Chandrapur : Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve ’s three-month monsoon closure ended on Thursday with a memorable welcome of the wildlife tourists as the tigress known as ‘ Collarwali ’ was spotted in the Teliya area during the first morning safari in the reopened core zone. The sighting turned the opening day into an early celebration of Tadoba’s enduring attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.




The core zone reopened to tourists from Oct 1, with safaris operating through six gates — Moharli, Kolara, Navegaon, Khutwanda, Zari and Pangadi which permit the entry of 100 safari vehicles in the morning and evening every day. The reopening day on Thursday witnessed the footfall of 564 visitors including international tourists .




The reopening comes as Tadoba prepares for another busy wildlife tourism season. As per the field director of TATR, Prabhu Nath Shukla , in the fiscal year 2025-26, the reserve recorded 3,89,700 visitor entries through its online booking system. Of these, 2,72,119 entries, or 69.8%, were in the buffer zone , while the core zone recorded 1,17,581 entries.




International visitors accounted for 20,939 entries, or 5.37% of the total. The United States contributed the highest number of foreign visitors, followed by the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Germany, Canada and Australia. European countries collectively accounted for around half of the international tourist entries, underlining Tadoba’s growing appeal beyond India.




Moharli remained the busiest safari gate, recording 50,261 visitor entries, followed by Junona with 25,639 and Kolara with 25,408.




Forest Department formally inaugurated the new season at Moharli Gate under deputy director (Core) Anand Reddy Yellu. Tourists arriving for the first safari were welcomed with roses, while the Tadoba Homestay Association distributed snack boxes and roses among tourists and guides.




With the forest now lush green after the monsoon and water sources replenished, wildlife activity has picked up. But it was Collarwali’s appearance on the very first morning that gave Tadoba’s reopening its most memorable welcome.