national park in eastern Maharashtra (Mahārāshtra) state, western India. Extending over an area of 45 square miles (117 square km), the park consists of dense forests of sal (Shorea robusta), margosa, mahua, and mango, interspersed with lakes and plains; stretches of bamboo thickets are found around Tadoba Lake. It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1935 and declared a national park in 1955. The park is part of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger reserve, which was created in 1995. The park has tigers, panthers, leopards, chital, jackals, gaurs (Indian bison), mouse deer, sambars, antelope, sloth bears, and crocodiles. A network of roads and observation towers facilitates wildlife viewing. Chandrapur, the nearest city, is about 28 miles (45 km) south of the park.