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Safari booking · 2026

How to book a Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve safari

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra — booking opens ~120 days before your safari date. Sightings are best in April–June. Safaris start at ₹5,600 for Indian visitors. Below: zones, fees, IDs and the real booking pitfalls — every line source-cited and verified, not a guess off a blog.

Booking window

Verified 2026-06-03
Booking authority
Maharashtra Forest Department
Opens in advance
120 days
Park open
October–May
Closed
June–September

Core zone online quota opens 120 days in advance. Recommend booking 60–90 days ahead for peak season. Buffer zone spot bookings available subject to availability.

Book on the official portal →

Safari types & fees

TypeSeatsFee
Gypsy (Jeep)
morning · afternoon
Weekday 0–60 days advance. Includes entry (1800–2800), guide (700), gypsy fee (3300). Weekend rates higher; 61–120 days advance INR 9500 weekday, INR 14000 weekend.
6₹5,600 (Indian) · ₹5,600 (foreigner)
Buffer Zone Full-Day Safari
full day
Weekday rate; weekend INR 7000
6₹6,000 (Indian) · ₹6,000 (foreigner)

Core Gypsy: 0–60 days advance INR 5600 weekday / 6500 weekend. 61–120 days advance INR 9500 weekday / 14000 weekend. All-inclusive vehicle + entry + guide. Buffer full-day: 6000 INR weekday / 7000 weekend. Camera surcharge INR 250–300. Flat fee structure for all nationalities; special photography permits much higher.

Zones & gates

  • Kolara

    Best for: Diverse terrain; meadows, bamboo, teak; quieter feel; Nagpur side entry

    Historic gateway; good for wildlife diversity

  • Moharli

    Best for: Iconic lakes; lively lodge cluster; Chandrapur side entry

    Historic gateway; popular with tourists

  • Navegaon

    Best for: Core zone access

  • Khutwanda

    Best for: Core zone access

  • Zari

    Best for: Core zone access

  • Pangdi

    Best for: Core zone access

Core zone (~625 sq km, 6 gates) open Oct 1–May 31 (2026: closes Jun 15 early). Tourism only via advance online booking at safaribooking.mahaforest.gov.in. Buffer zone (~1102 sq km, 16 gates) is transition landscape; spot bookings at gates. Core has better tiger density and sighting probability.

How to book, step by step

  1. 1Go to the official portal (linked above)
  2. 2Click User Login > Sign Up
  3. 3Fill registration form with name, email, mobile, CAPTCHA
  4. 4Verify OTP sent to mobile
  5. 5Complete KYC (mandatory; safari option disabled without it)
  6. 6Log in and select 'Safari Booking'
  7. 7Choose Regular Booking or Tatkal; select Tadoba; choose Core or Buffer
  8. 8Select zone, gypsy vehicle, date, lock it
  9. 9Enter names, ages, ID type, ID numbers for all tourists
  10. 10Proceed to payment; confirm booking
  11. 11Receive booking number via SMS

ID required: Indians: Aadhar, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID · Foreigners: Passport

What trips people up

  • Core Zone Online-Only; Buffer Spot Booking

    Core zone permits MUST be booked online in advance (60–120 days ideal). Buffer zone can be booked on-the-spot but subject to availability. Don't assume spot booking will work for core.

  • KYC Mandatory; Blocks Entire Booking

    If KYC not completed after registration, the Safari Booking option remains hidden/disabled. Must complete before booking. Many tourists register but skip KYC, then can't book.

  • Peak Season Sellout (April–May)

    Best sighting months; highly competitive. Book at 120-day mark (January for April dates) or risk unavailability.

  • Early Closure 2026 (Jun 15 vs Jul 1)

    2026 core closure advanced to Jun 15 (instead of usual Jul 1) for road maintenance + breeding season. Check annual dates before booking June trips.

  • Camera Charge Often Missed

    INR 250–300 per camera charged at entry; add to budget. Easy to overlook in online quote.

  • Full-Day Safari Expensive

    Full-day special permit (photography) can cost INR 50,000 (Indians) to INR 70,000 (foreigners) — not obvious from standard quotes.

Booking opens 45–120 days ahead and sells out — save it so you don't miss the window.

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Common questions

How do I book a Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve safari?
Through Maharashtra Forest Department — booking opens ~120 days before your safari date. Official portal: https://safaribooking.mahaforest.gov.in/. Carry the same ID you enter at booking to the gate.
How much does a Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve safari cost?
The cheapest safari starts around ₹5,600 for Indian visitors (vehicle/guide may be separate); foreigner rates are higher. Full per-vehicle breakdown is in the table above.
When is the best time for a Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve safari?
Wildlife sightings are best in April–June. The park is closed in June–September.

Sources