#OurWorldIsAwesome – Edition 13
The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is the largest and oldest national park in Maharashtra, covering 625 sq km. It is home to one of India’s most thriving tiger populations with over 90 tigers – one of the highest densities in India.
The name “Tadoba” comes from a local tribal god “Taru.” Legend holds that Taru was a village chief who was killed in an encounter with a tiger. He was deified, and a shrine dedicated to him now exists beneath a large tree on the banks of Tadoba Lake. “Andhari” refers to the Andhari River that meanders through the forest.
Beyond tigers, the reserve is home to Indian leopards, sloth bears, gaur, wild dogs, marsh crocodiles, Indian pythons, and around 280 species of birds. Summer temperatures can reach 47°C (117°F). And it was once used as hunting grounds before being declared a national park in 1955.
We were fortunate to see a collection of birds and animals like…
A painted stork
A peacock
A crocodile
A sloth bear
A “changeable Hawk Eagle”
However, after a first tiger safari at the beautiful Nagarhole National Park where we didn’t see a tiger, we were hopeful our second attempt at Tadoba would be more successful.
And we hit the jackpot in our first attempt.
A female tiger named Chanda spent an entire hour with us just hanging out. She relaxed, yawned, ate some herbs because she wasn’t feeling well. Walked through the foliage. Marked her territory. Chuffed. Hung out near a water body.
One of the most epic experiences. One that we’ll never forget.
We also got to see her father, Chhota Matka – also called CM. He was just recovering from a deadly fight with another male tiger who had challenged his territory and severely injured him. So he spent his time sunbathing and relaxing by a stream. He’s massive and a famous tiger in these parts.
We didn’t catch any other glimpses of this majestic cat after that first attempt. But that hour of sighting remained the highlight.
Having had the opportunity now to see lions in the wild as well, you just realize that tigers – both in terms of their size and their incredible fur – are truly the most charismatic of mega cats.
It was an unforgettable experience through this iconic forest reserve.
A Learning a Day 