How to reach Tadoba · from Chennai
Chennai to Tadoba: How to Get There
The short answer
Tadoba is about 1,050–1,100 km from Chennai by road (19–20 hours). The best way: Fly to Nagpur, then drive. The nearest airport is Nagpur and the nearest railhead is Chandrapur. Best gate to aim for from Chennai: Any. Kolara is quickest from Nagpur airport.
- Road distance
- 1,050–1,100 km
- Drive time
- 19–20 hours
- Best way
- Fly to Nagpur, then drive
- Nearest airport
- Nagpur (NAG)
- Nearest railhead
- Chandrapur
On this page
Chennai to Tadoba at a glance
From Chennai, Tadoba is a flight-and-transfer trip, with the long-distance train a relaxed alternative for those with time.
| Option | Time | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Flight to Nagpur + drive | Flight time + 2–3.5 hrs by road | Short trips, families, anyone short on time |
| Train + drive | Overnight to Nagpur or Chandrapur, + 1–3 hrs | Budget travel, slow travel, saving a hotel night |
| Drive all the way | 19–20 hours (1,050–1,100 km) | Road-trippers, groups with luggage and camera gear |
By air
Direct Chennai–Nagpur flights take about 1 hour 50 minutes. From Nagpur airport it is about 110 km (2–2.5 hours) to Kolara or Navegaon, and about 140–150 km (3–3.5 hours) to Moharli.
By train
Chennai sits at the southern end of the Delhi–Chennai trunk line, and trains on it pass Ballarshah and Chandrapur before Nagpur. Journeys run roughly 18–22 hours, and Chandrapur is the closest stop to Moharli.
By road
Driving via Vijayawada or Hyderabad to Chandrapur is a two-day trip of over 1,000 km. We don't recommend it for a safari holiday.
Which Tadoba gate to aim for from Chennai
Our suggestion: Any. Kolara is quickest from Nagpur airport. Tadoba's gates can be 1.5–3 hours apart, so pick the gate before you pick the resort.
| Gate | From Nagpur | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Kolara | ~110 km | 2–2.5 hrs |
| Navegaon | ~115 km | ~2.5 hrs |
| Khutwanda | ~135 km | ~3 hrs |
| Moharli | ~140–150 km | 3–3.5 hrs |
| Zari / Pangdi | ~170 km | 3.5–4 hrs |
See the best resorts near each gate and which zone is strongest for tigers this season.
A simple plan from Chennai
Flight Chennai → Nagpur
Transfer to the resort
Two to three nights of safaris
Consider adding Pench on the way back to Nagpur
Local tip: Book flights that land in Nagpur before noon so you can reach the resort in time for an evening drive.
Travelling from somewhere else?
Frequently asked questions
How do I travel from Chennai to Tadoba?
Fly from Chennai to Nagpur (about 1 hour 50 minutes) and drive 2–3.5 hours to the gate. Alternatively, take a long-distance train to Chandrapur, about an hour from Moharli.
How far is Tadoba from Chennai?
Roughly 1,050–1,100 km by road, which is why nearly everyone flies to Nagpur instead.
Which is the nearest airport to Tadoba?
Nagpur (Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport). It's about 110 km from Kolara gate and 140–150 km from Moharli gate.
Which is the nearest railway station to Tadoba?
Chandrapur, about 30–45 km from Moharli gate. Ballarshah and Warora are also close, and Nagpur Junction has the most trains overall.
How many days do I need for a Tadoba trip from Chennai?
Two nights with four safaris is the practical minimum once you've arrived. Add travel days on either side if you're driving a long distance.
Keep planning your Tadoba trip
Talk to a Tadoba naturalist
Not sure which gate, zone or resort fits your dates?
Tell us when you're travelling and what you want to see. We'll check permit and room availability, then send you a plan that fits.