Situated in the Central Provinces that included Central India during British Raj, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is the largest national park in Maharashtra. It is undeniably one of the most exciting national parks in India dedicated to conservation and preservation of Tigers. Predominantly known as the most popular grounds for hunting for the Gond rulers of the area, hunting was banned in the year 1935.
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) gets its name from ‘Tadoba’ or ‘Taru’ who is the god worshipped by the tribal people living in the deep woods of Tadoba and Andhari region and Andhari is the name of the river that snakes through the forest. It is believed by the tribal folk of the region that the Gond tribal chief was killed by a Tiger in this area in a mythological encounter leading to the formation of a shrine under a huge tree at the lake Tadoba, dedicated to God Taru. The adivasis hold a fair here in the Hindu month of Pusa.
Tadoba is home to many mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and birds. All are closely interconnected with the rich plant life found in the area. Among the carnivorous species the Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Leopard Cat and Rusty Spotted Cat earn the first mentions. Other than these there are Wolf, Small Indian Civet, Fox, Hyena, Indian Gaur, Jackal and Wild Dogs.