Bhakti D
Our long-awaited plan to visit Tadoba finally materialized in 2024. Beginning our preparations in January, we earmarked the first week of March for our expedition, a time when the weather is milder and tiger sightings are frequent. Aware of the necessity to book safari slots well in advance, we secured ours two months prior to our chosen date. Opting for a road trip along the scenic Samruddhi Highway from Mumbai to Nagpur instead of the train or flight options, we embarked on our adventure.
Our journey from Thane to Tadoba via Wardha, though typically a 10-hour drive, extended to 12 hours due to leisurely stops and breaks. Along the route, just beyond Igatpuri, the renowned Mahamarg begins near Sinnar, with Rajesh Hotel offering a pit stop for meals or snacks before the highway stretch.
The road, adorned with natural splendour and relatively sparse traffic, demanded strict adherence to traffic regulations. Regular breaks and driver rotations were imperative for safe travel. Reaching Wardha, we lodged at the MTDC resort, where the local market enticed us with its array of khadi and cotton clothing.
Our accommodation, MTDC, provided delectable meals, breakfast, and tea. Adjacent to this haven lies Gandhi’s Sevagram, an ashram where the Mahatma resided for 12 years. Its serene ambience and well-preserved heritage make it a must-visit destination.
From Wardha, a 90-kilometer stretch leads to Tadoba, typically covered in 2.5 hours, though road conditions occasionally extend the journey.
Tadoba National Park, situated in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, is one of India’s premier tiger reserves. Spanning over 1,700 square kilometres, it is home to a variety of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), and diverse bird species. The park’s rugged terrain, mixed forests, and serene water bodies make it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife photographers alike.
Arriving at MTDC Tadoba Resort at 1 PM, we prepared for our first safari scheduled from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Following a refreshing lunch at the MTDC restaurant, we eagerly boarded the waiting safari jeep, brimming with anticipation.
Before commencing our safari, we familiarize ourselves with the regulations:
- Opt for steel or glass water bottles as plastic ones are prohibited during the jungle safari. Refilled glass bottles can be purchased at the entry gate for a nominal fee.
- Your mobile phone will be securely stored in a numbered box before boarding the safari jeep.
- Photography or video recording using mobile phones is strictly prohibited during the safari.
- If you wish to bring a camera, a fee of 250 rupees per safari is applicable. Alternatively, cameras can be rented at the entry gate for a fee. Binoculars are essential for observing distant wildlife. You can either bring your own or rent them at the entry gate.
- Dress appropriately for the safari by wearing light-coloured clothing. If it’s sunny, don a hat, goggles, and sunscreen for protection.
- A bandana is recommended for dust protection due to rough jungle roads. The safari typically lasts for 4 hours, with restroom facilities available in both safari zones.
- The driver will guide you to the nearest restroom when necessary. As there are no canteens or restaurants within the jungle, it’s advisable to carry your own breakfast/snacks.
- Remember to dispose of waste responsibly and avoid littering in the jungle. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you in the safari jeep, ready to answer any questions you may have about the wildlife and surroundings.
Day One:
We embarked on our 4-hour journey into the wilderness. Immersed in the wilderness, our senses were heightened, disconnected from the outside world, and enveloped by nature’s symphony.
Experiencing the wilderness makes you feel like you’ve entered a different world altogether. You no longer have any connection with the outside world; your relationship is now only with nature, animals, birds, plants, insects, and lakes. Various sounds of animals echo in the jungle.
There’s a hustle and bustle of birds, which you long to experience. You don’t go on safari just to see tigers; you go to experience the life of nature and the animals and birds in the jungle.
In the jungle, we encountered various birds like the owl, kingfisher, and vulture. As we moved from one place to another, we spotted deer running and ducks diving. However, the elusive sight of a tiger was still pending. After roaming around for a while, following our guide’s instructions, the driver stopped the car near a waterbody.
Before we reached the destination there were several jeeps parked, and among them, we noticed a majestic tiger named Yuvaraj emerging from the water.
Despite the joy of seeing him, we also witnessed the reality of him having to submerge in water frequently to beat the heat, especially during summer afternoons.
With so many vehicles and people around, it’s evident how significant our presence is to them. There was no need for any exchanges; he was already captivated by our mere presence.
The presence of mosquitoes, butterflies, and insects seemed to bother him, causing him to become a bit restless. Consequently, he decided to move around a bit. While many vehicles left the area, we chose to stay put. Suddenly, a sambhar emerged from the bushes and alerted Yuvaraj, who then began to warn other animals in the jungle to be cautious as there was a tiger present. This whole interaction struck me as remarkable. The sambhar communicated various warnings to others, urging them to be careful. Yuvaraj also heard the sambhar’s call and became interested as the prey was nearby. Slowly, he began to approach the water’s edge.
Just like a hero in a movie makes a grand entry from the sea, Yuvaraj, the king of the jungle, seemed to impress us with a hero-like aura. Witnessing a free tiger up close in the jungle was an experience like no other. His presence, his walk, everything about him was majestic. However, unlike the audience in front of the screen, we didn’t cheer; our attention was solely on the sambhar. Gradually, he started moving towards the direction of the Sambhar and he disappeared into thick bushes.
It seems like all the cars have turned back, and now we are wondering if there’s something else to see. Following the guide’s directions, the driver drove the car back. As we continued, we spotted a tiger in the distance, but it was a bit far, and the bushes were too large to capture a photo. As we moved forward, we came across a waterbody where a tiger and a tigress named Choti Tara were playing. Choti Tara was quite a sight to see.
As we were returning from the safari, we saw a tiger sitting on a rock by the side of the road. It was a tigress named ‘Ruma’.
She had camouflaged herself among the rocks and foliage, making it difficult to spot her from a distance. We felt like someone was watching us from nearby. Eventually, we got a close look at her, and her beauty left us mesmerized. The patterns on her body, the sharpness of her eyes, and the majestic stripes on her body were all unique to her species. Even the markings on her face were distinct, helping us identify her. Some had a ‘Y’ mark on their faces, while others had ‘Z’ or ‘W’ marks, making each tiger unique in its own way.
Our first day culminated in a kaleidoscope of experiences, leaving us spellbound by Tadoba’s enchanting allure.
Day Two:
On our second day, having already spotted five tigers, our expectations were high for the morning safari scheduled at 6 a.m. We aimed to board the jeep half an hour earlier, ready with tea by 5:30 a.m. In the evening prior, we arranged with the canteen for a parcel of bread and butter, which they prepared punctually. Carrying it with us, we arrived at the Agarzari gate for our buffer zone safari.
The safari commenced, and within 10 minutes, our guide paused to share insights about the surrounding trees. In our jeep, my friend Swati remarked casually about seeing tigers in motion.
The guide promptly acknowledged her observation, affirming that a tiger was indeed approaching us. Named Taru, the tiger crossed the road right in front of us, exuding a majestic aura. Morning is prime hunting time for tigers, as they roam their territories.
We continued our quest, listening for animal calls and observing the jungle’s tranquillity. Relying on our guide’s expertise, we trusted our instincts rather than following other vehicles. Spotting fresh tiger footprints and droppings, we followed their trail, indicating the tiger’s recent presence.
This thrilling experience led us back to a waterbody, where we witnessed the majestic tiger gracefully entering the water, mesmerizing us as it lapped up water with its tongue. With no other vehicles around, the moment felt even more special. As we concluded our safari around 10 a.m., we were filled with exhilaration from this unforgettable encounter with nature.
Day Three:
On the third day, our morning safari lasted from 6 to 10 a.m. We departed from Adgaon Gate to the Buffer Zone. Despite spotting a sloth bear and various bird species, we didn’t have any tiger sightings, which left the young children a bit disappointed.
However, not every safari guarantees a tiger sighting, but we still felt fortunate as we had seen a total of 7 tigers across the three safaris. Our three safaris were filled with excitement, creating unforgettable memories. With hearts full of joy, we bid farewell to Tadoba.
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Conclusion: Why Visit Tadoba?
Tadoba offers a unique jungle experience that captivates visitors. In today’s tech-driven world, children are growing distant from nature. It’s crucial to bring them closer to wildlife and wilderness to instil a deeper appreciation for nature. Tadoba provides an opportunity to satisfy curiosity about wildlife and nurture a love for it through firsthand experiences. The desire for exploration and connection with nature will only continue to grow.
