How to reach Tadoba · from Pune
Pune to Tadoba: How to Get There
The short answer
Tadoba is about 700–780 km from Pune by road (12–13 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 Pune: Kolara or Navegaon from Nagpur airport.
- Road distance
- 700–780 km
- Drive time
- 12–13 hours
- Best way
- Fly to Nagpur, then drive
- Nearest airport
- Nagpur (NAG)
- Nearest railhead
- Chandrapur
On this page
Pune to Tadoba at a glance
Pune travellers have the same choice as Mumbai: a quick flight to Nagpur, or a long but scenic drive across Marathwada and Vidarbha.
| 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 | 12–13 hours (700–780 km) | Road-trippers, groups with luggage and camera gear |
By air
Direct Pune–Nagpur flights take about 1 hour 20 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
Pune has direct trains to Nagpur, most of them overnight and taking roughly 14–17 hours. You can also connect via Mumbai, Daund or Manmad. Nagpur is the most practical rail hub for Tadoba.
By road
The fastest road option joins the Samruddhi Mahamarg near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (via Ahmednagar), then runs east to the Wardha interchange and on to Tadoba via Warora. The older route via Ahmednagar, Beed, Nanded and Yavatmal to Chandrapur suits travellers heading to Moharli. Either way, it is a full day of driving.
Which Tadoba gate to aim for from Pune
Our suggestion: Kolara or Navegaon 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 Pune
Morning flight Pune → Nagpur
Drive to a Kolara- or Navegaon-side resort (about 2–2.5 hours)
Evening buffer safari on arrival day
Core safaris over the next two days
Local tip: If you're driving, break the trip at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar or Wardha. Arriving exhausted before a 5:30 am gate time wastes your first safari.
Travelling from somewhere else?
Frequently asked questions
How far is Tadoba from Pune?
About 700–780 km by road depending on the route and gate, which is 12–13 hours of driving. Flying Pune to Nagpur takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, plus a 2–3.5 hour drive to the gate.
Is there a direct train from Pune to Tadoba?
No train goes to Tadoba itself. Take a train from Pune to Nagpur (or to Chandrapur where available) and continue by road. Nagpur has the best onward car options.
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 Pune?
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.