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Tadoba Core and Buffer Zones

Planning Your Safari in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve, situated in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, stands as one of India’s historic and well-known tiger sanctuaries. Spanning over 1,500 square kilometres, Tadoba showcases a rich mix of tropical dry deciduous forests, open grasslands, wetlands, and streams. This diverse ecosystem supports an incredible array of flora and fauna. While the Bengal tiger is the star attraction, the reserve is also home to leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, hyenas, jackals, sambars, gaurs, chitals, and hundreds of bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

For first-time visitors and seasoned wildlife lovers alike, understanding Tadoba’s core and buffer zones is essential for planning an effective safari and increasing the chances of tiger sightings.

Tadoba Core Zones

Core zones are the heart of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. These areas are strictly protected, with minimal human disturbance, dense forests, and perennial water sources. Wildlife thrives here, with high predator density and abundant herbivores. The five primary core zones are Moharli, Kolara, Navegaon, Pangadi, and Zari—each offering unique experiences.

Moharli Core Zone

Moharli is Tadoba’s most visited core zone, famous for open meadows, lakes, and waterholes. Tigers often lounge near water, leopards roam bamboo thickets, and sloth bears forage for fruits and insects. Herbivores like sambars, chitals, and gaurs attract predators, creating dynamic wildlife interactions. Photographers love Moharli for its scenic trails, soft morning light, and easy accessibility from nearby resorts, making multiple safari drives possible.

Kolara Core Zone

Tigers patrol forest edges, leopards roam quietly, and herbivores graze undisturbed. Fewer safari vehicles make Kolara ideal for travellers seeking solitude and photographers aiming for natural, undisturbed shots.

Navegaon Core Zone

Navegaon is characterised by bamboo forests, narrow forest tracks, and abundant birdlife, attracting both wildlife watchers and birders. Tigers and herbivores are regularly sighted, and quieter safari trails allow for close, unobtrusive wildlife observation.

Pangadi Core Zone

Pangadi is less explored and perfect for adventure seekers. Dense forests and remote trails host tigers, leopards, and wild dogs. The untouched terrain and quiet seclusion create an ideal jungle escape for photography and exploration.

Zari Core Zone

Zari is the most remote and untouched core zone. Its verdant forests, distant waterholes, and abundant wildlife offer deep immersion into nature. Tigers, leopards, and wild dogs are frequently seen here, making it a top choice for dedicated wildlife photographers.

Tip: Core zone permits are limited and must be booked in advance, especially from October to June. Early morning drives increase the likelihood of tiger sightings.

Tadoba Buffer Zones

Buffer zones surround the core areas, acting as transitional habitats between villages and forests. They deliver excellent wildlife experiences with hassle-free entry and less crowded safari tracks.

Moharli Landscape Buffer Zones

Adegaon, Agarzari, Junona, Devada, Mamla

Located near Moharli core, these gates offer sightings of tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambars, and gaurs. These routes offer beautiful views and a tranquil setting, suited for relaxed drives and photography.

Kolara Landscape Buffer Zones

Palasgaon, Kolara Chauradeo, Alizanza, Madnapur, Shirkheda, Belara

Kolara’s buffer zones have abundant wildlife and quiet forest tracks.

Navegaon Landscape Buffer Zones

Navegaon Ramdegi, Nimdela

Connecting to the Navegaon core, these zones offer intimate wildlife experiences with minimal tourist traffic. Herbivores graze freely while tigers patrol the edges, perfect for close observation.

Pangadi–Zari Landscape Buffer Zones

Pangadi Aswal Chuha, Keslaghat, Zari Peth

These lesser-travelled gates offer raw wilderness, where tigers, leopards, and jackals roam freely. Photographers and birdwatchers favour these areas for their tranquillity and rich wildlife.

Wildlife Diversity in Tadoba

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is teeming with biodiversity:

  • Carnivores: Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, hyenas, jackals
  • Herbivores: Sambars, chitals, gaurs, nilgais, wild boars
  • Birds: The area hosts peacocks, eagles, vultures, storks, kingfishers, and many migratory birds.
  • Reptiles & Amphibians: Monitor lizards, pythons, cobras, frogs

Waterholes are hotspots for predator-prey interactions, making early mornings and late afternoons the most active and rewarding times for wildlife observation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tadoba is divided into core zones and buffer zones. Core zones are strictly protected areas with dense forests, perennial water sources, and high predator density, making them the prime spots for tiger and wildlife sightings. Buffer zones act as transitional areas between villages and forests, offering easier access, quieter safari routes, and excellent opportunities for photography and birdwatching.

The five key core zones are Moharli, Kolara, Navegaon, Pangadi, and Zari.

Moharli Core Zone is the most accessible and frequently visited. Its open meadows, lakes, and waterholes make tiger, leopard, and sloth bear sightings frequent, while the scenic trails are ideal for photography.

Kolara, Navegaon, Pangadi, and Zari are quieter and less crowded. These zones offer peaceful trails for close, unobtrusive wildlife observation, with Pangadi and Zari being particularly remote—perfect for adventure seekers and photographers seeking untouched wilderness.

Buffer zones surround the core areas, providing accessible safari routes with rich wildlife. They are ideal for relaxed jeep drives, birdwatching, and photography, offering sightings of predators and herbivores without the crowds of the core zones.

Moharli buffer gates: Adegaon, Agarzari, Junona, Devada, Mamla

Kolara buffer gates: Palasgaon, Kolara Chauradeo, Alizanza, Madnapur, Shirkheda, Belara

Navegaon buffer gates: Navegaon Ramdegi, Nimdela

The Pangadi–Zari buffer zone is accessed through Pangadi Aswal Chuha, Keslaghat, and Zari Peth gates.

The ideal season is from October to June. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most active times for wildlife, especially near waterholes, offering the best chances to spot tigers and other predators.

Carnivores: Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, hyenas, jackals

Herbivores: Sambars, chitals, gaurs, nilgais, wild boars

Birds: Peacocks, eagles, vultures, storks, kingfishers, migratory species

Reptiles & Amphibians: Monitor lizards, pythons, cobras, frogs

Yes. Core zone permits are limited and must be booked in advance, especially during peak season. Buffer zone permits are easier to obtain. Early morning safaris maximise the chance of tiger sightings.

Moharli, Kolara, Zari, and Pangadi are highly favoured by photographers. Moharli offers accessible trails with scenic landscapes, while Zari and Pangadi provide remote wilderness with active predators and herbivores. Buffer zones also deliver excellent photography opportunities with fewer visitors.