From Tadoba to Koyna: Maharashtra’s Top Wildlife Sanctuaries Revealed

Ten Incredible Wildlife Parks in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is renowned for its cultural diversity, rich biodiversity, and an impressive array of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. These parks offer unique experiences for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, showcasing diverse flora and fauna.

1. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve – Chandrapur

Located in Chandrapur district, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of India’s premier tiger reserves, hosting around 80 tigers within its tropical dry deciduous forest ecosystem. The reserve is home to the fastest-growing tiger population in the country, along with other carnivores like leopards and dholes. Prey species include sambar, chital, wild pig, and gaur.

2. Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Mumbai

Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as Borivali National Park, is an 87 sq km protected area in Mumbai. Established in 1969, the park houses the 2,400-year-old Kanheri Caves, carved out of basaltic cliffs by monks. A famous Jain temple is also located within the park.

3. Navegaon National Park – Gondia

Situated in Gondia district, Navegaon National Park spans 133.78 sq km and is known for its diverse vegetation and rich biodiversity, including 209 bird species, 9 reptile species, and 26 mammal species such as tigers, panthers, and jungle cats. The park offers facilities like an interpretation center, a small museum, and watch towers for wildlife observation.

4. Nagzira National Park – Bhandara & Gondia

Nagzira National Park, located in the Bhandara and Gondia districts, is home to a wide range of species including 34 mammals, 166 birds, 36 reptiles, and several amphibians. The park also boasts a rich array of butterflies and other insects.

5. Melghat Tiger Reserve – Amravati

Melghat Tiger Reserve, located in Amravati district, was one of the first nine tiger reserves in India. Established in 1974, this reserve covers part of the Satpura Range and is home to species such as sloth bears, Indian gaurs, leopards, and the endangered Forest Owlet. Tourists can visit throughout the year, with monsoon offering the best views.

6. Chikaldara Wildlife Sanctuary – Amravati

Chikaldara, the sole hill station in Vidarbha at an altitude of 1,118 meters, is the only coffee-growing region in Maharashtra. It is home to wildlife including panthers, sloth bears, and wild boars, and is near the Melghat Tiger Project, which has around 82 tigers.

7. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – Pune

Located in the northern Western Ghats, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary spans parts of Pune, Thane, and Raigad districts. The sanctuary is known for its Jyotirlinga shrine of Lord Shiva and is home to the Giant Indian Squirrel, panthers, and sambar, thanks to its varied forest types.

8. Pench National Park – Nagpur

Pench National Park, on the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, covers 1,197 sq km and is a renowned tiger reserve. The park shelters over 35 species of fauna, with tiger sightings being a popular attraction for visitors.

9. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary – Satara

Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Western Ghats (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), covers 423.55 sq km and is home to tigers, leopards, Indian bison, sloth bears, and numerous bird species.

10. Bor Wildlife Sanctuary – Wardha

Bor Tiger Reserve, situated in Wardha district near Hingani village, covers 138.12 sq km and includes the Bor Dam drainage basin. It is surrounded by other tiger habitats, such as Pench, Nagzira, and Melghat, contributing to a larger tiger conservation landscape.