TADOBA National Park - It's Time for a Tiger!

Not the Singapore brand of beer, folks 😉

In December 2023, my dream of experiencing a tiger safari finally came true. This time, it was a family affair, with my husband's immediate family joining in on the adventure. Over the years, I had heard a lot about the tiger reserves in India, with Ranthambore and Jim Corbett National Park being the usual suspects. However, a new contender, Tadoba National Park in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, around 150kms from Nagpur city, caught our attention due to its high sighting chances. Our journey to captivating Tadoba began with a flight from Mumbai to Nagpur, a city fondly known as the 'Orange City.' Nagpur serves as a central hub, surrounded by the untamed wilderness of several tiger reserves. With its unique distinction as the Tiger Capital of India, it acted as a gateway to the thrilling adventures that awaited us.

Following the recommendation of my niece, Shefali, we chose The Spotted Owlet for our stay. This boutique homestay, crafted with a keen eye for detail, takes its name from the cute owl that graces the property. Nestled strategically just 2 kms away from the primary safari gate, The Spotted Owlet proved to be a gem in the heart of the Tadoba buffer. Managed by the passionate wildlife conservationist Hans Dalal, this homestay offers more than just comfortable lodging; it provides a unique opportunity to connect with the essence of Tadoba. As we settled into The Spotted Owlet, we couldn't help but appreciate the dedication to conservation and the meticulous attention to detail that earned this homestay a well-deserved feature in Conde Nast.

https://www.cntraveller.in/story/at-this-eco-friendly-homestay-in-tadoba-experience-the-jungle-at-your-doorstep/

The accommodation offered three private cottages, each with a distinct theme inspired by the owner's favorite parks: Ranthambore, Tadoba, and Bandhavgarh. Surpassing our expectations, the cottages not only boasted cleanliness and comfort but also allowed us to immerse ourselves in the ambience of the theme.

However, what truly stood out for us foodies were the culinary delights served during our stay. The full-board accommodation included scrumptious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Opting for a unique experience, we enjoyed our breakfasts during the morning safari, strategically pausing at the halfway mark—a thoughtful touch that accommodated not just our rumbling tummies but also our need for convenience, including a timely washroom break. The owner, a self-professed food enthusiast, has imparted his culinary cravings to the staff. A wood-fired oven on the premises elevated our dining experience, treating us to delectable wood-fired pizzas and perfectly grilled starters during one memorable dinner. 

Sheetal, the resident cook, showcased her culinary prowess with an incredibly light pizza dough crafted from scratch. The entire staff at the property personified courtesy, enhancing the overall pleasure of our stay. Evenings were a delight, as we gathered in the dining hall post-dinner, engaging in a variety of games that added a touch of camaraderie to our nights.

During the meticulous planning stage, the invaluable recommendation from my niece was to embark on 2 core zone safaris and 2 buffer zone safaris. Avantika, the ever-helpful liaison at The Spotted Owlet, seamlessly handled our safari bookings and coordinated efficient transport arrangements to and from Nagpur airport, ensuring a hassle-free holiday.

Opting for both core and buffer zone safaris proved sage advice, as the flora and landscape unveiled during these distinct safaris presented a striking contrast. It added a layer of diversity to our exploration, making each excursion a unique and enriching experience. Another worthwhile recommendation was selecting a naturalist guide. Their profound knowledge not only heightened our awareness of the surroundings but also enriched the entire safari experience, turning it into an educational and insightful journey.

Now, the question lingering in the minds of every wildlife enthusiast: "Did we spot a tiger?" The answer, a resounding "Yes!"—not just one, but two majestic creatures. The first, a distant cub, sparked excitement on our core zone safari. However, the true spectacle unfolded during our first buffer zone safari when we encountered Paras, a renowned male tiger. Paras had recently made headlines for engaging in a territorial tussle at Agarzari Gate with another tiger named Taaru. Both around 5 to 6 years old, these tigers showcased the raw essence of the jungle. Our encounter with Paras was nothing short of thrilling, as he stood on his rear legs, reaching up to scratch a tree trunk—a powerful gesture marking his territory. The serendipity continued as our driver, fueled by an infectious enthusiasm, skilfully navigated through the jungle, chasing Paras to ensure an optimal sighting. Despite the likelihood of such experiences being routine for our driver, his genuine passion for the wildlife chase was palpable, adding an extra layer of excitement to our adventure.

During our final safari, an unexpected thrill unfolded as we found ourselves face to face with a leopard, gracefully strolling right in front of our jeep—an extraordinary moment. What made the encounter truly fascinating was the leopard's nonchalant demeanor, seemingly oblivious to the cluster of jeeps around. We were privileged to observe this majestic creature leisurely navigating its territory, a sight that lingered in our memories.  Capturing such moments requires a well-coordinated effort, and the guides excelled in this aspect. They maintained seamless communication with each other via phones, instantly relaying news of noteworthy sightings. It's truly remarkable how they navigate the dense jungle, ensuring that every safari vehicle has the opportunity to witness nature's wonders up close.

Beyond these key sightings, our four safaris treated us to a plethora of wildlife encounters. As an ardent birdwatcher, I was ecstatic to spot numerous bird species along the way. A vibrant photo of the green bee-eater is a testament to the avian wonders that colored our Tadoba experience.

With an unexpected extension to our stay due to a postponed flight, we seized the opportunity to explore the Irai dam through a morning boat ride.

The photo of the Irai dam captures the tranquility of the water, and the experience proved equally spectacular as we marveled at the sight of migratory birds. Our timing couldn't have been better, as a flock of bar-headed geese had arrived just a day prior.

So our Tadoba trip unfolded as nothing short of a lifetime experience, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and a lingering desire for more. The captivating encounters with tigers, leopards, and the myriad of wildlife have ignited a newfound passion for the untamed beauty of the jungle and I find myself eagerly anticipating the prospect of many more safari tales yet to be written.

For fellow wildlife enthusiasts, here's a comprehensive list of all the animals and birds that graced our 4-day, 3-night sojourn in Tadoba, a testament to the rich biodiversity that makes this sanctuary a haven for nature lovers:

Deer
1. Sambar deer
2. Barking deer
3. Spotted deer
 
Birds
1. Mottled Wood-owl
2. Shikra - raptor
3. Red-wattled lapwing
4. Rufous treepie - it eats pieces of meat, insect moths and fruits trapped between the teeth of the tiger so is called a ‘tiger’s dentist’.
5. Black-hooded ibis
6. Common egret
7. Cattle egret
8. Open bill stork
9. Spotted dove
10. Red-vented bulbul
11. Plum-headed parakeet
12. Little Cormorant
13. Oriental Darter / Indian darter / snakebird
14. Black Drongo
15. Greater Racket-tailed drongo
16. Red-rumped Swallow
17. Crow pheasant / Greater coucal
18. Peacocks / peahens
19. White-throated kingfisher
20. Asian Green bee-eater
21. Green imperial pigeon
22. Yellow-footed green pigeon
23. Jungle owlet
24. Common sandpiper
25. Red avadavat (munia)
26. Jungle babbler
27. Spotted owlet
28. Khaki campbells (ducks)
29. Flameback woodpecker
30. White-breasted water hen
 
Other Animals
1. Hanuman langur
2. Marsh Crocodile
3. Indian grey Mongoose
4. Wild boar
5. Bengal TIGER - cub from a distance and large, male, Paras
6. Nilgai
7. Indian Leopard
8. Indian gaur / bison / wild buffalo
9. Sloth bear
10. Funnel-web spider
 
Irai dam
1. White-throated kingfisher
2. Cotton Pygmy-goose
3. Bar-headed goose
4. Purple heron
5. Purple moorhen
6. River tern
7. Lesser Whistling ducks
8. Red-crested pochards
9. Black ibis
10. Open bill stork
11. Little cormorant
12. Pond heron
13. Oriental Darter / Indian darter / snakebird
14. Eurasian coot (duck)