6 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Maharashtra to Explore

If you are a true wildlife enthusiast, you must have Maharashtra wildlife sanctuaries on your bucket list already. But if you don’t, wait until the end of this blog. Thanks to the rich biodiversity, varied topography, pleasing weather, and lush greenery, the wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra are treat to the souls as they are to the eyes.

Whether you are an animal lover, bird watcher, or just a curious traveller, these sanctuaries offer excellent opportunities for you to observe exotic and endangered creatures in their protected home. And not to forget, they are way more ethical than zoos, where animals are caged away from their natural surroundings.

Are you wondering about the most famous wild sanctuary in Maharashtra? Look no further! We have curated a list of the top 6 wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra, promising a day of adventure, peace, and joy - all at the same time.

Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

Set amid the Western Ghats, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary has to be on the list of wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra. The sanctuary is a heavenly abode of an array of mammals, such as Indian Leopards, Indian Bison, Bengal Tigers, sloth bear, and deer, to name just a few. Not only this, you will be delighted to witness various bird species in their natural habitat. Brown-capped pygmy woodpecker and night-tailed light jar are some of the birds found here.

Location - Koyna Nagar, Koyna, Maharashtra

Distance from Mumbai - 288 kilometres

Best time to visit - The period between June to October is the ideal time to plan a visit to Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Take your love for wildlife a notch higher by booking a night stay at the Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is blessed with acres of grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. Two rivers, Parlkota and Pamalgautam, flow through it as well. Here you can witness animals like sambar, chital, wild boar, barking deer, langur, and mongoose, among many others. Hire an authorised guide, take your car into the jungle, and enjoy the surreal views. And yes, as we mentioned, you can book a night stay here as well. The Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to Gond-Madia and several other tribes.

Location - Bhandara, Maharashtra

Distance from Mumbai - 950 kilometres

Best time to visit - The time between February to May is ideal for visiting the sanctuary.

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

To experience the wildlife in Maharashtra in its full glory, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary has to be on your travel itinerary. Recognised as one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world, the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of species. What’s more interesting is that it is among the most prominent protected habitats of the Indian Giant Squirrel. Besides this, there are mammals such as wild boar, langurs, and barking deer, along with numerous species of insects, amphibians, reptiles, and butterflies

. Location - Khed Taluka, Pune District, Maharashtra

Distance from Mumbai - 94 kilometres

Best time to visit - The months from October until February is the best time to visit this famous wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra.

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Bor Wildlife Sanctuary

Bor Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra is nothing less than sheer bliss for wildlife fanatics. Sprawling over an area of 138 sq. km, the sanctuary is primarily known as a natural home for tigers. For this reason, it was declared as a tiger reserve in 2014. Along with tigers, plenty of other animals can be found in the vicinity, including blue bull, chital, Indian bison, sambar deer, and monkey. Wait, there’s more, especially for the bird watchers! The sanctuary has over 160 bird species, including 10 species of migratory and 9 species of endangered birds. With a rich mixture of biodiversity, it is indeed one of the top 10 wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra.

Location - Wardha, Maharashtra

Distance from Mumbai - 813 kilometres

Best time to visit - During the summer season, this wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra blooms with beauty; thus, it is the best time to visit.

Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary

With the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, it is indeed the best wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra. Owing to a large population of tigers, it has been declared as a tiger reserve wildlife sanctuary. Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, flying squirrel, wild boar, pangolin, mouse deer and python are some of the animals you can see around the region. Bordered by the Tapti River and the Satpura range, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary offers breathtaking views that will be etched in your memory for a lifetime.

Location - Amravati District, Maharashtra

Distance from Mumbai - 637 kilometres

Best time to visit - Though you can visit the sanctuary throughout the year, the monsoons, from mid-July till September, is the best time to visit. The summer season is also suitable for animal sightings.

Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary

You cannot miss the popular Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary while talking about the best wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra. Named after the nearby village, Gautala, this sanctuary serves as the shelter to a large number of animals, birds, and reptiles species. There are nearly 260 species of birds, alluring tourists from across the country. Jungle fowl, quail, and partridges are some of the birds you can admire here. Mammals like jackals, foxes, wolves, barking deer, and bats call Guatala their home.

Location - Kannada, Maharashtra

Distance from Mumbai - 365 kilometres

Best time to visit - January to March is the best time to visit the Gautala wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra.

Plan a trip to one or more of these wildlife sanctuaries and take a break from the mundane city life for a while. Whether you are looking for things to do with your family and friends or want to take your photography skills on another level, wildlife sighting is an ideal choice.

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