Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Tadoba Jungle Safari

A jungle safari in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is unlike anywhere else in India. Visitors can access the park’s core and buffer forest spread over 1,727 sq.km through a remarkable network of 23 safari gates. With approximately 115 tigers inhabiting these forests alongside numerous species of birds and animals, buffer zone safaris are as gratifying as core zone safaris, with high chances of big cat sightings.

Tadoba Jungle Safari at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
1,727 Approx. sq. km area
23 Safari gates
115 Approx. tigers
Core + Buffer Multiple safari landscapes
Explore Tadoba

A landscape with more than one way to experience the wild

Whether you’re planning your first jungle safari, returning to explore a new part of the reserve, or photographing some of Tadoba’s legendary tigers, Tadoba is a stellar choice for a jungle safari.

There are multiple options to explore Tadoba on a jungle safari, including morning and evening jeep safaris, mid-day safaris, full-day safaris and territorial zone safaris.

Plan multiple safari experiences

We recommend booking a minimum of 4–6 safaris for improved chances of wildlife sightings due to more time spent in the forest.

Safari Experiences

Choose Between Morning, Evening, Mid-Day, Full Day and Territorial Zone Safaris

There are multiple options to explore Tadoba on a jungle safari.

01

Regular Morning & Evening Jeep Safaris

Regular morning and evening jeep safaris remain the most popular choice, operating twice daily. Each drive lasts about four hours, from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 2 PM to 6 PM respectively, with timings varying seasonally based on sunrise and sunset.

These safaris follow designated routes within your booked gate. If your schedule allows, combining different gates across multiple safaris often provides the richest overall Tadoba experience. We recommend booking a minimum of 4–6 safaris for improved chances of wildlife sightings.

02

Mid-Day Safari

Mid-day safaris were recently started in the Junona buffer zone and are usually led by female guides, which also allow internal access to the areas shared between Devada and Adegaon.

Half-day safaris in buffer zones that operated from morning till noon have been discontinued.

03

Full-Day Safari

Full-day safaris are ideal for wildlife photographers and serious enthusiasts keen on observing animal behaviour and maximising their time in the forest. Vehicles can enter the park 15 minutes before and exit 15 minutes after other safari vehicles.

Instead of following a single route, these exclusive safaris allow greater flexibility to explore multiple tracks within the permitted landscapes from morning until evening. Unrestricted movement is possible between the internally connected core gates of Khutwanda, Moharli, Kolara and Navegaon.

Zari and Pangdi are part of the Kolsa range on a different side. Full-day safaris are also possible via buffer gates, with crossover permitted in certain areas of the park.

04

Territorial Zone Safaris

Safaris also take place in four territorial zones: Chora, Shedegaon, Lohara and Karwa around Tadoba. These isolated forest patches or corridors are places where wildlife roams freely. Guests may consider these zones when regular safaris are sold out.

There is currently no online system for booking territorial zone safaris, as a different department handles them. Our reservations team can help by contacting the gate manager or guides.

Into The Forest

Explore beyond a single safari route

With multiple core and buffer gates, Tadoba allows safari planning around permits, available routes and wildlife movement.

Safari Planning

How to Book Tadoba Safari

To book a vehicle and permit for safari in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, guests will need to provide:

Information required for booking

  • Full names of all travellers
  • Age and nationality
  • Government-issued photo ID details, which you need to carry at the time of safari
  • Preferred dates and safari timings

Forest Department Permits

Regular core and buffer safaris and full-day safaris can be booked online directly via the Maharashtra Forest Department website.

When staying at Waghoba Eco Lodge, our reservations team can manage the entire process subject to permit availability, including permit applications, jeep allocation, provision of licensed naturalists and gate coordination, making the experience seamless from arrival to departure.

Visit Safari Booking Portal
Safari Costs

Tadoba Safari Charges

Charges for jeep safaris in Tadoba vary by weekday or weekend slot, buffer or core gate, and how far in advance you book. Core gates are more expensive in both cases.

Booking Lead Time

The price is higher when reserved 120–60 days in advance and cheaper if safaris are less than 60 days away.

Gate Specific

Permits are issued for specific gates and cannot be changed later. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended, particularly between October and June when core zones are operational.

Additional Costs

At a supplemental cost, guests can choose lodge vehicles for better comfort, but no refund is given for forest department jeeps if unused. In-house naturalists can accompany drives at an additional cost.

Full-Day Safari

Full-day safaris are much more expensive than half-day safaris.

Unlike parks in Madhya Pradesh, guests booking safaris in TATR have to pay in advance to reserve a jeep and guide.

Ask the reservations team for current rates, as charges depend on the gate, safari type and date.

Tadoba forest landscape during monsoon
Seasonal Safaris

Jungle Safaris at Tadoba During Monsoon

Tadoba is one of the best places in India for monsoon jungle safaris. While core zones of several tiger reserves, including TATR, close during the rainy season from July to September, Tadoba’s buffer zones remain open even through the monsoon months.

The buffer zones are considered among the best for tiger sightings year-round. The rains bring lush landscapes and cooler temperatures after the summer heat.

For travellers seeking a rewarding safari experience despite the weather and a thriving tiger population, Tadoba is the place to plan your next jungle safari.

Near Waghoba Eco Lodge

Gates Closest to Waghoba Eco Lodge

Set in the buffer zone of the park, Waghoba Eco Lodge enjoys one of the most convenient locations in Tadoba, with quick access to the core gates of Khutwanda (8 km away) and Moharli (20 km away). It is also close to four buffer gates: Junona, Nimdela, Navegaon and Agarzari.

Khutwanda Core zone · Approximately 8 km from the lodge
Moharli Core zone · Approximately 20 km from the lodge
Junona Buffer zone
Nimdela Buffer zone
Navegaon Buffer zone
Agarzari Buffer zone

Being close to multiple gates means your safari itinerary can be adapted to permit availability and recent wildlife movement rather than relying on a single entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tadoba safaris are booked through the Maharashtra Forest Department's permit system. Guests can reserve safaris directly or get in touch with Pugdundee Safaris’ reservation team to arrange the permits, jeep, naturalists and safari schedule on your behalf. Bookings open 120 days ahead of the safari dates. Advance booking is recommended due to limited daily permits.

The cost of a safari in Tadoba depends on the safari gate (core or buffer), distance to drop off to location, type of safari (morning, evening, mid-day, full-day or territorial), weekday or weekend slot, and preference to add a lodge vehicle and additional naturalist. Since tariffs are revised periodically and subject to availability, the best way to receive accurate pricing is to request the latest safari rates before booking.

There isn't a single best gate in Tadoba, as each area of the forest offers a different experience, and sighting patterns change over time. The best thing about Tadoba is that both core and buffer zones see good levels of wildlife activity, unlike other parks. Choose a gate that is close to your lodge so you get more time within the park. With 23 gates offering access to TATR, along with a special concept of 4 territorial zones, exploring multiple zones across your stay usually offers the most rewarding experience.

Yes, the buffer zones of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve are open throughout the year, including the monsoon season from July to September. The rainy season transforms the forest into a lush landscape and offers excellent opportunities to see tigers, leopards, birds and other wildlife in abundance on safari in a quieter setting.

About Pugdundee Safaris
Pugdundee Safaris brings together conscious hospitality and immersive wildlife experiences. Through its award-winning eco-luxe stays, guests get an intimate experience of India’s best tiger reserves while treading lightly on the land.
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