Tadoba Safari from Nagpur: Transfers and Planning

Most visitors reach Tadoba through Nagpur, which has both the nearest major airport and a main railway junction. This guide explains how to think about the road transfer to the Kolara and Moharli gates, and how to plan an arrival day that does not waste a safari.

Sources and dates. Booking rules and timings come from the official portal, read on 22 October 2026. Road estimates are approximate and are not guaranteed journey times.

Nagpur to Tadoba: airport and station transfers

Both the airport and the railway station are in Nagpur, and the road transfer to Tadoba takes at least two hours. For the Kolara gate, road estimates are about 100 to 110 km and roughly two to two and a half hours. For the Moharli gate, transfers are planned according to the appropriate road approach and your arrival location. Transfer times depend on your arrival point, selected safari gate and road conditions. We confirm the appropriate route when planning your itinerary.

Which gate suits a Nagpur arrival?

• Kolara side: reached by road from Nagpur through Chimur. See the Kolara gate guide.
• Moharli side: on the Chandrapur side of the reserve, with a transfer that depends on the approach road. See the Moharli gate guide.
• Other core gates (Khutwanda, Navegaon, Zari, Pangdi) are listed on gates and zones. We confirm transfers to them when we plan a trip.

Planning the arrival day

• Do not plan a safari straight off a flight. Evening entry on the portal is between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm depending on the season. A road transfer of two hours or more plus check-in can leave little margin if your flight or train is delayed.
• Last entry rule: the portal allows last entry up to 2 hours after the scheduled safari time, but exit times are fixed, so a late entry shortens the drive. Do not rely on it.
• Morning safaris start early (5:30 am to 6:30 am by season), so staying near the gate the night before is the usual way to make the first morning. See the timings.
• Closure days: core is closed on Tuesdays and buffer on Wednesdays. Check these when you choose your arrival date.
• Permits: book on the official portal, up to 120 days ahead. Fees depend on zone, weekday or weekend and booking window; see safari fees.

Sample itineraries from Nagpur

These are planning frameworks, not fixed packages or prices. They depend on permit availability and on your arrival time.

Plan	Day by day
2 nights	Day 1: transfer and rest. Day 2: morning and evening safaris. Day 3: optional morning safari, then transfer back to Nagpur.
3 nights	Day 1: transfer. Days 2 and 3: safaris, mixing core and buffer and avoiding closure days. Day 4: transfer back, leaving enough time for your onward flight or train.

For the return, leave generous time before an onward flight or train. Do not plan a tight connection on the same day as a safari.

Common questions

How long does it take to reach Tadoba from Nagpur?

Allow at least two hours. For Kolara, road estimates are roughly two to two and a half hours. Real times vary, and we confirm the route for your chosen gate.

Can I do a safari on the day I arrive?

Only if you reach Nagpur early and the transfer runs to time. We suggest not depending on it.

Who issues the safari permits?

The Maharashtra Forest Department, through its official booking portal. This website is an independent planning resource and does not issue permits.

See also: how to reach Tadoba, suggested itineraries, booking guide and resorts and accommodation.

For operator services and safari packages, visit Incredible Tadoba.