Best Zones in Tadoba for Tiger Sightings

A practical, zone-by-zone guide to help you make the most of your safari in Maharashtra’s wild heart

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most rewarding wildlife destinations — not only for the seasoned naturalist, but also for first-time safari-goers hoping to glimpse a tiger in the wild. Sprawling across over 1,700 square kilometres of dry deciduous forest and bamboo thickets in eastern Maharashtra, Tadoba is often called the “Land of the Tigers” — and with good reason.

Unlike more famous parks like Ranthambhore or Corbett, Tadoba has a relatively low tourist footprint, yet boasts one of the highest densities of tigers in India. Here, you won’t just hear about sightings from another jeep — you stand a genuine chance of having your own encounter, often in quieter surroundings.

But if there’s one question every traveller asks before booking their Tadoba safari, it’s this:
“Which zone gives me the best chance of seeing a tiger?”

The answer isn’t entirely straightforward — tiger movements are unpredictable by nature — but some zones consistently produce more sightings than others. And this guide will help you understand them all.

In This Blog

Understanding How Tadoba is Divided

The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is divided into three main regions:

Tadoba Zone (core)
Kolsa Zone (core)
Moharli Zone (core)

Surrounding these are multiple buffer zones, which often offer sightings on par with (or better than) the core areas, thanks to lower tourist numbers and increasing tiger territories.

Each zone has its own entry gate and booking system, and you must choose your zone in advance when booking your safari.

Best Zones for Tiger Sightings in Tadoba

Let’s break down the most well-known core and buffer zones, based on recent sighting trends, landscape features, and overall safari experience.

1. Moharli Zone (Core)

Best for: First-time visitors, consistently high tiger activity, accessibility

This is the most famous and most visited zone in Tadoba — and for good reason. Moharli offers a fantastic blend of tiger sightings, birdlife, lakes, and photographic opportunities.

Notable Tigers: Choti Tara, Maya, and their cubs have frequently been spotted here over the years
Landscape: Grasslands, bamboo patches, and waterholes that draw in wildlife
Sightings: High probability of seeing tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs
Downside: Can get busy in peak season due to popularity

Ideal for: Those who want to maximize their tiger chances with the most safari infrastructure (guides, experienced drivers, good accommodations nearby)

2. Tadoba Zone (Core)

Best for: Scenic drives, quieter safaris, sightings of elusive big cats

This central part of the reserve is less crowded than Moharli and offers excellent tiger territory, although the sightings here can be more hit-or-miss.

Notable Tigers: Wagdoh male (once among the largest in India) was based here, and sightings continue with his lineage
Landscape: Dense forests, hilly terrain, and some of the oldest jungle in the park
Sightings: Good for tigers, leopards, gaur, and a variety of birds
Downside: Visibility is lower due to dense vegetation

Ideal for: Photographers or nature-lovers who want rich forest ambiance and don’t mind waiting longer for big cat sightings.

3. Kolsa Zone (Core)

Best for: Remote jungle atmosphere, lesser crowds, birdwatching

Kolsa is the quietest of the core zones, located deep in the reserve’s southern section. It’s not as tiger-rich as Moharli or Tadoba, but what it lacks in sightings it makes up for in solitude and dense, unbroken forest.

Sightings: Tigers less frequent, but wild dogs, sloth bears, and leopards more commonly seen
Landscape: Tall Sal trees and thick vegetation
Downside: Fewer sightings, limited safari infrastructure

Ideal for: Return travellers or those seeking a deep-forest experience, even if tigers remain elusive.

Distances of the Core Safari Gates from Nagpur or Chandrapur

Gate Name	Distance from Nagpur	Distance from Chandrapur
Moharli Gate	180 km	25 km
Kolara Gate	110–120 km	—
Navegaon Gate	125–140 km	—
Khutwanda Gate	140 km	38–40 km
Zari Gate	187–190 km	35–40 km
Pangadi Gate	150–250 km2	—

Buffer Zones Worth Noting

Buffer zones in Tadoba have become increasingly popular — and in many cases, tiger sightings here rival or even exceed those in core zones, thanks to territory expansion and lower human traffic.

Here are the buffer zones that offer some of the best chances of seeing tigers:

4. Navegaon Zone (Buffer)

Best for: High sighting probability, newer safari routes, close to Moharli

A rising star among the buffer zones, Navegaon has become known for excellent tiger activity, including sightings of cubs and sub-adult males establishing new territories.

Notable Sightings: The offsprings of Maya and Sonam have been recorded here
Safari Experience: Fewer jeeps, better chances of longer uninterrupted sightings
Accommodation Access: Easily reached from Moharli and some high-end lodges

Ideal for: Serious wildlife enthusiasts looking for quieter zones without compromising on tiger action

5. Agarzari Zone (Buffer)

Best for: Close-up sightings near water bodies, proximity to Moharli

Located just outside the core Moharli zone, Agarzari consistently reports frequent tiger sightings, especially around its many waterholes and dense patches.

Unique Feature: Offers walking safaris, a rare experience in Indian tiger reserves
Other Wildlife: Sloth bears, deer, and birds of prey frequently sighted
Best Time: Early mornings in the summer months (April–May)

Ideal for: Repeat travellers wanting an alternative to the busy Moharli zone

6. Zari Zone (Buffer)

Best for: Newer routes, expanding tiger territories, offbeat travel

Zari is another lesser-known zone that’s beginning to get attention for tiger movements and sightings.

Landscape: A mix of bamboo and dry deciduous forest
Sightings: Spotty but increasing — great if you’re lucky
Safari Experience: Peaceful, with fewer jeeps

Ideal for: Travellers who enjoy exploring less-travelled zones with patience

7. Dewada and Junona Zones (Buffer)

Best for: Up-and-coming tiger territory, budget-friendly safaris

These zones are relatively new but showing promising activity. They also tend to have more flexible safari availability, which is helpful if the core zones are booked out.

Ideal for: Last-minute trips or those looking to explore different parts of the reserve

Insider Tips to Maximise Your Tiger Sighting Chances

Book multiple safaris in different zones. Tiger movement is dynamic — visiting at least 2–3 zones increases your chances.
Opt for early morning safaris. Tigers are more active during the cooler hours.
Visit during peak summer (April–May). Harsh heat draws animals to water, increasing chances of sightings near lakes and waterholes.
Choose an experienced naturalist. A good guide or driver can make all the difference in spotting and interpreting wildlife behaviour.
Stay near Moharli Gate. It offers access to multiple core and buffer zones and has the best range of accommodation.

Final Thoughts: So, Which Zone is “Best”?

If you only have time for one or two safaris and want the highest probability of tiger sightings, start with:

Moharli (Core) — High success rate and great infrastructure
Navegaon or Agarzari (Buffer) — Quieter, but equally productive

But if you’re a return traveller, a patient observer, or someone seeking more than just the big cat, don’t overlook:

Tadoba Core — Classic jungle experience
Kolsa — For solitude and deep-forest immersion
Zari, Junona, or Dewada — For a different, more exploratory safari

In Tadoba, there are no guarantees — and that’s part of the magic. But with the right zone, a good guide, and a bit of patience, the odds are in your favour.

Continue Your Journey Here:

Which Zones in Tadoba Have the Best Tiger Sighting Opportunities?

Understanding How Tadoba is Divided