Maharashtra, a state rich in natural beauty and wildlife, offers a plethora of protected areas that serve as sanctuaries for many endangered and exotic species. From dense forests to picturesque plateaus, Maharashtra’s wildlife reserves provide an unmatched opportunity for nature enthusiasts to explore the state’s biodiversity. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries and reserves in Maharashtra, each brimming with unique flora and fauna, including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, elusive leopards, and a variety of bird species.
1. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – Pune
Located 138 kilometers from Pune, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to the state animal of Maharashtra, the Indian Giant Squirrel. The sanctuary is set in the serene Bhimashankar hills, which are part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary’s dense forests and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal retreat for nature lovers.
Apart from the Indian Giant Squirrel, Bhimashankar is home to several other species, including tigers, leopards, wild boars, and various bird species. Its biodiversity is also enhanced by the presence of numerous medicinal plants, adding a unique botanical charm to the sanctuary.
2. Kaas Plateau Reserved Forest – Satara
Known as the “Valley of Flowers” of Maharashtra, the Kaas Plateau Reserved Forest is located in the Satara district. This UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site is famed for its diverse flora, with over 850 species of plants, including several rare and endangered species. The plateau’s stunning landscapes, dotted with seasonal wildflowers, create a vibrant spectacle, attracting photographers, botanists, and nature lovers.
The Kaas Plateau is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its importance in maintaining the biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Visitors to this sanctuary can witness the blooming of a variety of endemic species, including the bright yellow Sonki and the blue Neelkanth.
3. Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve – Seoni and Chhindwara
Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve, named after the Pench River that meanders through it, is located in both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Known for its rich biodiversity, the park is home to the elusive Bengal tiger, leopards, and a variety of wildlife. The park’s scenic beauty, with lush forests, grassy meadows, and tranquil rivers, makes it a popular destination for wildlife safaris.
The park is also famous for its connection to Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, with many of the book’s characters and settings inspired by this region. Visitors to Pench can enjoy safari rides, bird watching, and nature trails.
4. Bor Tiger Reserve – Wardha District
Situated in the Wardha district, the Bor Tiger Reserve spans an area of 138 square kilometers and is a significant site for tiger conservation in Maharashtra. The reserve, surrounded by dense forests, is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, wild boars, and several species of birds.
The reserve’s diverse ecosystem, combined with its importance as a tiger habitat, makes it an important site for conservation. The Bor Tiger Reserve is also home to several water bodies and is a great place to spot various bird species, including migratory birds during the winter season.
5. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary – Satara
Nestled amidst the picturesque Sahyadri Mountain Ranges in Satara, the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers breathtaking views of nature. Known for its abundant flora and fauna, Koyna is home to a wide range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and elephants. The sanctuary is also famous for its rich biodiversity, with several species of plants and animals unique to the region.
The Koyna Sanctuary is also crucial for preserving the catchment area of the Koyna Dam, which is a major source of hydroelectric power in Maharashtra. The lush forests, beautiful landscapes, and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
6. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve – Chandrapur District
As Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park, the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, located in Chandrapur, is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve is best known for its tiger sightings, offering visitors the chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Apart from tigers, the park is home to a wide range of animals, including leopards, wild boars, and various species of deer.
The reserve’s dense forests, open grasslands, and water bodies create the perfect environment for wildlife to thrive. Tadoba is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the thrill of tiger safaris and wildlife photography.
7. Karnala Bird Sanctuary – Raigad District
Located about 30 kilometers from Panvel, the Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers. The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, including migratory birds that visit during the winter months. Among the many bird species found here are the Indian and Malabar pied hornbill, cuckoos, and parakeets.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary is also known for the Karnala Fort, which stands majestically within the sanctuary, offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find this sanctuary to be an ideal place to spot a wide variety of birds in a natural and serene environment.
8. Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve – Nishani
Located in the northeastern corner of Maharashtra, Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve is the state’s fifth tiger reserve and one of its most ecologically diverse. Spanning over 1,000 square kilometers, the reserve is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles. The lush forests and the presence of water bodies make it a perfect habitat for wildlife, offering an enriching experience for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Nawegaon-Nagzira is an excellent destination for wildlife safaris, nature walks, and birdwatching.
9. Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary – Airoli
A hidden gem located near Airoli, the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is a migratory hotspot for flamingos, with both Lesser and Greater Flamingos flocking to the sanctuary every year. The majority of flamingos arrive from the Kutch region, while some come from as far as Iran. The sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent birds up close, especially during the migratory season.
The Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is a peaceful and scenic spot, ideal for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
10. Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary – Aurangabad
Situated just two hours from Aurangabad, the Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Satmala and Ajanta hill ranges of the Western Ghats. Established in 1986 as a protected wildlife reserve, Gautala is home to over 230 species of birds and animals. The sanctuary’s diverse flora and fauna, combined with the beautiful hilly terrain, make it a perfect place for trekking and wildlife photography.
11. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve – Kathi
Established in 2008, the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) is situated in the dense terrains of the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. The reserve, with its rugged landscapes and dense forests, is a crucial habitat for tigers and other wildlife species. The reserve’s remoteness and natural beauty make it a fascinating destination for those seeking a deeper connection with nature.
12. Melghat Tiger Reserve – Amravati
Located 225 kilometers from Nagpur, the Melghat Tiger Reserve was the first official tiger reserve in Maharashtra, established in 1974. The reserve is part of the Satpura Hill Range and is known for its tiger sightings, as well as its rich biodiversity, including leopards, wild boars, and a variety of bird species.
13. Lonar Crater – Buldhana District
A unique geological marvel, the Lonar Crater in the Buldhana district is the only hyper-velocity impact crater in the world made from basalt rock. The crater, formed around 52,000 ± 47,000 years ago, is an intriguing site for geology enthusiasts and tourists alike.
14. Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Mumbai
Nestled within the bustling city of Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the state. Spanning 87 square kilometers, the park is home to several species of flora and fauna, making it a wonderful green space amid the urban sprawl. It offers a peaceful escape with numerous trekking routes, picnic spots, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
15. Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary – Khaksi
Located just 50 kilometers from Nagpur, the Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a corridor for several other wildlife reserves in the region, including Tadoba-Andhari and Pench. The sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, and a variety of bird species, making it an important area for wildlife conservation.