Maharashtra is home to several wildlife sanctuaries that are popular safari destinations, attracting tourists with their rich biodiversity and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Here are Wildlife sanctuary safari in Maharashtra –
1. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district, it is the largest and oldest national park in Maharashtra, famous for its tiger population. Its home for leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, Indian gaur, deers and includes dense forests, grasslands, and deep valleys. Tadoba is one of the best places in Maharashtra for tiger safaris. Jeep safaris are conducted twice daily, allowing visitors to explore the core and buffer zones of the park. The picturesque Tadoba Lake is a great spot for bird watching.
2. Bhima Shankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Pune district, known for its rich biodiversity and the Bhimashankar Temple. It is home to the Indian Giant Squirrel, leopards, sambar deer, and numerous bird species. The sanctuary’s dense forests are part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Navegaon National Park in Gondia district known for its lake and adventure tourism. The park features tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and over 200 species of birds, including migratory species. Boat and jeep safaris are available, allowing visitors to explore the park’s dense forests and scenic lake. It’s known for its rich birdlife, especially during the migratory season, and the picturesque Navegaon Lake.
4. Melghat Tiger Reserve in Amravati district, It is part of the Satpura- Maikal landscape and a tiger reserve, its home to Indian bison, wild dogs, and over 250 species of birds and its rugged hills, dense forests. Jeep safaris offer a chance to explore the rugged terrain and dense forests of the Satpura Range.
5. Chandoli National Park in Sangli beauty of the Tapi River Valley. district, part of the Sahyadri range, known for its scenic beauty. The park supports a variety of wildlife, including leopards, tigers, sloth bears, birds, many reptiles and amphibians. Jeep safaris allow exploration of the park’s diverse habitats, The park is part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and offers beautiful views of the Sahyadri range.
6. Karnala Bird Sanctuary in Raigad district known for its proximity to Mumbai and the Karnala Fort. It is a paradise for bird watchers with over 150 resident bird species and numerous migratory birds. Though primarily a birdwatcher’s paradise, the sanctuary offers guided treks and tours to explore its rich avian diversity. The iconic Karnala Fort provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary in Kolhapur district, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is home to the Indian bison, leopards, and plant species. Guided tours and safaris offer a chance to see Indian bison, leopards, and numerous bird species in the sanctuary’s lush forests. The sanctuary is known for its dense forests and the scenic Radhanagari Dam.
8. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary in Raigad district, located in the Western Ghats, known for its unique coastal ecosystem. The sanctuary supports mammals like leopards, barking deer, and a diverse range of birds and insects.
9. Pench National Park Safari districts of Seoni and Chhindwara, which also shares a boundary with Maharashtra Known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty, Pench offers jeep safaris that provide a chance to see tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and a variety of bird species. The park’s landscapes inspired Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” making it a unique cultural and natural attraction.
These sanctuaries contribute significantly to conservation efforts and offer opportunities for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts to explore Maharashtra’s natural beauty.