Tadoba National Park, also known as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, is one of the most famous wildlife parks in India. It is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. Tadoba is renowned throughout the country for its high population of Royal Bengal Tigers and diverse wildlife. Because of this, it is often called “The Land of Tigers”.
Apart from tigers, Tadoba is home to leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, gaur, deer, nilgai, and more than 200 species of birds. The park has beautiful landscapes, including teak forests, bamboo trees, open grasslands, lakes, and waterholes, making every safari exciting for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
In this guide, you will learn about the best zone in Tadoba National Park, details of all safari zones, the best time to visit, and useful tips to plan a successful wildlife safari.
Why Visit Tadoba National Park?
Tadoba National Park is one of the oldest and most popular tiger reserves in India. It is also easy to reach compared to many other wildlife parks. One big reason tourists love Tadoba is the good visibility during safaris, especially in summer when animals come near water sources.
Here are some main reasons why Tadoba is a must-visit destination:
- High Tiger Population – Tadoba has one of the highest tiger densities in India, which increases the chances of tiger sightings.
- Rich Wildlife – Apart from tigers, you can see leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, deer, gaur, and many other animals.
- Beautiful Nature – Dry forests, bamboo patches, lakes, and open grasslands make the park very scenic.
- Great for Birdwatching – More than 200 bird species are found here, especially near water bodies like Irai Lake.
Safari Zones in Tadoba National Park
Tadoba National Park is divided into core zones and buffer zones.
- Core Zones are protected areas with controlled safari entry. These zones usually have more wildlife sightings.
- Buffer zones are around the core areas. They are less crowded and also have good wildlife movement.
There are four main safari zones in Tadoba where visitors can book safaris:
- Moharli Zone
- Kolara Zone
- Navegaon Zone
- Pangadi & Zari Zone
Let’s understand each zone and find out which one is the best zone in Tadoba National Park.
1. Moharli Zone – Best Zone in Tadoba for Tiger Sightings
Moharli Zone is the most famous and most booked zone in Tadoba National Park. It is widely considered the best zone in Tadoba for tiger sightings.
Why Moharli Zone is the Best
- Frequent Tiger Sightings – Tigers are often seen near waterholes like Telia Lake.
- Largest Safari Zone – It has many entry gates, such as Moharli, Khutwanda, Devada, Adegaon, and Agarzari.
- Perfect for First-Time Visitors – Easy routes and good wildlife activity make it ideal for beginners.
- Good Connectivity – Many resorts, guides, and safari operators are located near this zone.
- Excellent for Photography – Open areas, lakes, and forest edges provide great photo opportunities.
Because of these reasons, most travellers prefer the Moharli Zone for their first Tadoba safari.
Tip: Moharli Zone gets fully booked quickly, so advance safari booking is highly recommended.
2. Kolara Zone – Balanced and Scenic Safari Area
Kolara Zone is another popular safari zone and is often ranked as the second-best zone after Moharli. It is located between the Moharli and Navegaon zones.
Why Choose the Kolara Zone?
- Good Wildlife Sightings – Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, and birds are commonly seen.
- Beautiful Forest Views – A mix of teak forests, bamboo areas, and open grasslands.
- Good for Photography – Open landscapes help in capturing wildlife photos.
- Less Crowded – Compared to Moharli, this zone usually has fewer safari vehicles.
The Kolara Zone is perfect for travellers who want a peaceful safari with good chances of wildlife sightings.
3. Navegaon Zone – Best for Peace and Birdwatching
If you want a quiet and relaxing safari, Navegaon Zone is a great option. This zone has dense forests and fewer crowds.
Highlights of Navegaon Zone
- Dense Green Forests – Thick bamboo and trees provide shelter for wildlife.
- Excellent Birdwatching – Ideal for bird lovers and nature photographers.
- Good Wildlife Movement – Tigers, leopards, and wild dogs are often present.
- Calm Safari Experience – Fewer vehicles mean less noise and disturbance.
Navegaon Zone is best for people who enjoy nature, silence, and bird photography.
4. Pangadi & Zari Zone – Quiet and Offbeat Safari Experience
Pangadi and Zari Zones are located on the eastern side of Tadoba National Park. These zones are known for their peaceful environment.
Why Visit Pangadi & Zari Zone?
- Very Little Crowd – Ideal for visitors who want a calm jungle drive.
- Beautiful Landscape – Open grasslands, small hills, and water bodies.
- Variety of Wildlife – Deer, nilgai, sloth bears, and sometimes tigers.
- Family-Friendly – Good for families and nature lovers.
These zones are perfect for travellers who prefer relaxed and offbeat safaris.
Core Zone vs Buffer Zone – Which is Better?
- Core Zones
- Higher chances of tiger sightings
- Well-managed safari routes
- Limited number of vehicles
- Buffer Zones
- Less crowded
- Good birdlife and small animals
- Wildlife movement is natural, not restricted by boundaries
For the best safari experience, many visitors choose a mix of core and buffer safaris.
Best Time to Visit Tadoba National Park
Tadoba National Park is open from October to June and remains closed during the monsoon season.
- October to December – Pleasant weather and green surroundings
- January to March – Cool mornings, best for photography
- March to June – Best time for tiger sightings as animals come near waterholes
Safari Booking Tips
- Book safaris early, especially for Moharli and Kolara zones.
- Morning Safaris are better for wildlife activity
- Choose experienced guides and naturalists.
- Follow park rules: stay inside the vehicle and maintain silence.
Conclusion: Which is the Best Zone in Tadoba?
Every zone in Tadoba National Park has its own charm, but Moharli Zone is the best zone overall because of frequent tiger sightings, easy access, and beautiful landscapes.
If you want peace and birdwatching, Navegaon and Zari are excellent choices. The Kolara Zone offers a perfect balance of wildlife and a calm safari experience.
No matter which zone you choose, a safari in Tadoba National Park promises an unforgettable wildlife adventure filled with nature, excitement, and the thrill of seeing tigers in the wild.
