Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary: Your Guide To Adventure And Wildlife

A leopard at the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the eastern ghats of Maharashtra.

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is in the beautiful state of Maharashtra. It covers an area of about 153 square kilometres and is home to many kinds of animals and plants. This sanctuary was built in 1970 and is part of the bigger Nagzira-Navegaon corridor, which links several forest areas. The refuge is famous for having many plants and animals, such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and many kinds of birds. The beautiful scenery, including rolling hills, dense woods, and clear bodies of water, makes it a great place for nature lovers.

Location

An image of the path leading to the wildlife sanctuary in the Gondia district, Maharashtra.

Photo: ANWESHAANNA / Wikimedia Commons

There is about 60 kilometres between the sanctuary location and Nagpur in the Gondia district of Maharashtra. The sanctuary is in the Eastern Ghats, in a lush forest. It covers about 153 square kilometres and is part of the Nagzira-Navegaon corridor, which links several wildlife areas.

How To Reach

An image of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, the closest airport to the sanctuary.

Photo: Anna Gru / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

By Road: The wildlife sanctuary is connected to many roads, which makes it easy for people from nearby towns to get there. Nagpur is about 60 kilometres away from the reserve. People can drive or take taxis on NH 44 and NH 753 to get there. From Nagpur and Gondia, both state-run and private buses run, giving travellers a cheap choice.

By Train: Gondia, about 35 kilometres away, has the closest important train station. There are good roads connecting Gondia to big towns like Nagpur, Mumbai, and Jabalpur. You can take a cab or a county bus to get to Nagzira from the train station.

By Air: The closest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, which is about 60 kilometres away in Nagpur. You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to get to the refuge from the airport. This makes flying a convenient choice for people coming from far away.

Places to Visit In and Around Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Navegaon National Park

A spotted deer standing on the grass amidst a forest in Navegaon Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: Scott Carroll / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Navegaon National Park is a beautiful retreat about 40 kilometres from the sanctuary. It is known for its peaceful scenery and many plants and animals. The park covers over 133 square kilometres and has a beautiful lake that draws many migrating birds, making it a great place to watch birds. The park has many animals, such as deer, lions, and snakes. People can go fishing on the lake, hiking on well-marked trails, and going on safaris with a guide to see animals.

Timings: 4 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: ₹30 for Indian tourists, ₹60 for foreign tourists

2. Gondia

A popular destination near Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its cultural heritage.

Photo: Dr. Raju Kasambe / Wikimedia Commons

Gondia is a busy town with a lot of cultural history. It is about 35 kilometres from the sanctuary. Gondia gives tourists a taste of real Maharashtrian life. It is known for its busy markets and delicious food. The town has many temples, which shows how spiritual it is. This makes it an interesting place to visit for cultural experiences. In the markets, tourists can look at handmade goods and materials from the area while enjoying tasty street food. Gondia is a great place to stay while you explore nearby sights and get a feel for how people live there.

Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: N/A

3. Pench National Park

Pench National Park, a famous place near Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary known for its rich wildlife.

Photo: Jessica Weiller / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Pench National Park is a famous wildlife sanctuary about 100 kilometres from the sanctuary. It is known for its dense woods and wide range of animals. The park is where Rudyard Kipling got the idea for “The Jungle Book.” It is home to tigers, lions, and many kinds of birds. People can go on exciting jeep safaris and nature walks to see animals in their native environment. The park’s beautiful scenery, winding rivers, and rising hills improve the experience. Visitors to Pench National Park can choose from cheap lodges to high-end resorts.

Entry Fees: ₹9500 for jeep entry

4. Tirora

A panoramic view of Tirora town, a tourist attraction near Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: Scott Webb / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Tirora is a cute town about 25 kilometres from Nagzira, full of history and local culture. The city is known for its old temples and fort ruins, which give tourists a look into its long history. The markets in Tirora are lively places where you can find handmade goods, textiles, and tasty street food. The farmland around here has beautiful scenery that’s great for taking walks or having picnics. People can visit nearby historical places and enjoy the friendly hospitality of the locals. A charming stop, Tirora is perfect for people who want to see both Maharashtra’s natural and traditional beauty.

Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: N/A

5. Kachner

 A view of goddess Jivdani in Kachner town which is located in Maharashtra, India.

Photo: Panchawatkar / Wikimedia Commons

The small town of Kachner is about 45 kilometres from the sanctuary and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and cultural importance. There are old temples in the city that show how people there worship and practise their religion. People can walk through the town and talk to friendly locals while experiencing the simple life of a rural area. The fields and hills nearby make a beautiful background for walks and taking pictures. It’s also easy to get to nearby wildlife areas from Kachner, which makes it a great place for people who want to combine cultural exploration with outdoor activities.

Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: N/A

Where To Stay

Cozy living room with modern furniture and decor suitable for comfortable accommodation.

Photo: @felipepelaquim / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Eco-resorts and lodges close to the sanctuary offer comfortable stays in the middle of nature. They often offer guided walks of the wildlife and food from the area. Budget hotels and guesthouses in nearby towns like Gondia and Tirora offer comfortable housing at a low cost. Homestays run by local families and delivering home-cooked meals and cultural information can give you a more immersive experience. The Maharashtra Forest Department also runs forest rest houses inside and outside the reserve, giving nature lovers a more rustic experience.

Where To Eat

Maharashtrian thali with various dishes, including chapati, rice, vegetables, and curry.

Photo: Advaitj11 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Restaurants in the area serve real Maharashtrian food, like poha, vada pav, and thali, so that tourists can enjoy the area’s flavours. Many eco-resorts and lodges close to the sanctuary have restaurants on-site, and the food is usually made with fresh, locally sourced products. If you want to do something different, try a homestay, where you can eat meals cooked by local people. Another fun way to learn about the area’s food culture while enjoying the lively atmosphere is to visit local food stands.

Best Time To Visit

An Indian Roller bird perched on a branch in the wildlife sanctuary on a bright day.

Photo: Fitindia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to March, when it’s cool enough to be outside and do things. Temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C during these months, making it a good time to see wildlife and go hiking. After the rainy season, the refuge is covered in lush greenery that enhances its natural beauty and draws a wide range of animals.

Other Factors To Consider

The travel things necessary for your trip to the natural wonders in Maharashtra.

Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost Of The Trip

The average trip cost to the sanctuary depends on what you want to do and how long you stay. Bus fares from nearby towns can be as low as 200 to 500, while petrol for a personal vehicle could cost 1,500 to 3,000. Budget hotels and guesthouses usually charge between ₹800 and ₹2,000 per night, while eco-lodges and mid-range resorts charge between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000. People typically spend between ₹300 and ₹800 a day on food. You can expect to pay between ₹5,000 and ₹12,000 per person on a three-day trip, based on how you travel, where you stay, and what you do.

Tips For Travellers

  • Make reservations ahead of time for lodging and guided tours to make sure they are available.
  • Wear clothes that are easy to trek in; bring sturdy shoes, binoculars for viewing wildlife, and sunscreen.
  • Don’t forget to bring a camera to record the beautiful views and a wide range of animals.
  • Follow the park’s rules and stay away from animals.
  • You could hire a local guide to make your trip more enjoyable, learn more about the sanctuary’s unique environment, and help protect it at the same time.

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary located in Maharashtra abodes more than 34 species of mammals, 36 reptiles and 166 species of birds. Whether you are a nature lover or a wildlife explorer this wildlife sanctuary has it all, one may seek. So, plan a trip with TripXL and make your excursion memorable on your visit to the state of Maharashtra.

Cover Photo: Gwen Weustink / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the sanctuary boasts unique flora and fauna, including rare plant species and endemic wildlife. Visitors can encounter diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to grasslands, providing opportunities to observe both common and endangered species in their natural habitats.
No, pets are prohibited in the refuge to keep the animals safe.
Pack light, breathable clothing for the day, a hat, sturdy shoes, binoculars, sunscreen, and insect repellent. A camera with a zoom lens is also recommended for wildlife photography.
You can usually take photos of the sanctuary, but please be careful around wildlife and follow the rules.
The sanctuary offers eco-resorts, lodges, and forest rest houses, while nearby towns like Gondia and Tirora have budget hotels and guesthouses.

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