Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve lies in Chandrapur district of eastern Maharashtra, within reach of both Chandrapur and Nagpur. Described as the oldest and largest park in the state, it covers around 620 sq km of tropical dry deciduous forest and is among the best places in India to see Bengal tigers. Its name joins Taru, a god revered by local tribes, with the Andhari River that flows through it.

Visitors explore by open gypsy jeep on safaris that need to be booked well ahead because places are limited. Besides tigers, the teak and bamboo forest holds leopards, dholes, sloth bears, jungle cats, honey badgers, sambar and chital. Marsh crocodiles and Indian star tortoises live around the lakes, and more than 195 bird species have been recorded, including the crested serpent eagle and the paradise flycatcher. Taru's shrine stands by the water, and tribal communities hold a festival for him in winter.