Tadoba Safari Gets Pricier; Core Zone to Close from July 1 for Monsoon

Time of India

a day ago

Chandrapur: Planning a tiger safari at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)? Be prepared to pay more, as the reserve—famous for its thrilling tiger sightings—has hiked its safari charges by Rs1,000 per gypsy.
The revised rates came into effect just two days ago, catching many tourists off guard.
As per the new structure, a single safari in the core zone will now cost Rs8,800 on weekdays and Rs12,800 on weekends and public holidays if the booking is made 60 to 120 days in advance. Similarly, if booked between 9 and 60 days before the safari, the trip will cost Rs5,800 on weekdays and Rs6,800 on weekends. These rates will be effective from the new season, as core safaris reopen for tourists on October 1.
Safaris in the buffer zone have also become costlier, with charges rising to Rs6,000 on weekdays and Rs7,000 on weekends and holidays. Tourists who had booked their trips in advance will not be affected by the hike, but those who made bookings in the past couple of days are already feeling the pinch.
Resort owners and guides have expressed concern over the sudden increase, especially as basic infrastructure in the buffer areas remains underdeveloped.
Meanwhile, Tadoba's core safari gates will close for the monsoon season and reopen on October 1, according to field director Prabhu Nath Shukla.
"Some buffer gates will remain open during the monsoon period. The buffer zones significantly decongest core areas, support community-based tourism, and ensure wider access to wildlife sightings," he said.
He added that as the monsoon approaches, it becomes crucial to regulate tourism activities to ensure the safety of tourists and allow nature to rejuvenate.
Consequently, core gates remain closed during this period, while a few buffer gates stay open.
Tourists, safari enthusiasts, and stakeholders are advised to check availability and book safaris only through the official website: mytadoba.mahaforest.gov.in.
The forest department clarified that the annual closure is necessary to prevent damage to the reserve's ecosystem and to ensure visitor safety, as muddy and unpaved roads become risky during heavy rains.
Though the monsoon arrived earlier this year, safari bookings had already been made until June 30, making it difficult for the authorities to shut the zone before the usual July 1 timeline.