Famous Tigers of Tadoba

by Krunal Patel |

October 31, 2026 |

Choti Tara Tigress with one cub at Tadoba

Exploring the Legendary Tigers of Tadoba: A Guide to the Famous Tigers of Tadoba National Park

Tadoba National Park, renowned for being a sanctuary to some of the most majestic tigers in the country, has always captivated its visitors with unique stories.

These big cats roam freely in their natural habitat within Tadobas' lush forests. Each tiger has its own tale to tell - from dominant males marking their territories to nurturing mothers raising their cubs amidst the wilderness.
A few well-known tigers have even become local celebrities due to their striking features and distinctive personalities.

Tadoba National Park offers a glimpse into the lives of these magnificent creatures and serves as a crucial conservation site for preserving India's rich wildlife heritage.

Exploring Tadoba National Park is not just an opportunity to see tigers in India; it's a chance to immerse yourself in the wonders of Indian wildlife and experience nature at its most raw and untamed form. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the fascinating world of Tadoba's famous tigers and uncover more about these incredible creatures that call this national park their home.

Here are the true stars of Tadoba Wildlife Sanctuary

Maya

Popularly called the "Queen of Tadoba," Maya is known for her grace and fierce demeanour. This most famed tiger of Tadoba has captured the hearts of many visitors with her striking appearance and powerful presence in the jungle. Maya is said to have disappeared now but she was mostly spotted in Kolara and Navegaon (core area). 

Matkasur

Matkasur is the present king of Tadoba. He is revered for his strength and dominance, thus making him the most dominant tiger in Tadoba. Matkasur is also the father of Maya's three cubs. He is most likely to be spotted in Belara and Madnapur gate.

Gabbar or Scarface

A symbol of fearlessness and agility, has a reputation for being an excellent hunter and protector of his turf. The scars on his face, which earned him the name "Scarface,"  tell stories of ferocity and resilience. He first came to limelight after a territorial fight with another male tiger. Gabbar can be spotted in Moharli Buffer gates.

Choti Tara

Choti Tara is the daughter of the famous tigress "TARA." A complete replica of her mother, Choti Tara is known for her fierce yet graceful presence in the wild. Compared to Maya, Choti Tara is cool and calm. She is an emblem of strength and resilience. Choti Tara can be spotted in the Kolara core area of the Tadoba. 

Bajrang

Bajrang is a young and strong male tiger who is believed to be a father of almost 30 cubs.  Though his ancestors are unknown, it is said that he came from the Kolara buffer area. His powerful stature and commanding presence have earned him a reputation as a dominant force in his territory. Bajrang is most likely to be spotted in Madnapur buffer area.

Shivaji

Shivaji is popularly known to be the most handsome tiger of Tadoba. Son of Waghdoh, a dominant male tiger famous for his huge size, Shivajis' strategic prowess and cunning hunting techniques have made him a legendary figure among the famous wild cats in India.

Chota Matka

Chota Matka is the male cub of Choti Tara and Matkasur. Elusive in nature and highly energetic like his parents, Chota Matka is often seen encountering with tourists.  Researchers and photographers are always seeking to capture glimpses of this enigmatic feline. 

Kanika

Kanika roams the dense forests of Tadoba with grace. Her ability to seamlessly blend into her surroundings make her a formidable hunter. The sightings of this enigmatic tigress of Tadoba are always a treat for visitors to the park. Kanika can be easily spotted in Madnapur or Kolara Buffer area.

Madhuri

Madhuri is popularly known as the "supermom of tadoba" for her record of giving birth to nearly 19 cubs.  Apart from this, she has earned admiration from tourists and wildlife enthusiasts for her gracefulness and elegance in her movements.  Madhuri is most likely to be found towards the buffer zone, Agarzari.

Choti Madhu

Choti Madhu is one of the daughters of the tigress Madhuri. She embodies youthful exuberance and curiosity. Choti Madhu resides in her own territory in the Tadoba Jungle given by her mother. 

Bhanushkundi

Known for her regal demeanor and graceful walk across the park, tigress Bhanushkundi, or T-17 of tadoba national park, is most famous for sighting along with her 3 cubs. Daughter of Chota Matka, Bhanushkundi is mostly spotted near the Ramdegi Gate of the Tadoba National Park.

Veera

Fierce and dominant like her mother Junabai of the Kolara-Madnapur buffer area, Veera is yet another young tigress of Tadoba known for her ferocious nature. Veera is often found hnunting and engaging in fights with their other pals over territory disputes. Like male tigers, females too fight for their territories, especially when they have cubs. Veera ha two cubs, one male and one female.

Kuwani

The legendary tigress Kuwani, known for her regal walk across the park, is often seen treading the park along with her 3 pups. She has a menacing stare that makes tourists go silent at the sight of her. She is often spotted around the Posandi Gate of the Kosla Zone. 

Chota Mogli

Often found treading through the buffer areas of Tadoba, Chota Mogli is the son of the menacing tiger Mogli and grandson of the tigress Kuwani. Chota Mogli is known to be settled in the Zari-Peth buffer area of Kosla.

Sonam

Sonam was known for her fierce yet nurturing nature. A symbol of resilience, Sonam was the daughter of Madhuri and Wagdoh. She has appeared in a telecast by wildlife channels. 

Lara

Another one of Madhuris' daughters, Lara is popular for her  stealth. Even she has been a part of a telecast by a wildlife channel. Lara resides in the buffer zone of Tadoba.

Geeta

Madhuris' another daughter, Geeta has a shy personality and thus is not often spotted by visitors. She is famous for her telecast in a wildlife channel. 

Mona

A beloved tigress among tourists and researchers and another daughter of Madhuri, Mona has risen to fame after her telecast in a wildlife channel. She has just began to crave out her own territory in the park.

These are just a few of the many fascinating tigers that call Tadoba National Park their home. Each one has their own unique personality and stories that inspire us and keep us in awe of these magnificent creatures.

Tigers are not only a symbol of strength and beauty but also play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats so preserving the legacy of tigers for future generations to witness and admire is crucial. It is our responsibility to take action now to protect these iconic animals for generations to come.

Krunal Patel

Krunal Patel

Krunal Patel is a digital strategist turned wildlife travel entrepreneur with over 13 years in the IT and digital space. He founded Big Cats India to curate wildlife experiences across India and Africa. His work blends storytelling, conservation awareness, and authentic travel, along with a passion for photography and nature. Read More

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