[StepUP!]

Witnessing wild is a very thrilling and fulfilling. When we were contemplating a trip, this thought struck, why not to visit a tiger reserve! Afterall summer is the best season when probability of spotting the tiger is high. After talking to friends and a doing a bit of online research, we finalized to visit the Tadoba and Pench reserves. Only pitfall was scorching heat in Nagpur region during this time. I had my reservations, how my 7 yr old would bear the heat. But armed with sun-coats, sunscreens, napkins, shades, Glucon-D, caps we took the plunge! and O boy, it was totally worth!

When did I visit?
May 14 - May19

Tadoba official site to book safaris online
https://mytadoba.org/
Bookings open 120 days in advance.
Tatkal bookings available but only 48 hrs in advance which get booked quickly

Where did I stay
MTDC Tadoba booked via https://www.mtdc.co/en/stays/mtdc-tadoba
A very scenic and beautiful property located right by lake. Service, cleanliness is not 5 start but very much acceptable.
Junona gate is very near to the property.

How many safaris
Two days - two safaris. Both done at afternoon hrs from Devada gate under Moharli zone. It's a buffer gate. Core gates such as Moharli are priced higher.
Safari starts at 3 pm and ends around 6.30pm.
Open Gypsy which can seat 6.

How did I reach Tadoba
Flight to Nagpur and then hired a private taxi at Rs 12 per km. It takes approx. 3 hrs to reach MTDC Tadoba from Nagpur airport. Most of the road is in good shape.

MTDC Tadoba Location
Don't get fooled by MTDC Tadoba's location on google map. It shows the one in Chandrapur.
The Lake view resort is the right name which is converted to MTDC probably.


Did I spot tiger?
YES!
On both the safaris. We were very lucky to get below sighting without any other gypsy around for a good amount of time.
It was such an experience! Goosebumps to see this Royal animal into the wild, marking its territory.

https://youtu.be/il58T5x3_OQ

What is the sad part
On day one, our driver got call from other driver where tiger was spotted by lakeside. When we reached there, there were some 15 Gypsys waiting for the tiger to come out of the bush.
Everyone keeping their DSLRs and long shot lenses handy. There was deer flock which this tiger was aiming, got alerted and ran away.
Camouflage was so epic, we couldn't see tiger despite being close to him. When finally he came out, everyone went berserk, clicking pics, making noises, ganging up against him, leaving him no space to move. I was so terrified what if tiger in anger pounces on someone while all this drama is ongoing. We were literally 10 ft away from him.
But he walked out slowly and disappeared in bushes.
Humans don't respect the right of way even in the jungles

This is the lake nearby MTDC where we did Kayaking























After Tadoba, we traveled to Pench reserve.

MP government official site to book safaris online
https://forest.mponline.gov.in/Search.aspx?park=4

While Tadoba booking fees include all charges including Safari, this one includes only booking fees. Gypsy and guide charges are extra to be paid at the time of Safari.

Where did I stay
The Jungle camp
The property is beautiful, well maintained. Provides good service and sumptuous breakfast on morning Safaris.

How many safaris
Two days - two safaris. Both done at morning hrs from Touria gate. Safari starts at 6 am and ends around 10.30 am.

Along with Gypsy there are Trax, Scorpio lifestyle cars available at Pench which can seat more people.

How did I reach Pench
Cab from MTDC Tadoba to Pench. Took me 4 hrs.



Did I spot tiger?
YES!










How's the Jungle
Both Tadoba and Pench have their own charm. Pench is huge, has different landscapes and trees. MP tourism has managed it well. Tadoba gave a proper, rustic jungle feel driving into lush green jungle. Despite entering via buffer gate, in Tadoba we got really good spotting of the Tiger. While in Pench we didn't get any sighting on the last safari.
Pench has defined roads and routes for Gypsys to travel. Whereas in Tadoba, we were driven on random terrains and into bushes.
My vote goes to Tadoba!

[superbad]

Thank you for posting this informative travellogue. I myself am planning a trip to Tadoba & Pench in the near future. Is it advisable to do it in Aug/Sep vis-a-vis tiger spotting?

[StepUP!]

Originally Posted by superbad

Thank you for posting this informative travellogue. I myself am planning a trip to Tadoba & Pench in the near future. Is it advisable to do it in Aug/Sep vis-a-vis tiger spotting?

Yes, you can visit Tadoba Pench in Aug-Sep to see all beautiful flora fauna. As it's monsoon time, in Tadoba, core area is closed and Safari is done only on selecgted roads in the buffer area. Chances of spotting the tiger will be nil to very bleak. Better to plan your visit in the winters and avoid rains.

[VWAllstar]

Amazing Travelogue. Short with precise details and good pictures.

Few points:

1. The link provided to book Tadoba is under maintainance. Does anyone have the Government Booking Website Link?
2. Below are the zones/gates I have shortlisted (can change as booking not yet done)

3 Kolara core (is this the same as Kolara Chauradeo Gate?)
1 Alizanza
1 Madnapur
1 Belara (could not find it in the list)

In total 6 Safaris in 3 days.

Will look up MTDC if they have bookings.
Planned dates of Visit: 15th Feb to 19th Feb 2025.

Please do suggest.

[el lobo 6061]

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

1. The link provided to book Tadoba is under maintainance. Does anyone have the Government Booking Website Link?

Working now.

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

2. Below are the zones/gates I have shortlisted (can change as booking not yet done)

3 Kolara core (is this the same as Kolara Chauradeo Gate?)
1 Alizanza
1 Madnapur
1 Belara (could not find it in the list)

In total 6 Safaris in 3 days.

Will look up MTDC if they have bookings.
Planned dates of Visit: 15th Feb to 19th Feb 2025.

Please do suggest.

As per your hotel stay book the Safari Entry Gate or vice versa.

Since MTDC Tadoba and Kolara Safari Gate are at opposite side of reserve.

Stay at MTDC Tadoba. Decent property. Do Safari via
1. Moharli Gate (Core Zone)
2. Junona Gate (Buffer Zone)
3. Khutwanda Gate (Core but a bit far from MTDC)

Rather than 6 safari at Tadoba; do 3 there and 3 at Pench (Turia Gate Core Zone).

Will get to experience two jungles.

After a while you will feel bored of going through same gate. Since Tiger spotting is easy at Tadoba.

[sunilch]

For Tadoba and Pench, are children allowed?

I read that you had your 7 year old son with you but wondering if a 3-4 year kid is also allowed?

Planning to book the full Gypsy for the family that will have 3 kids (age between 3-8).

[ganeshk4]

Originally Posted by el lobo 6061

Working now.
.

Can you share about the safari booking process? I tried it using the link you provided but its only allowing me to book entire gypsy, which translates to something like 7000 Rs. This is not feasible for me as I will be traveling alone. Looking for sharing options.