29th June 2023, 18:51
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| BHPian  Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Pune
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| A fulfilling trip to Tadoba and Pench! 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. 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! |
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2nd July 2023, 14:43
| #2 |
| BHPian  Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Pune
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3rd July 2023, 11:49
| #3 | |
| BHPian Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Pune
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| Re: A fulfilling trip to Tadoba and Pench! Quote:
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14th October 2024, 10:25
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| Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Mumbai
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15th October 2024, 22:24
| #5 | ||
| Senior - BHPian  Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Navi Mumbai
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| Re: A fulfilling trip to Tadoba and Pench! Quote:
Quote:
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. | ||
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