Tadoba Tiger Reserve – March 2026
Our March journey into Central India took us first into the forests of Tadoba Tiger Reserve before continuing on to Kanha, each reserve unfolding in its own way. We quickly settled into the rhythm of early starts, dusty tracks and the quiet anticipation that comes with every safari. Some moments were full of energy and excitement, others more reflective, but together they created a rewarding experience in one of India’s most remarkable wildlife regions.
On to Tadoba
After a long journey via Doha, we finally arrived in Nagpur in the early hours, spending our first night in India. A short rest and early breakfast set us up for the drive to Tadoba, and it didn’t take long before the trip properly began. A brief stop by a lakeside turned into an unexpected burst of birdlife, with Blue Rock Thrush, Black Stork, Eurasian Hoopoe and Northern Pintail all making an appearance.
Afternoon Drive
Reaching Svasara Jungle Lodge in time for lunch, we had a chance to settle in before heading out for our first afternoon safari. Passing through the same gate we’d used on our previous visit in 2015 brought back a sense of familiarity, but the forest ahead felt as full of promise as ever. The highlight of the drive came with a sighting of Jungle Cat pausing just long enough to get a clear view. Further sightings included a small group of Gaur , some playful Langurs on the track, and a Common Hawk-Cuckoo with a caterpillar—povide some interesting images
Day 2 – Tigers and Leopards
On a previous visit to Tadoba, we were fortunate to encounter the well-known Tigress P12, Maya—so expectations were naturally high returning to the reserve. Day two certainly didn’t disappoint, delivering a memorable mix of both Tigers and Leopards. The morning drive towards Moharli was particularly rewarding. Near Telia Lake, two sub-adult Tiger cubs appeared in beautiful early light, moving quietly through their surroundings. Birdlife added to the scene, with Pied Kingfisher, Red Junglefowl, Red Spurfowl, Greater Racket-tailed Drongos and Bee-eaters all active nearby.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, a carcass deep in the forest revealed a Leopard feeding, soon joined by a smaller individual, likely its cub. Watching this interaction unfold in Tiger territory was a real highlight. The return drive continued the momentum, with a sub-adult male Tiger resting close to the road, followed by another male stalking Chital. A brief but memorable Sloth Bear sighting just before exit rounded off an exceptional day
Day 3 – A Change of Pace
Our second full day began with a familiar sight—the Jungle Cat once again patrolling its territory near the lake. Birdlife remained active, with Common Hawk-Cuckoo, Green Pigeon and Common Babbler all seen during the morning.
As we moved deeper into the reserve, alarm calls and fresh tracks built anticipation. Although another vehicle was rewarded with a sighting of a relaxed male Tiger, we weren’t quite in position—but the search still produced excellent views of a White-eyed Buzzard..
A return to the kill site once again paid off, with both Leopards resting together on a fallen log, completely at ease and offering prolonged views. The afternoon unfolded at a slower pace around the park’s ponds, with productive birding and opportunities to photograph several deer species. A Crested Serpent Eagle provided a fitting end to a more relaxed but rewarding day.
Final Day – A Memorable Finish
Our final full day in Tadoba took us into a new area through the Chauradeo Gate and into the buffer zone. It quickly became one of the most memorable mornings of the trip. It quickly became one of the most memorable mornings of the trip. A female Tiger emerged from the forest and crossed the track ahead of us, followed by her four cubs, one by one. It was an unhurried, magical moment that held everyone’s attention.
The rest of the morning was spent exploring the water bodies in the area, adding several new bird species to the list. Later, we were treated to a remarkable sighting of three Sloth Bears out in the open, with one individual fending off what appeared to be a male—an unusual and engaging interaction to witness.
More Images taken in Tadoba Tiger Reserve
As things quietened down, we found a Jungle Owlet resting in a tree hollow, while nearby Nilgai offered good views in the open. A relaxed coffee stop was made all the more enjoyable by a group of Grey Langurs playing along the path and at a small water hole and a brief sighting of a Asian Grey Mongoose.
The afternoon drive, in another new section of the buffer zone, began quietly before picking up with sightings of Orange-headed Thrush and Crested Serpent Eagle. Then, as the light softened, a female Tiger appeared, moving steadily through the forest. She passed very close to the vehicle, offering excellent photographic opportunities. Her condition suggested she may have been pregnant—an encouraging sign for the future of Tadoba.
The following morning, it was time to leave, beginning the long drive onward to Kanha.