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The ideal conditions of wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra are a perfect blend of biodiversity, scenic beauty, and adventure. This place is a natural haven for travellers and animal lovers who like to stay amidst raw beauty. Because of the various ecosystems ranging from coastal to arid to moist deciduous, Maharashtra offers a wide variety of different types of flora and fauna. It may be a birdwatcher, a tiger enthusiast, or one hailing from the wilderness; the experiences are always memorable in Maharashtra sanctuaries.
Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Maharashtra
Here is a list of 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Maharashtra that one must visit:
1. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh / Wikimedia Commons
The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra, with a large population of Bengal tigers. Spread over an area of 625 square kilometres, the sanctuary greets its tourists with several species all at once, which include leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and many more bird varieties. Thick woods combined with tranquil lakes do provide ample opportunities for spotting wild animals.
Location: Chandrapur district, Maharashtra
How To Reach: Chandrapur railway station (45 km); Nagpur airport (140 km)
Timings: 6 AM – 10 AM, 3 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹1,000 per jeep for Indian tourists
2. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Photo: Aalokmjoshi / Wikimedia Commons
Situated amidst the bustling concrete jungle that characterises Mumbai, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an oasis of green and one of the most popular haunts for wild animals in Maharashtra. This place is home to the famous lion and tiger safaris. Home to a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut monuments that are collectively called the Kanheri Caves, cycling, boating, and trekking make it also an ideal retreat for city dwellers. The mighty ecosystem of the park is what every lover of wildlife would prize for.
Location: Borivali, Mumbai
How To Reach: Accessible via Borivali railway station; Mumbai airport is nearby
Timings: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹65 for adults, additional safari charges
3. Navegaon National Park
Photo: Dr. Raju Kasambe / Wikimedia Commons
Navegaon National Park acts as a birdwatcher’s paradise and is also at the forefront of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra. Renowned for its large population of peafowls and flycatchers, it is a permanent home to migratory birds such as the Brahminy duck. Other than birdlife, there are leopards, sloth bears and many other types of wildlife. The park also features an intriguing lake and a watchtower where wildlife can be best viewed in their natural habitat, adding to the park’s charm.
Location: Gondia district, Maharashtra
How To Reach: Deulgaon railway station (10 km); Nagpur airport (150 km)
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults, additional charges for safaris and boating
4. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Nikhil More / Wikimedia Commons
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary represents a key biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats-he protects the endemic Indian giant squirrel, which is the state animal of Maharashtra and discontinues the sanctuary landscape with a diverse assemblage of wildlife comprising leopard, barking deer, and many bird species. The dense forest cover and the scenic beauty make it a haven for trekkers, too, hence one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra for the nature lover and the venturer.
Location: Pune district, Maharashtra
How To Reach: Pune is the nearest railway station (100 km), and Pune Airport is the nearest airport.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Pench National Park
Photo: Fitindia / Wikimedia Commons
The Pench National Park lies on the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and gains its popularity from being the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.” If one wants to get a feel of the jungle, this is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra. It is a tiger reserve park, and seeing Bengal tigers, leopards, and many other wild animals, such as spotted deer and wild boar, is routine for tourists. The water body in Pench, the serene river, and the dense forests are ideal for wildlife safaris, birdwatching, and nature photography.
Location: Nagpur district, Maharashtra
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Seoni (30 km)
Timings: 6 AM – 11 AM, 3 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹500 per jeep safari
6. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Incredible Mother Earth / Wikimedia Commons
The Karnala Bird Sanctuary near Mumbai in the Raigad district is a bird watcher’s heaven. It provides a home to over 150 resident bird species and over 37 migratory species, making it one of the ideal wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra. The iconic Karnala Fort inside the sanctuary adds a pinch of historic feel to the visit. Besides birds, you can also see some general wildlife like langurs and mongoose. The sanctuary also forms a favourite spot for trekking; the trails wind through thick forests and are very scenic.
Location: Raigad district, Maharashtra
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Panvel (12 km)
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹35 per adult
7. Melghat Tiger Reserve
Photo: Bendale.kaustubh / Wikimedia Commons
It is one of the oldest tiger reserves in Maharashtra and comes under the Satpura hill ranges. The rich biodiversity of tigers, Indian gaurs, sloth bears, and over 250 species of birds provides an immersive experience in its wilds. The topography in the reserve and its dense forests create nothing but an absolutely perfect destination for nature and adventure lovers. This is particularly popular among animal photographers and researchers, as the area is more or less uninhabited by people, with undisturbed wilderness.
Location: Amravati district, Maharashtra
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Amravati (110 km)
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹200 per adult
8. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Bangal Priti / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nestled in the lush Western Ghats, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity, featuring animals like tigers, leopards, sambar deer, and the rare Malabar pied hornbill. With its deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and the massive Shivsagar Lake, Koyna is a must-visit for those seeking both adventure and tranquillity. The sanctuary’s landscapes make it one of the most scenic Maharashtra wildlife sanctuaries.
Location: Satara district, Maharashtra
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Satara (50 km)
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 per adult
9. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Raigad district, is a lesser-known gem among Maharashtra wildlife sanctuaries. It boasts a diverse landscape that includes coastal forests, wetlands, and grasslands, providing a unique habitat for animals like leopards, hyenas, and several bird species. The sanctuary is also home to the elusive Indian pangolin and four-horned antelope, which makes it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts. The untouched beauty of this sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the busy city life.
Location: Raigad district, Maharashtra
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Roha (30 km)
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 per adult
10. Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
Photo: Saurabh Sawant / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, this sanctuary in Solapur plays a vital role in preserving one of the rarest birds in the world. It’s the only sanctuary in Maharashtra specifically aimed at the protection of these majestic birds. Apart from the bustards, visitors can also spot other species like blackbucks, foxes, and various reptiles. The sanctuary’s efforts in protecting the bird population make it one of the most significant wildlife sanctuaries Maharashtra has to offer for conservation enthusiasts.
Location: Solapur district, Maharashtra
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Solapur (20 km).
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 per adult
Exploring the wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra allows you to experience the state’s rich biodiversity firsthand. Maharashtra offers a wide variety of wildlife sanctuaries, each providing unique experiences for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. From tiger reserves to bird sanctuaries, these natural havens offer unique experiences for every wildlife enthusiast. Plan your next adventure with TripXL and discover the wonders of Maharashtra wildlife sanctuaries.
Cover Photo: Sundarraj Kaushik / Wikimedia Commons
