Captivating Encounters: Collarwala, Veera, and Jaanvi's Cubs in Tadoba May 2026
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) stands as Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park, covering 1,727 square kilometers in the Chandrapur district. This reserve is famous for its high density of tigers, making it one of the most reliable places in India to spot these majestic big cats. In May, the forest transforms dramatically: the landscape dries up, and waterholes become the lifelines for wildlife. This unique seasonal shift creates some of the best conditions for tiger sightings.
Our group of three embarked on four safaris between May 25 and 27, 2026, exploring different zones of the reserve. Each safari offered a distinct experience, revealing the diverse character of Tadoba-Andhari and its inhabitants.
The Landscape and Wildlife of Tadoba-Andhari in May
Tadoba-Andhari’s terrain is a mix of teak and bamboo forests, open grasslands, and seasonal waterholes. By May, the forest floor is dry and dusty, and the usual greenery fades to shades of brown and gold. This dryness forces animals to gather around the remaining water sources, creating natural hotspots for wildlife viewing.
The reserve’s waterholes become crucial for survival, attracting not only tigers but also deer, wild boars, and various bird species. This concentration of animals makes it easier for visitors to spot predators and prey in close proximity.
Safari 1 – Moharli Core Zone, Evening of May 25
Our first safari took place in the Moharli Core Zone, known for its dense tiger population. The evening drive rewarded us with a sighting of Collarwala, a dominant male tiger in this area. Seeing Collarwala so close on the very first safari set a high bar for the rest of the trip.
Moharli’s open forest patches and dry riverbeds create excellent visibility, especially during the late afternoon. The tiger’s relaxed behavior in a pond showed how the dry season influences their movement patterns.
Safari 2 – Shedegaon Buffer Zone, Morning of May 26
The next morning, we ventured into the Shedegaon Buffer Zone. Unlike the core zones, the buffer areas have fewer tourists and denser vegetation. This zone offers a quieter, more intimate forest experience.
Although we did not spot a tiger on this safari, the peaceful atmosphere and rich birdlife made the drive worthwhile. The buffer zone’s slower pace allows visitors to appreciate the smaller details of the forest ecosystem, from the calls of peafowl to the rustling of small mammals.
Safari 3 – Palasgaon Buffer Zone, Evening of May 26
Our third safari took us to the Palasgaon Buffer Zone in the evening. Here, we caught a brief but unforgettable glimpse of Veera, one of Tadoba’s well-known tigresses. The sighting was fleeting, but it highlighted the elusive nature of tigers in the buffer zones.
Palasgaon’s thick undergrowth and uneven terrain make full tiger sightings rare, but even a quick look at Veera was a reminder of the reserve’s wild heart. The buffer zones play a vital role in tiger conservation by providing space for females and cubs away from the core’s heavy traffic.
Safari 4 – Shedegaon Buffer Zone, Morning of May 27
Our final safari returned to Shedegaon, and the forest saved the best for last. We were fortunate to witness Jaanvi, a tigress with four cubs. Watching a mother tiger with her young in the wild is a powerful experience that underscores the importance of protected areas like Tadoba-Andhari.
The cubs (2 males and 2 females) approached a waterbody while Jaanvi strayed away. The remarkable aspect of this sighting was that ours was the only jeep following them, as the others had departed to search for Jaanvi. We trailed them for nearly 45 minutes without causing any disturbance. This demonstrates the importance of patience and perseverance.
Tips for Visiting Tadoba-Andhari in May
Book safaris early: May is a popular time for tiger sightings, so secure your safari slots in advance.
Choose different zones: Each zone offers a unique experience, from the busy core areas to the tranquil buffer zones.
Carry water and sun protection: The dry heat can be intense, especially during midday.
Be patient and observant: Wildlife sightings can be unpredictable, but the dry season increases your chances near waterholes.
Respect the forest rules: Stay inside vehicles, keep noise levels low, and avoid disturbing the animals.
Why Tadoba-Andhari Matters
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is a critical habitat for India’s tiger population. Its large area and varied landscape support not only tigers but also many other species, including leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of birds. The reserve’s success in tiger conservation demonstrates the value of protected areas and responsible tourism.
Visiting Tadoba in May offers a rare chance to see tigers in a natural setting shaped by seasonal challenges. The dry conditions concentrate wildlife, making sightings more frequent and meaningful.
This experience reminds us that conservation efforts must continue to protect these animals and their habitats. Every sighting of a tiger cub or a dominant male is a sign of hope and a call to action.
Now for some images from the Safaris
Collarwala (Moharli Core)
Jaanvi's Cubs (Shedegaon Buffer)
Lightning at Shedegaon Buffer Zone
Indian Pitta
White-eyed Buzzard & Shikra
Crested Serpent Eagle
Indian Paradise Flycatcher
Rufous Woodpecker
Rock Agama
Mammals
Wild Gaur, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar
Other Birds
Crested Tree Swift, Common Woodshrike, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher
Orange-headed Thrush, Grey Junglefowl, Red Spurfowl
Oriental Darter, Painted Snipe, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Jungle Nightjar
Simply stunning
Marvellous and lovely 🥰 capture tigers 🐅 as well as the beautiful birds like pitta ipfc and the raptors superb sir outstanding and mind blowing thanks
Enjoy ur blog as enjoy ur company at TATR