Comb Duck, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Large Egret, Median Egret, Indian Shag, Purple Heron, Banded Bay Cuckoo, White-breasted Water Hen, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, River Tern, Painted Sand Grouse, Jungle Bush Quail, Indian Peafowl, Spotted Owlet,

Forest Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, House Sparrow, Indian Robbin, Indian Roller, Ruby Throat, Blue Throat, Black Redstart, Grey Tit, Common Stonechat, Brahminy Myna, Asian Pied Starling, House Crow,  Large-billed Crow, and many more.

Tadoba provides a varied experience in every season.

Tadoba National Park is open throughout the year {only Buffer Zones in Monsoon i.e 1st  July to 30th September} Best time to Visit Tadoba depends on what experience you are looking for.

The tropical climate makes winters the best season to visit Tadoba, winter starts in October and ends by February with pleasant climate and rich flora making it easier to spot animals during this season. This is also a good time to spot migratory birds.

Though the winters are not very cool in Tadoba the temperature ranges between 20°C and 30°C.  The refreshing breeze of winters also makes Tadoba a romantic getaway for couples.

Probability of sighting tigers is far more in Tadoba because of the number of tigers and the area.

The best season to sight tigers would be the hot months of summer which starts in March and lasts till May the hotter months of summer are April and May and is the time when the animals are seen due to the scarcity of water in the jungle.

The skies are clear in this season it is also a good time to spot birds.

Weather and Climate of Tadoba

After the scorching summers where the mercury rises up to 48 degrees, the arrival of the monsoon in June is a big relief. Though the climate becomes highly humid, the rains do not fail to revive the jungle.

As the rains make the terrain inaccessible the core zones of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve are closed between July and September and only the buffer zone is open for tourists. The visit to Tadoba National Park in the monsoon is sheer bliss where you can witness a completely different Tadoba.

Winter is the ideal time to explore Tadoba with lush greenery around. Starting from October winter lasts till February. Though the winters are not very cool in Tadoba the temperature ranges between 20°C and 30°C.