A complete guide to accessing Maharashtra’s best-kept Tadoba Tiger Reserve by air, train, and road
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve — often called the “Land of the Tigers” — is tucked away in the heart of eastern Maharashtra, a region where dry deciduous forest gives way to bamboo thickets, riverbeds, and waterholes. What makes Tadoba special isn’t just its impressive tiger population, but the feeling that you’re entering a quieter, less-commercialised wilderness, far from the chaos of urban India.
Yet, despite its remote vibe, Tadoba is remarkably accessible — especially if you’re planning well in advance. Whether you’re flying in, arriving by train, or road-tripping from another part of India, this guide will help you understand the best way to reach Tadoba Tiger Reserve, step by step.
Where Is Tadoba National Park Located?
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, about 150 km south of Nagpur, near the border with Telangana. It covers over 1,700 square kilometres of core and buffer zones, and is one of India’s oldest and best-protected tiger reserves.
The park has multiple entry gates, and your travel logistics may vary depending on which zone or gate you’re staying near. The most popular ones are Moharli, Navegaon, Kolara, Zari, and Pangdi.
By Air: Nearest Airport to Tadoba National Park
Nagpur Airport (Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport – NAG)
- Distance to Tadoba (Moharli Gate): Approx. 140–150 km
- Driving Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
- Airport Code: NAG
This is the most convenient airport for both domestic and international travellers visiting Tadoba. Nagpur is a major city and air hub in central India, with frequent flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, and other cities.
Airlines Flying into Nagpur:
- IndiGo
- Air India
- Vistara
- SpiceJet
- Akasa Air
- Go First (seasonal)
From Nagpur Airport to Tadoba:
- Private Taxi/Transfer: Most lodges will arrange pick-up from Nagpur airport. Expect to pay ₹3,500–₹5,500 depending on vehicle type.
- Self-Drive: Car rentals are available at Nagpur; driving is comfortable via NH44 and NH930D.
- Public Transport: Less recommended due to lack of direct connectivity; train + cab is easier if you’re not booking private transport.
Tip: Plan for daytime arrival in Nagpur so you can reach your lodge by evening.
By Train: Nearest Railway Stations to Tadoba
1. Chandrapur Railway Station (CD)
- Distance to Moharli Gate: ~35 km
- Driving Time: ~45 minutes
- Connectivity: Direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Nagpur, Pune, and other major cities
This is the closest and most convenient railhead to reach Tadoba, especially the Moharli zone — the park’s most popular entry point.
Trains like the Gondwana Express, Tamil Nadu Express, and Kerala Express stop here regularly.
Facilities:
- Small but efficient station
- Auto-rickshaws and cabs available outside
- Pre-book a car through your lodge or local tour operator for a smooth transfer
2. Nagpur Railway Station (NGP)
- Distance to Tadoba (Moharli Gate): ~145 km
- Travel Time: 3.5–4 hours
If you can’t find a suitable train to Chandrapur, Nagpur is the next best option. From here, hire a car or taxi to Tadoba.
By Road: Driving to Tadoba from Major Cities
Tadoba is well-connected by national and state highways, making it accessible for road trips from cities in Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Here’s a breakdown of popular road routes:
Travel From Nagpur
- Route: Nagpur – Umred – Chimur – Moharli
- Distance: ~140–150 km
- Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
- Road Conditions: Good, scenic, with some winding sections near Chimur
Nagpur is the most preferred base for Tadoba travellers. Whether you’re driving yourself or hiring a cab, it’s a manageable journey through forested countryside.
From Chandrapur
- Route: Chandrapur – Moharli Gate
- Distance: ~35 km
- Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Why it’s ideal: Shortest route for train travellers
Travel From Hyderabad
- Distance: ~420 km
- Time: 8–9 hours by car
- Route: Hyderabad – Adilabad – Chandrapur – Moharli
- Note: Great option for combining Tadoba with Telangana heritage or city stay
From Mumbai
- Distance: ~850–900 km
- Time: 14–16 hours (best broken into two days)
- Route: Mumbai – Aurangabad – Nagpur – Tadoba
- Note: Consider flying or taking an overnight train instead
Travel From Pune
- Distance: ~800 km
- Time: 13–14 hours
- Route: Pune – Akola – Nagpur – Tadoba
- Tip: Ideal for overlanders or multi-park circuits (e.g., Pench, Nagzira, Tadoba)
Which Entry Gate Should You Aim For?
Tadoba has multiple gates, and the gate you choose will impact where you stay, which zone you explore, and how you get there. Read more: Which Zones in Tadoba Have the Best Tiger Sighting Opportunities?
Popular Entry Gates:
| Gate | Proximity To | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Moharli | Chandrapur (35 km), Nagpur (150 km) | Best tiger sightings, most accommodations |
| Kolara | Nagpur (120 km) | Quieter, scenic forest drives |
| Navegaon | Nagpur (140 km) | Excellent sightings, fewer vehicles |
| Zari, Pangdi, Junona | Varying distances from Nagpur or Chandrapur | Good for buffer zones, lesser crowds |
If you’re a first-time visitor focused on tiger sightings, Moharli or Navegaon are often recommended.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Arrival
- Book transport in advance, especially in peak season (March–May)
- Check safari gate assignments before choosing your accommodation — being at the wrong gate can mean long morning drives
- Reach by afternoon to settle in and enjoy the surroundings before your early morning safari
- Most safari bookings are online, and zone choice is essential — transport logistics should match your permit
Final Thoughts: Getting There Is Part of the Wild Experience
Reaching Tadoba might not be a matter of hopping on a direct flight or express train to the gate — but that’s precisely why it feels so special when you arrive. The forest doesn’t come to you easily. You step into its rhythm.
Whether you’re flying in from Mumbai, catching a train from Delhi, or driving through forest-fringed roads from Nagpur, the journey to Tadoba is a transition from city to sanctuary — a chance to leave speed behind and start listening.
Because when the alarm rings at 4:45 AM and your gypsy jeep hums to life in the chill air, you’ll be glad you made the effort. The wild is waiting.
Continue Your Journey Here:
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- Discover Kudremukh National Park
- A Birdwatcher’s Guide to India’s Best Sanctuaries
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- Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
- National Parks in Himachal Pradesh
- Ranthambore Safari Booking Guide
- Nanda Devi National Park Safari Guide
- Keoladeo National Park Safari Details
- How to Visit Jhalana Leopard Safari Park
- Plan Your Trip: Ahmedabad to Gir National Park Guide
- Perfect Season to See Wildlife in Kaziranga
- When Should You Plan a Trip to Jim Corbett?
- How to Reach Satpura National Park: A Complete Guide
- What Are the Safari Timings in Periyar Tiger Reserve?
- Which Zones in Tadoba Have the Best Tiger Sighting Opportunities?
