Jungle Safaris Near Pune: Explore Nature And Wildlife

A leopard spotted during a jungle safari near Pune, surrounded by lush greenery.

For those willing to face the wild and explore the wildlife, Jungle Safaris near Pune is the perfect vacation option. Thanks to its well-developed landscape and premier wildlife, travelling to Pune provides visitors with close access to some of the greatest wildlife safaris in Maharashtra. If you admire nature and wildlife, are a photographer, or are an adventure lover, the tour of the best Jungle Safari Near Pune will take your breath away. Many may have thought that it ends with a sighting of the stunning tigers, but this handy guide will help in planning your trip.

How To Reach

An image of Pune International Airport, one of the ways to reach Pune, Maharashtra.

Photo: Abhijitsathe / Wikimedia Commons

By Road: Pune has good highways and transportation facilities connecting various cities of the state and other parts of the country. Most of the safari areas are accessible by road, but you can also hire a taxi or a private car. It usually costs 2 – 4 hours depending on the area.

By Rail: The Pune Railway Station also has trains for other neighbouring towns such as Kolhapur or Chandrapur from where one can take a taxi to get to safari sites.

By Air: Pune International Airport is the nearest airport to the site. From here you can hire a car or take a taxi to the various safari parks most of which are within a 150 km radius.

Things To Do

1. Wildlife Spotting

Feel the excitement of wildlife sightings of tiger, leopard, deer, bison, and many more.

Photo: Duvan Jansen van Vuuren / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Feel the excitement of adventurous wildlife sightings of tiger, leopard, deer, bison, and many more on Jungle Safari. Jeep safaris/pro hiking has always provided tourists with an opportunity to get closer to the wilderness of the forests and get closer to the animals. Birdwatching lovers can also intend to observe the exotic and colourful ones; do not leave behind your binoculars for a more vivid view.

2. Nature Trails And Trekking

A picture of Jungle Safari near Pune to witness tigers, like Waghdoh and Chori.

Photo: Siddhesh Sawant / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Take a tour of the enthralling forests around Pune by opting for trail activities or going for treks. There are beautiful trails in protected areas such as Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary that help you appreciate other features of this region such as the strange vegetation and animals. Mountain trails also still make it possible for you to grow through them as you are embraced by the sounds of twittering birds and polyrhythmic leaves in the forest. Nature lover’s special!

Jungle Safari And Wildlife Sanctuaries Near Pune

1. Karnala Bird Sanctuary

 Karnala Bird Sanctuary entrance surrounded by trees and birdwatching platforms.

Photo: Incredible Mother Earth / Wikimedia Commons

This Karnala Bird Sanctuary is about 120 km from Pune, along the Mumbai-Pune route. It would be a must-visit place for birdwatchers and nature lovers, as more than 150 resident and migratory birds have been seen here, such as the Indian grey hornbill and the Malabar whistling thrush. Its lovely beauty will surely make you forget all the hustle and bustle when it makes you bask in the serene ambience of those lush green hills.

Distance From Pune: 120 km
Timings : : 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50

2. Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

An image of Blackbucks grazing in the grassland of Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: Meghsmayur / Wikimedia Commons

For those who want a less mainstream jungle safari, Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is 78 km from Pune. Its fame mainly derives from the blackbucks found here in a robust population. Dry deciduous forests and grasslands provide a unique landscape to this sanctuary and allow us to see blackbucks, foxes, wolves, and many birds of, Indian robins and stonechats. As it receives fewer visitors, Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a more peaceful, private safari. For the wildlife photographer and nature lover, this is one of the best jungle safaris close to Pune to be discovered.

Distance From Pune: 78 km
Timings : : 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50

3. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

An image of a dense forest view with a trekking trail in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: Nikhil More / Wikimedia Commons

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is around 131 km from Pune and is a place for the adventure seeker. This sanctuary has within it the Indian Giant Squirrel rare species. The forest area in this sanctuary is also thick, and the trekking trails here are gruelling. The attractions of wildlife, sceneries of waterfalls, and the ancient Bhimashankar Temple make this a place both exciting for adventure lovers and a haven for nature lovers. The trekking trail runs through the picturesque scenarios of the Western Ghats; therefore, the whole adventure is an expedition.

Distance From Pune: 131 km
Timings : : 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person

Where To Stay

Image of Hotel Homeland in Pune, a great base for a Jungle Safari Near Pune adventure.

Photo: visualsofdana / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Campsites that are found near the areas of interest for the Pune Jungle Safari are available in different standards and classes. Tadoba Jungle Camp is a luxury campsite located outside the Tadoba National Park gate. For those who are travelling on a low budget, one of the best places to stay in Koyna would be MTDC Resort at Koyna. The Radhanagari Forest Resort is a wonderful accommodation for a stay close to Radhanagari Sanctuary and The Jungle Retreat in Chandrapur.

Where To Eat

A restaurant with jungle-themed decor, perfect for a Jungle Safari near Pune experience.

Photo: Prahallad singh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The cuisine in Hotel Sai Prasad, also in Chandrapur, is Maharashtrian, and Opal Restaurant, in Kolhapur, is also famous for its spicy Kolhapuri thalis. For those who prefer vegetarian food, the place to go is Gokul Veg in Satara while for a greater variety of Indian and Chinese food, you could try out Hotel Shiv Sagar near Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Time To Visit

 Image of a dense forest trail, perfect for a jungle safari near Pune, showcasing beauty.

Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons

The ideal time to go for Jungle Safaris near Pune is during the winter season which is from November to April in particular. These months receive temperatures between 12°C and 30°C, which is perfect for touring on a safari vehicle. Do not go there during monsoon because most parts of the park will be inaccessible due to rainfall affecting the movement of cars during safaris.

Other Factors To Consider

 Carry all the travel things on your trip to the famous tourist attractions in Pune.

Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost Of The Trip

The cost of a Jungle Safari works out at anything between ₹5000 to ₹10,000 as discussed including travel, safari tickets, food, and accommodation for a weekend trip. Take physical money as most of the rural regions do not have the facilities for digital money transactions.

Tips For Travellers

  • Avoid last-minute disappointments by making early bookings of the available book safari slots.
  • During the safaris, always obey the instructions of the guide that has been assigned to the excursion.
  • Water, food, and a first aid kit should always be with you whenever you are out hiking.
  • Noise or even bright-coloured clothing should not be made to prevent disturbing wildlife.
  • Mosquito repellents and sunscreens should also be worn for an added measure.
  • Thus, for the correct and accurate Jungle Safari Near Pune ticket price it’s better to visit the official site.

Jungle Safaris Near Pune are a chiller that can mix the zest of wildlife, nature, and tranquillity. Right from the lively Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary to the picturesque Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, these places are sure to leave full-throttled adventurous people enchanted. If you are a lover of wildlife, the best Jungle Safari has it all for you. Plan a TripXL and explore Jungle Safari Near Pune seamlessly.

Cover Photo: UPASANA SAIGAL / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Most jungle safari takes between two to three hours depending on the location and safari time.
No, the use of private vehicles is disallowed most of the time. You are allowed only if in authorized safari jeeps or buses.
Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, Indian bison, deer, wild fowls, and birds as well as several other animals.
Yes, some like the Tadoba National Park are endowed with ecological tourism programs which include jeep safaris in electric cars.
There is also the necessity to hire a guide in the majority of sanctuaries due to safety concerns and higher chances of sighting different wild animals.

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