You’ve just missed the high season for animal sightings at Tadoba, which is the terribly hot peak summer (late-March to pre-monsoon June). However, Maharashtra’s largest national park is prettiest in the monsoon (up to September), during which time it gets incredibly lush and green, even though wildlife is hard to spot in the dense foliage and only the Moharli gate stays open with the limited number of vehicles allowed to enter mandated to stay on the main tar road to the lake. The most pleasant and comfortable time to visit, weatherwise, is the winter (December to February). Take your pick!

You can book Gypsy safaris online at www.mahaecotourism.gov.in/Site/Common/nationalParks.aspx andmahatadobatiger.com, or simply ask your hotel to take care of that and village tours, for you. Stay at one of these high-end properties for Tadoba: the upscale Svasara Jungle Lodge (from Rs 7,000 per person per night; www.svasararesorts.com) with 12 suites with mod-cons spread over 10 acres close to the Kolara gate, plus customised jeeps and expert naturalists to accompany guests on safaris; the plush and immaculately kept suites and tents of the Irai Safari Retreat (from Rs 12,500 for doubles; www.iraisafariretreat.com) near the scenic reservoir area and the Moharli Gate close to Chandrapur; or the nice semi-tented accommodation, helpful service and tasty food at the Serai Tiger Camp (from Rs 7,000 for doubles; www.seraitiger.com), which is 5km away from the Moharli entrance. Do keep in mind that tariffs will vary based on the season in which you decide to travel.