Tadoba national park is said to be the jewel of Vidarbha. It’s is one of India’s 50 Project tiger reserves. Todoba tiger reserve lies in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state. Its more prominently know as oldest and largest national park of Maharashtra. Total area of the reserve including surrounding forest is 1728km2. This area now approximately shelters more than 100 tigers. Tadoba lake and Irai water reservoir is main water source and also offers good habitat for Muggar crocodiles. There are other wetlands like Kolsa lake and Andhari river. Teak wood is predominantly found in the forest. Tadoba National Park has endless treasure trove of large number of species of trees & plants and wildlife like panthers, tigers, hyenas, sloth bears, wild dogs, jackals, barking deer, bison, sambar, herd of deer to name a few.
History of Tadoba National Park – Tadoba or Taru was the god’s name of tribal people who reside in the Tadoba forest. It is believed that Taru was a chief of village, who was killed in a legendary encounter with a tiger. After this, a shrine was made dedicated to the God Taru. Shrine exists under a huge tree and on the bank of Tadoba Lake. Likewise, ‘Andhari’ name was given due to Andhari River that wanders through the forest.