National Parks in Maharashtra

Perched at a height of 200m, the national park in Maharashtra is the oldest and is considered to be the one of the largest tiger reserves of the state. It is divided into two major zones, namely the Tadoba National park(1955) and Andhari wildlife sanctuary (1986). Tadoba national park is located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. This place is an ideal weekend gateway for wildlife and nature lovers. Spotted in this region are rare species of flora and fauna, soothing your very being.

Squeezed between the suburbs of Mumbai and Thane, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is ideal for picnics and weekends getaways. Famed to be one the most liked national parks, visitors throng in thousands to spot Leopards, Macaques, Boars, Lions, Flying fox, Kingfisher, Sunbirds and butterflies here. Kanheri Caves, which are more than two thousand years old are also a major tourist attraction inside the park premises. The park features a vintage toy train called Van rani, while the tiger and lion safari are the main attractions.

Wrapped all over with lush green vegetation, the Chandoli National Park in Maharashtra is an ideal habitat setting for a wide and distinct variety of animals, birds and reptiles. This green paradise is one hidden gem that should make its mark in your Maharashtra Wildlife Tours itinerary. It makes for an adventure-packed tour with its thrilling jungle safari, bird watching, trekking and other activities. A boat ride in Tulsi lake is also popular here.

In the serene hilly terrain of Amravati District of Maharashtra, Gugamal National Park in Maharashtra spreads over a whopping 1673.93 square kilometres. As a part of the Melghat Tiger Reserve, Gugamal National Park is known to be among the last ones to house the Indian tigers. Apart from jungle safaris, trekking, camping photography, and bird watching is also popular here.

Based in the Gondia District (Easternmost part of Maharashtra), Navegaon National Park in Maharashtra is a forest reserve nestled in the lush green hills of Navegaon. Built in the 1800s, the park also has a serene lake and a watchtower just adjacent to it. You get to see breathtaking views of the natural sceneries and marvel at the sight of exotic wildlife: a bird sanctuary, a deer park, and three lovely gardens. The bird sanctuary, known as Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary houses almost 65% of the bird species that are found in the state of Maharashtra. A unique experience here is staying in tree houses (like in a bird's nest), going on a jungle safari in the dense forest, and sailing boats in the pristine lake.

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is a rich biodiversity park located near Nagpur in Maharashtra. The park boasts of a vast variety of flora and fauna and houses exotic species of animals, birds and plants. The park also has a cottage to facilitate accommodation for the visiting guests which in itself is a unique experience. Besides, there is a temple of snakes located right in the centre of this wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra.

Originally to safeguard the natural habitat of the endemic species, Indian Giant Squirrel, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary has now become a major tourist attraction of Pune and Maharashtra on the whole. The densely forested area is spread over an area of 120 sq km on the Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Ranges. The place is mainly famous for being home to many endemic and pandemic animal and bird species including the Indian Giant Squirrel. It is so rich in flora and fauna that it is considered to be one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world. This wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra is also known for being the home of 14 sacred groves which are said to be thousands of years old and responsible for the origin of many species.

The Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary of the Bhamragarh town is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. This wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra is home to various animal species like leopards, the blue bull, peacock, flying squirrel, wild boar, etc. t is a perfect getaway for the people of Maharashtra, specially nature lovers and photographers.

Best Time: October to May

The only marine sanctuary in Maharashtra, Malvan Marine Sanctuary was established in 1987 to preserve this biologically rich coastal region. The core zone of the sanctuary expands over an area of 27 square kilometres and offers an unexploited environment for marine flora and fauna including coral, Pearl oysters, seaweed, molluscs and over 30 species of fish.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary lies on the Mumbai-Pune highway. This bird sanctuary in Maharashtra houses as many as 150 species of resident birds and 37 types of avian migrants. There are small cages for the birds where the wounded ones can get healed and also for the people to be able to come for bird watching. It is a beautiful place with greenery all around and lies away from the noise and pollution of the city.

The Melghat Tiger Project in Maharashtra has 82 tigers and also houses other animals like panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild bear, and wild dogs. It is one of the 9 tiger reserves identified by Project Tiger. A hill forest region, the reserve has thick undergrowth and a majority of teak trees.

Though referred to as a bird sanctuary, the Phansad Bird Sanctuary also houses many amphibians, insects and mammals. This bird sanctuary in Maharashtra isn't flocked with people and hence is a quiet and calm place to visit. The lush greenery and diverse fauna rejuvenate one's mind. A walk through the park, inhaling the fragrance of the clean and rich foliage and hearing the sounds of nature make sure that the experience is one of a kind.

The former hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Kolhapur, Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. Also known as Bison Sanctuary, the place is popular for Indian Bison or Gaurs. Besides, one can also spot leopards, tigers, sloth bears etc. Set amidst verdant forests, this wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra makes for a perfect getaway from the city.

Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique protected area in Kolhapur district which is a man-made forest. Sprawling over an area of around 11 square kms, the wildlife is also artificially introduced in the arena. The sanctuary boasts of a rich flora and fauna and is a popular tourism centre in Maharashtra.

Spread across an area of 2.17 sq.km., the Rehkuri Sanctuary is home to one of the rare and famous animals, Indian Black Buck. The Sanctuary is located at a distance of about 80 km away from Ahmednagar City in the Karjat Taluk. The Sanctuary serves as a safe haven for nearly 500 Black Bucks. This wildlife anctuary in Maharashtra is always open for visitors throughout the year but it is recommended to visit during the summer.