What does a Tadoba safari actually cost in 2026? Real numbers for permits, gypsies, guides, resorts, and full packages — with no hidden fees.
Tadoba safari cost in 2026 ranges from ₹4,500 per person for a single buffer-zone drive to ₹75,000+ per person for a premium 3-night all-inclusive package. This guide breaks down exactly where that money goes so you can plan a realistic budget.
All prices below are current for the April 2026 season. Forest department rates revise each October — we'll update this page then.
The short answer
| Trip type | Per person (2 sharing) | What's included |
|---|
| Single buffer safari | ₹4,500 – 6,000 | 1 safari, guide, gypsy share |
| Single core safari | ₹6,500 – 8,500 | 1 safari, guide, gypsy share |
| 1-night budget package | ₹12,000 – 18,000 | 1 night, 2 safaris, meals, transfers |
| 2-night mid-range package | ₹25,000 – 40,000 | 2 nights, 3 safaris, mid-tier resort |
| 3-night premium package | ₹50,000 – 75,000+ | 3 nights, 5 safaris, luxury lodge |
Breaking down a single safari
A Tadoba safari is made up of four separate costs that people often confuse for one:
1. Permit (government-set)
- Core zone (Moharli, Tadoba, Kolara, Navegaon, Pangdi): ₹2,500–3,500 per jeep (6 seats)
- Buffer zone (Agarzari, Junona, Alizanza, Devada-Adegaon, Zari): ₹1,200–1,800 per jeep
- Foreign national surcharge: add ~₹1,500 per head
A permit buys the whole jeep — not a seat. If you're two people, you either pay for a full jeep or share with strangers.
2. Gypsy rental (private)
- Shared jeep: ₹600–800 per seat
- Exclusive jeep: ₹3,000–4,500 per safari
- Air-conditioned premium gypsy (rare): ₹5,500+
The gypsy is a Maruti 4x4 operated by a licensed driver. The park enforces a cap on total gypsies per zone per slot.
3. Naturalist / guide
- Mandatory government guide: ₹500–700 per safari (assigned at gate)
- Private naturalist: ₹1,500–3,000 per safari (walks you through animal behaviour, tracks, photography)
The government guide is included in your permit. Hiring a private naturalist alongside is optional but dramatically improves the experience for first-timers and photographers.
4. Camera fees (if applicable)
- Still camera: ₹200 per camera per safari (often waived for phones)
- Video camera / DSLR with detachable lens: ₹500–1,000 depending on zone
Tadoba resort costs — by tier
Accommodation is usually the biggest line item. Prices below are per night, double occupancy, including breakfast:
| Tier | Rate range | Example properties |
|---|
| Budget | ₹2,500 – 5,000 | Forest department rest houses, basic lodges |
| Mid | ₹6,000 – 12,000 | Standard resorts near Moharli / Kolara |
| Premium | ₹13,000 – 25,000 | Svasara Jungle Lodge, Tadoba Tiger Resort |
| Luxury | ₹28,000 – 60,000+ | Waghoba Eco Lodge, Baagh Resort, Aaranyak |
Peak season (March–May) premium is 15–25% higher across all tiers. Book early or shoulder season (Nov–Feb) for better rates.
What a "package" actually includes
When we quote a Tadoba safari package, here's exactly what's in it:
- Accommodation — room, breakfast, often dinner
- Safari permits — typically 2 per day (morning + evening)
- Gypsy + guide for each safari
- Park entry fees — small but mandatory
- Airport/railway transfers from Nagpur (Tadoba) or Jabalpur (Pench)
- Inter-park transfers if combining Tadoba + Pench
- GST — 5% on tour services
What's usually NOT included
Budget for these separately — they add up:
- Lunches at the resort: ₹500–800 per head per meal
- Beverages, especially bottled water on the drives: ₹100–200 per day
- Camera fees (above)
- Naturalist tips: ₹300–500 per safari is customary for great guides
- Personal spend — memorabilia, books, prints
Plan an extra ₹1,500–2,500 per person per day for these on top of your package.
Sample itineraries with real 2026 numbers
The quick trip: 1 night / 2 safaris
Best for: Travellers in Nagpur for work, weekend trippers.
- Resort (mid-tier): ₹8,000 × 1 night = ₹8,000
- 2 core safari permits + gypsies: ₹12,000
- Guide fees + entry: ₹2,500
- Transfer from Nagpur: ₹4,500 round trip
- Total for 2 people: ~₹27,000 (₹13,500 per person)
The classic: 2 nights / 3 safaris
Best for: First-time Tadoba visitors.
- Resort (mid-tier): ₹8,000 × 2 nights = ₹16,000
- 3 safaris (2 core + 1 buffer): ₹15,500
- Guide + park fees: ₹4,000
- Transfer: ₹4,500
- Meals (3 lunches): ₹3,000
- Total for 2 people: ~₹43,000 (₹21,500 per person)
The enthusiast: 3 nights / 5 safaris + photography
Best for: Wildlife photographers, repeat visitors.
- Premium resort: ₹16,000 × 3 nights = ₹48,000
- 5 core safaris (exclusive gypsy): ₹32,000
- Private naturalist × 5: ₹10,000
- Transfers + extras: ₹8,000
- Meals + camera fees: ₹6,000
- Total for 2 people: ~₹1,04,000 (₹52,000 per person)
When DIY booking is cheaper — and when it isn't
Booking permits yourself via mahaonline.gov.in saves the operator fee (usually ₹500–1,500 per safari). But you'll fight for permits against a portal that crashes at 6 AM, and you'll still need a separate gypsy + resort booking.
DIY makes sense if: you're flexible on dates, patient with government portals, and travelling off-season.
Book with an operator if: your dates are fixed (festivals, school holidays), you want one confirmed price, or you're combining Tadoba + Pench.
Hidden costs to watch for
- Permit cancellation: non-refundable. Don't book permits before you've confirmed leave dates.
- "Minimum pax" surcharges at resorts — some charge a single-occupancy premium even if you book a shared jeep safari.
- Festival peak surcharges — Diwali, Christmas week, Holi weekend can see resort rates jump 40–60%.
- Foreign currency surcharge if your card is non-Indian: ~2–3%.
Ready to plan?
We build custom packages at every budget — from a ₹15,000-per-person 1-night trip to bespoke photography expeditions. Tell us your dates on the contact page or check our packages for starting quotes.
Pricing on all our packages is transparent: permit, gypsy, guide, resort, transfers, meals — itemised on the invoice. No surprises.
