Maya Queen of Tadoba, Lady of the Lake and one of the star attractions

Tadoba tiger reserve is one of the larger reserves and off the main tourist track, but fast becoming well know among the wildlife enthusiasts. Primarily for its regular tiger, leopard and Sloth Bear sightings. It’s been regularly featured by National Geographic and Discovery Channel in recent years. Star of the reserve is undoubtedly a tigress known as Maya T 12 . Who is often referred to as the “Lady of the Lake” due to the frequent sightings of her either wading across Tadoba lake or lounging in the water holes on the reserve.

tigress known as Maya P2 — **Tigress known as Maya** *T 12*

Maya is apparently one of four sub-adult tigers, whose mother had died due to a snake-bite. Her survival into adulthood seemed to hang in the balance for some time. Since then she has produced her first cubs in 2014 but unfortunately these didn’t survive. Rumors suggested they were either abandoned or killed, but happily according to reports she is once again pregnant.

Maya’s the Tigers regal look — **Maya’s regal look**

Although its great to see these special creatures in the wild, there are unfortunately some growing problems. During the time we visited, it happen to be over a weekend, at one point there were 15 + Jeeps, two coaches and a mini bus in a jam. In total the hold up lasted about 2 hours all waiting for Maya to emerge from a water hole (which she may or may not have been resting in). This amount of pressure over time could have an adverse effect on the well being of the tiger and her cubs. Also it doesn’t do justice to the other wildlife of the area. We decided not to join the queue but visited another area of the reserve, which we had almost to ourselves.