Nagpur is the best base in India for visiting tiger reserves. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, about 150km south, is Maharashtra's largest and oldest national park — it consistently produces some of the best tiger sightings in India, particularly in the dry summer months (though even in the cooler season from October to March, sightings are frequent). Pench National Park, on the Madhya Pradesh border about 90km north, covers the landscape that inspired Kipling's Jungle Book. Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve is another good option, less visited than Tadoba or Pench.
Book safaris in advance: Tadoba especially fills up on weekends and during peak season. The drives from Nagpur to most of these parks are straightforward and well-signposted. Most visitors hire a car with driver through their hotel; rates are competitive.