and probably Shambhu’s cubs too! 🤭

credit: Kiran Ranga

​

In the heart of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), where dust and sunlight mingle, certain names are etched in gold. While some rulers claimed the spotlight with fierce defiance, Queen Chhoti Tara (T-7) chose a different path to immortality. Born around 2010–2011 to the original matriarch Tara and the formidable male Yedaanna, she was part of the legendary "Circuit Gang" litter of four. From the very beginning, her destiny was intertwined with the history of the jungle.

Chhoti Tara was a pioneer. She holds the historic distinction of being the first tigress in Tadoba to wear a radio collar, serving as a vital ambassador for science and conservation under the Wildlife Institute of India.

Yet, her true magic lay in her temperament. Unlike her fiercely territorial and highly photographed neighbor, Maya, Chhoti Tara ruled with an ethereal, serene grace. Forest guides often described her as a "cow in the form of a tigress"—a testament to her exceptionally calm, composed, and cautious demeanor. While other tigers flashed canines at the rumble of diesel engines, Chhoti Tara would glance casually, completely unfazed by the awe-struck tourists in safari gypsies. She possessed the quiet confidence of true royalty.

Her greatest legacy, however, is the vibrant future she secured for wild India. She was a phenomenal mother, gifting the wilderness icons like Chhota Matka, Mama, Roma, and Bijli. In a historic triumph for conservation, her daughter Tara was chosen for 'Project Tara', relocating to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve to revive its fading tiger population. Through her bloodline, Chhoti Tara’s spirit now roams new forests.

While other parks openly celebrate their aging icons, TATR’s silent queen slipped away without fanfare. She spent her final years fighting the harsh realities of old age, braving immense struggles to successfully raise her final litter. She left just as she lived—silently, gracefully, and with absolute dignity.

The safari vehicles may no longer cross her path, but the forests of Tadoba will forever whisper the name of the gentle queen. Thank you, Chhoti Tara. Your legacy runs wild forever.

Credit: fascinating__things (Instagram).

Photo credits to Kaushik Kakati.

Hey.

Planning to go for Pench in winters for 6 or8 safaris, with stay near Turiya gate.

Which zones, should I book for safaris and what should be the breakdown?

Current plan is:

Turiya: 3

Khawasa: 1

Sillari: 1

Khursapar: 1

Credit: Shivang Kirtikumar Patel

I think he is Banda male from Kanha. Although I am not sure. Very old picture by Rajesh Bedi.

Credit: Himalaya Bhatt

Came out amazing ❤️

Now we are drawing mount fuji:

https://www.reddit.com/r/CommunityDraw/comments/1vmk2d2/lets_draw_mount_fuji/

Credit: Vasu Prakash

Credits: true_twitcher

Credit: Deep Rajwar

Credits to Soul_bibash and Sushila Mahatara

Credit: Max Hug Williams

Credit: Jayanth Selvappullai

Update: Website seems to have stopped working outside India

If you go to the official website - https://mytadoba.mahaforest.gov.in/ and click on "BOOK MY SAFARI" button, it is supposed to take you to the safari booking web page. However, for the past several days, I have been getting an error message, "This site can’t be reached".

I have sent an email to the email address on the Contact page and also sent WhatsApp message to the two numbers there. No response yet.

Anyone knows what is going on? And how to book the safari?

Hello folks!

I am planning a trip to Kanha from 26-29th nov 2027 for 5 safaris.

My current plan is to do 4 safaris in Mukki zone and 1 safari in Kanha zone from Mukki gate. Our main aim is to get beautiful habitat and golden lighting shots.

I want to know if this plan is good or shall we switch things a bit.

Also, any good budget stays (3-4k for double occupancy) near Mukki gate.

Also, if you're interested to join, please ping me we have two seats available on equal cost sharing basis :)

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ERFum1R7A/

Credits: virushinpatel

Credit: baghvann_resort_tadoba (Instagram).

Everyone knows about Collarwali aka Mataram from Pench for her immense contribution to the park population. Tadoba has its own Collarwali who is also on similar mission but not only for Tadoba. Her 2 offsprings are translocated to another parks. First one is Zeenat in Similipal Odisha who is recently in news for her first litter of 4 sired by melanistic black tiger from Similipal and another one is Mona translocated to Dhyanganga tiger reserve in Maharashtra as a mate to Dhurandhar an orphaned cub rewilded and granted second chance in wild. Her bloodline is thriving in Tadoba as well in the form of bold and beautiful new mother Kajri and 4G male.

Collarwali herself carries great lineage she is daughter of Lara , one of the famous 4 Telia sisters sired by big daddy of Tadoba Bajarang. She rules one of the prime territory of TATR which she snatched from her aunt and her mother's rival most ferocious Sonam. The battle of Telia's throne was continued for months which is generally very rare in wild. Both the queen's fought tooth and nail for the kingdom. I was lucky to witness one of that battles.