Call of the Tiger in Tadoba

A haven for wildlife enthusiasts and naturalists, the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is perched at a height of 200-350m, to the south of Nagpur. The park covers an area of 625 sq kilometers and is a Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest in Maharashtra. It is definitely India’s most exciting and best protected Tiger Reserve. In order to catch a glimpse of the mighty Big Cat one can take the available gypsy safari or take your own vehicles inside. There are also 2 hour long elephant safaris’ which one can opt for. Explore the wild and keep your eyes open for wildlife such as tigers, panthers, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, bison, barking deer, nil gai, sambar deer, and chital. Chance on the Teliya Lake safari which is the best birding spot and be alert to grasp the exciting opportunity to spot the impressive wildlife. The park is open from 6:00am-10:30am and from 3:00pm-5:30pm.

Shrine of Taru: Enchantingly built under the canopy of a large tree on the pristine shore of Tadoba lake is the Shrine of Taru. It is held in high regard by the adivasis which organize a well attended fair between December and January, during the month of Pushya Maasa according to the Hindu calendar. Clay artifacts of animals exhibited near the idols represent adivasi art and have not changed over the years.

Panchdhara: Take a walk to this exclusive water hole which is 5kms from the Kolara Gate. This walk will undoubtedly leave you spell bound.

Jamunzora: It is also a 5km worthwhile walk from the Moharli gate, with a mélange of grassland and thick jungles endowing the right touch of nature at its best.

Jamunbudi: It is a small hill which is a popular trek route tried out by most visitors to the Park. The terrain within the Park offers wonderful opportunities for Walking & Trekking. A massive spread of hilly tracts which are not so steep can be easily charted through moderate to dense forests. Walks & Nature Trails within the forest is another adventurous activity visitors can indulge in depending upon the availability of their time.

Irai Lake: Located near Moharli gate the beautiful Irai Lake is sure to captivate you. The nearest village is Bhamdeli village. Don’t forget to carry your binoculars as it is a prime birding spot.

Tiger temple: Give your salutations to the king of the forest- the Tiger!! Lovingly known as Vaghoba by the locals, the temple is located in the buffer area. Tourists can visit this charming little temple and give their obeisances while enjoying nature.

Anandwan: Located in Warora with the nearest rail head being Wardhac is Anandvan, it is recommended that you go see the house of the Miracle Worker, Baba Amte. The name Anandwan literally means ‘Forest Of Joy’ which is a self-contained ashram. It is a community rehabilitation centre for leprosy patients and the disabled from downtrodden sections of society. It was founded in 1948 by noted social activist, Baba Amte. One can learn and cultivate an understanding and respect for the people living here.

Revive history by trekking to these 3 impressive forts, which are of a tribal origin:

Manikgad: Named Manikgad after the patron deity of the Mana Nagas – Manikadevi, is an ancient hill fort 507m above sea level in Chandrapur district. Also called as Gadchandur, it is built of large black stones by the Naga kings in the 9 CE would have been a formidable fort in its time. The fort though in ruins is frequently visited by wild animals that live in the vicinity like panthers and boars. Several monuments of historical importance are also present in the area. The fort is built of large black stones and it would have been a formidable fort in its time. Rampart walls of the fort enclose a valley which has ruins of old buildings and store-houses. The southern bastion along with its supporting wall has collapsed however the gateway is still intact.

Ballalpur fort: Situated in Chandrapur (old Chanda) district, Ballalpur now known for its coal mines and paper mills, is 16kms south-east of Chandrapur. The district headquarters, Ballalpur was the capital of King Khandakya Ballalshah during 1437-62 AD. The land fort is built on the eastern banks of the Wardha River having a square shape with walls and bastions. There are still two intact gates set at right angles to each other with a small postern gate on the river side.

Chandrapur fort: This fort was also established by Khandakya Ballalshah in the Chandrapur district. It is an extensive land fort with high walls and bastions, built by Ballal kings. The fort had at its four cardinal points, four impressive gates. The original buildings have vanished, but the gates and a portion of the wall still exists. Now an industrial town, Chandrapur is also famous for its old Mahakali temple.

Trouble free visit to Rhino-land at Porbitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Very few of you must know about the Porbitora Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located about 40 km from Guwahati, in Mayong which has often been called India's magic capital. With a history that is bound to scare the daylights out of believers and make others gape in wonder, the peaceful ambience somehow looks like a cloak of mystery. There is an eerie silence that envelopes this little village, but it is a welcomed silence. The morning light finds this silence replaced by the tweeting of a thousands birds. The best time to visit this avian paradise is during the onset of winter from December- February. It is during this time that many migratory birds along with a few threatened species are easily spotted here. Spotting of the one-horned Rhino is also very easy. The chances of spotting these beauties are easily a 10 fold more than at Kaziranga National Park.


Today Mayong's fascinating stories are attracting tourists, prompting the government to develop this place as a tourist hotspot. Wildlife enthusiasts can just take this short ride from Guwahati and stay at Porbitora Wildlife Sanctuary. I chanced to stay at a lovely resort called Maibong. One will not miss it as it lays just a heartbeat away from the entry point to the sanctuary. Be prepared to be pampered by the traditional Assamese hospitality which is always at your beck and call. One can book a jeep safari at any point of the day from 7:00 to 15:00 hrs. Please take into consideration that the sunrises early and sets around 16:30 hrs. One can blink away their sleep while just paying attention to their wakeup call. If you are staying at Maibong you could walk down to an impressive hanging bridge. The beauty lies in the Pipal tree on the side of the pond which houses crimson barbets, blue throated barbets and a few other birds.

Enjoy the elephant safari which is open only from 7:00-8:00. Brace yourselves to get a first hand view of the mighty one-horned Rhino or a herd of Wild Buffalos all grazing freely amidst domesticated cattle. There is also a chance of viewing the wild boar. Also keep your eyes trained to the sky as there is a possibility of spotting a majestic bird of prey like the Osprey or serpent eagle and many more. At Porbitora Wildlife Sanctuary there are many water birds that you will easily come across.

An interesting fact about this place is that it is a grazing land that has been turned into a Sanctuary on the suggestion of the locals. There is also an impressive island created in the center of the Sanctuary which acts as a safe ground for the animals during the monsoon. The entire land gets flooded by the mighty Brahmaputra that flows in all its glory and might during the monsoons. If you get a chance you could also arrange to catch a sunset on the white sandy beaches of the mightily handsome Brahmaputra. Finally you can call it a day while you hear the birds settling in for the night. Explore this wildlife paradise which is known only to a few. Be captivated by the untamed beauty of the land with all its simplicity and its various colors.