TADOBA - ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE (21st Dec to 25th Dec'11)

Dates : 21st Dec, 2011 to 25th Dec, 2011 (including travel days)

The bookings for one of the most bio-diverse Tiger park, Tadoba - Andhari Tiger Reserve trip is on…..book your seats fast, because this is something which you should miss... (For all the detail including charges, itinerary etc see at the end).....

See earlier trip reports......

http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.com/2009/07/final-trip-reports.html#tadoba

http://sillbills.blogspot.com/2010/05/tadoba-andhari-national-park.html

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The ABODE OF TIGER - TADOBA

There was this small waterhole called “Katezhari”, where our jeep was stationed one early morning, when we suddenly heard the alarm calls of atleast 2 Barking deers coming from the north-west valley…..as minutes passed, the calls seemed closer and were with more intensity, surely the Big cat was coming towards the waterhole....Meanwhile another contrasting drama was unfolding in front of us .....a Brown fish-Owl was coolly hunting the myriad frogs from the pool; a superb male Paradise flycatcher was bathing leisurely wetting his dangling long ribbon-like tail streamers. An Indian Pitta was rummaging amongst the forest litter near-by, unmindful of the approaching alarm calls …..The atmosphere was both thrilling, chilling and happening.....our anticipation was at its peak……. We were experiencing this right inside the heart of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)……..

Tadoba National Park is situated in the district of Chandrapur in the north-eastern part of Maharashtra, often referred to as “The Jewel of Vidarbha”. It is the oldest national park of the State of Maharahtra and since 1995, a Project Tiger Reserve. It derives its name from the local God, "Taru". The legend goes that the village chief "Taru" was killed in an epic fight with the tiger. He is worshipped by all the local villagers as the deity of "Tadoba".

Tadoba-andhari Tiger reserve was established in 1995. The area of the Reserve is 625.40 sq. km. This includes Tadoba National Park, created in 1955 with an area of 116.55 sq. km. and andhari Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1986 with an area of 508.85 sq. km. Thickly clad hills form the northern and western boundary of the Tiger Reserve. To the southwest is a huge lake which acts as a buffer between the park's forest and the extensive farmland which extends up toIrai Lake.

A marvelous site for the wild life enthusiasts, Tadoba has rich collections of flora and fauna. Tiger, Panther and Wild dogs are the major carnivores in this area which feed on the herbivores. Sambar is the most preferred food of the Tiger and Chital comes second in preference. Wild boars and Gaurs are also hunted by the Tiger. Panther hunts common langur, female chital, Sambar fawns, Wild boar etc. Wild dogs hunt in packs feed on Wild boar, Chital, Sambar. Sloth bear is an omnivorous animal that feeds on fruits of mango, jamun, bel, tendu, mahuwa flowers, honey and termites. The common herbivores like Chital, Sambar, Gaur, Chausinga feed on Grasses, young shoots and leaves of Bamboo and other species like Ghoti, Apta, Ber, Khair and fruits of many species. There are 29 natural saltlicks in the Tiger Reserve. The mesmerizing trails of Tadoba could be a treasured experience of a lifetime.

Flora : The land vegetation according to Champion and Seth's classification belongs to the sub group Southern tropical Dry Deciduous Forest with teak as dominant species. The main associates of teak are Ain, Bija, Dhauda, Haldu, Salai, Semal, Tendu and Bamboo. Almost 40% area is covered with bamboo. Trees of Jamun, Mango, Arjun are found in the moist area.

Fauna : Mammals - Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur or Indian Bison, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Wild Boar, Four-Horned Antelope, Wild Dog , Langoor, Nilgai, Marsh Crocodile are commonly sighted in the Tiger Reserve by the tourists.Ratel, Flying Squirrel, Palm Civet, Indian Civet, Leopard Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Pangolin and Jackal are also reported.


Fauna : Birds - Oriental Honey & White-eyed Buzzard, Indian Pitta, Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Roller, Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Changeable Hawk eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Savana Nightjar, Painted Sandgrouse, Black-hooded Oriole, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Monarch Flycatcher, racket-tailed and White-bellied Drongo, Large Cuckooshrike, Oriental White eye, grey Hornbill, Grey Jungle-fowl, Golden Oriole, Large green barbet.

Click here to see some old reports & a photo blog of Vivek Kale (our last year participant)

http://nattadoba.rediffblogs.com/

http://addithebirde.blogspot.com/2004_05_01_archive.html

https://picasaweb.google.com/111571097316915498046/TadobaAndhariTigerReserveMay2010?feat=email

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Travel Itinerary

Day 1 (Wednesday 21st Dec'11) : Board the 15:00 Hrs train 12139 Sevagram Express from Mumbai CST to Chandrapur

Day 2 (Thursday 22nd Dec'11) : Reach Chandrapur at 10:00 Hrs – Proceed to MTDC resort, Moharli gate, Tadoba at 11:00 hrs – Lunch - Evening Safari (3 pm to 7 pm) - Before dinner, talk / presentationon on "Tigers of India" - Night halt in MTDC resort

Day 3 (Friday 23rd Dec Dec'11) : Morning Safari (6am to 10 am) – Return for Lunch – Rest / Birdwatching at the lake - Evening safari (3 pm to 7 pm) – Before dinner, discussion and revision of the day's sightings -Dinner - Night Stay in MTDC

Day 4 (Saturday 24th Dec'11) : Morning Safari (6 am to 10 am) – Return for Lunch – Birdwatching around the lake overlooking the MTDC Resort – Proceed to Nagpur station to board the 12152 Samarsata Express Train to Mumbai at 18:00

Day 5 (Sunday 25th Dec'11): Reach Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus by 07:30 am

Trip Charges: Rs.8600/--only (Includes Non-AC rooms on Twin Sharing Basis in MTDC Resort, 1 kms from Moharli Gate, Local travel by 4x4 open jeeps, Total 4 Safaris inside the park, Veg. meals, Breakfast, Fruits, Park Permits, Park entry charges, Guide charges, Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water)…….

This does not include Travel charges from Mumbai-Chandrapur-Mumbai or any charges other than the above. However, Assistance for train booking will be given ....

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com with contact details and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.3000/- after our confirmation mail…..The remaining amount will be collected on the day of travel.

Kindly register soon to avoid the rush for train bookings……….

Group Size: Max 13 Pax only

Stay Arrangement: MTDC Resort, 1 kms from Moharli Gate, Tadoba on a Twin sharing basis. This resort overlooks a large lake, an excellent place to spend your time watching birds while you take your afternoon siesta….

Resource Persons: Mr.Adesh Shivkar, Mr.Mandar Khadilkar & Mr.Manish Verma (local expert of TATR)



Mode of Payment: You can either

1) Transfer the advance money directly to our HDFC A/c (Please send a mail for details).. please mention your name, date and other details….

2) Courier a cheque of Rs.3000/- as advance amount to the following address
Name: Mr.Adesh Shivkar
Address: D-8, The Adi Janata Society, Behind HP Petrolpump, Sion (East), Mumbai-400022.

Please Note:
1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 3000/- is strictly non-refundable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India tours

Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification. For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 / 9820455713(Adesh) or 9930318665 / 9967518665 (Mandar)....

Hope to see you for this wonderful trip Thanks for your patience.

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect & Conserve