Your Gateway to Tadoba — Right From Moharli
Aranyam sits inside the Moharli cluster — the same immediate area as Moharli Gate, one of the busiest and most productive core-zone entry points into Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. That means less time in the car before sunrise and more time actually inside the forest. Aranyam is within 0.5 km of Moharli Gate itself.
Understanding Tadoba — Core Zone vs. Buffer Zone
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is Maharashtra's oldest national park. Tadoba National Park was declared in 1955, covering roughly 116 sq km. The neighbouring Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was added in 1986, and in 1995 the state merged both into the present Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve — today around 625 sq km of core critical tiger habitat, surrounded by a much larger buffer landscape of roughly 1,700+ sq km.
The distinction matters when planning a visit:
Core Zone — the protected heart of the reserve, managed with fixed vehicle quotas and strict routes. Sighting frequency is generally highest here, and permits are limited and sell out well in advance.
Buffer Zone — the surrounding forest ring. Wildlife moves freely across the boundary; permits are typically easier to get, vehicle density is often lower, and it can offer a quieter, more relaxed safari experience.
Safari Permits — The Basics
Permits are issued by the Maharashtra Forest Department per zone, per time slot (morning and evening safaris), with a fixed number of vehicles allowed in each zone. Core zone permits are limited and can sell out well ahead of your visit date, especially in peak season (winter months) — booking early is strongly recommended. A gypsy (open-top safari vehicle) and a forest department guide are typically arranged at the gate as part of a standard safari booking.
Best Time to Visit
Winter (November–February) — cooler mornings, comfortable game drives, generally considered prime season.
Summer (March–May) — hot, but sparse vegetation and animals concentrating near waterholes often means higher sighting odds despite the heat.
Monsoon — Tadoba's core-zone safaris typically close for a period during the monsoon months (commonly cited as roughly July through September, reopening around October) to let the forest and wildlife rest during breeding season. Exact dates are announced yearly by the Forest Department, so it's worth confirming closer to your travel dates.
Whichever gate you're heading through, staying in the Moharli cluster means less time on the road and more time watching the forest wake up. Get in touch and we'll help you plan safari timings around your stay.
Aranyam is within 0.5 km of Moharli Gate, one of the closest properties to a Tadoba core-zone entry point.
The dry season, roughly March to May, is generally best — waterholes are fewer, concentrating wildlife activity, and thinner foliage makes sightings easier.
Yes, Aranyam's A.P. Plan includes a full buffet with both veg and non-veg options, plus a dedicated Jain menu at no extra cost.