NATURE & WILDLIFE
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary was created in the Ambegaon and Khed talukas of Pune District, in the Western Indian state of Maharashtra in order mainly to protect the habitat of the Indian Giant Squirrel. It spreads through 3 district of Maharashtra that is Pune District, Raigad District & Thane District. The area is rich in biodiversity and has been recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Western Ghats. The famous Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is situated within the sanctuary, attracting pilgrims along with nature lovers.The sanctuary is home to diverse flora and fauna, including leopards, barking deer, wild boars, langurs, and many species of birds.
Bor Tiger Reserve
Bor Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary which was declared as a tiger reserve in July 2014. It is located near Hingani in Wardha District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a home to a variety of wild animals. The reserve covers an area of 138.12 km2 (53.33 sq mi) which includes the drainage basin of the Bor Dam. It is a popular destination for wildlife lovers, photographers, and eco-tourists looking for a peaceful jungle experience.The forest also has historical and religious importance due to ancient temples like the Kukdeshwar Temple. Bor Tiger Reserve plays an important role in wildlife conservation and maintaining ecological balance in the region.
Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary
Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary and natural World Heritage Site, located in Satara district. This wildlife sanctuary is designated as an Important Bird area. It was notified in 1985 as a wildlife sanctuary situated in Maharashtra. It forms the northern portion of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, with Chandoli National Park forming the southern part of the reserve. The sanctuary is home to rich wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, and many bird species. Dense forests of teak, oak, and bamboo dominate the landscape, making it a biodiversity hotspot. It is surrounded by the Shivsagar Lake formed by the Koyna Dam, which adds to its natural beauty.
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a protected area in Chandrapur district that consists of Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve includes 577.96 km2 (223.15 sq mi) of reserved forest and 32.51 km2 (12.55 sq mi) of protected forest. It was created in 1955 and later declared a tiger reserve in 1995 under the Project Tiger initiative. The reserve is named after Tadoba Lake and the Andhari River, which flow through the forest. It is home to a healthy population of Royal Bengal Tigers, along with leopards, wild dogs (dholes), sloth bears, hyenas, and marsh crocodiles. The landscape consists of dry deciduous forests, bamboo groves, grasslands, and water bodies. Tadoba is also rich in birdlife, with more than 190 species of birds, including peacocks, paradise flycatchers, and honey buzzards. Today, Tadoba is one of the most popular tiger safari destinations in India, attracting tourists, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts from across the world.
Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve
Navegaon National Park is a National park located in the Arjuni Morgaon subdivision of Gondia district. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2013 to strengthen tiger conservation in central India. The forest is home to Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, gaur, sambar, and more than 300 species of birds. The reserve includes the famous Nawegaon Lake, a scenic water body that attracts many migratory birds. Dense teak and bamboo forests dominate the landscape, making it a true biodiversity hotspot. It is connected to other major reserves like Tadoba, Pench, and Kanha, forming part of the central Indian tiger corridor.The national park has diverse type of vegetation ranging from dry mixed forest to moist forest.
Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary
Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Aurangabad and Jalgaon districts covering around 260 sq. km. It lies in the Satmala hills of the Western Ghats and is surrounded by rugged terrain, deep valleys, and dry deciduous forests. The sanctuary is home to wildlife such as leopards, wolves, hyenas, jungle cats, nilgai, sambar, chinkara, and wild boars. Over 240 bird species are recorded here, including peafowls, partridges, quails, and migratory birds. The sanctuary is also rich in history, with ancient caves and temples like the Pitalkhora Caves located within its boundary. It provides a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it unique among Maharashtra’s sanctuaries. Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is a great spot for eco-tourism, trekking, bird watching, and learning about biodiversity.
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is spread across Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts, covering around 1,165 sq. km. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2010 and includes both the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chandoli National Park. The reserve is part of the Western Ghats (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), known for its rich biodiversity and evergreen forests. Wildlife here includes tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, sambar, barking deer, and giant squirrels. The region also supports a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and medicinal plants. Scenic landscapes, rivers, waterfalls, and reservoirs like Shivsagar Lake make it a blend of wilderness and natural beauty. The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve plays a vital role in tiger conservation while also promoting eco-tourism and environmental awareness.
Melghat Tiger Reserve
Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the Amravati district, within the Satpura mountain ranges, and covers an area of about 1,677 sq. km. It was among the first nine tiger reserves established in 1973 under Project Tiger. The name Melghat means "meeting of the ghats," referring to its hilly terrain and deep valleys. The reserve is home to Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, hyenas, jackals, and over 250 bird species. Dense forests of teak, bamboo, and mixed deciduous trees dominate the landscape, supporting a rich ecosystem. The Korku tribes live in and around the reserve, practicing traditional agriculture and maintaining a unique cultural heritage. With its wildlife, natural beauty, and tribal culture, Melghat is both a conservation hotspot and an eco-tourism destination.
Lonar Crater
The Lonar Crater, also known as Lonar Lake, is located in the Buldhana district. It was formed around 52,000 years ago due to the impact of a meteorite hitting the basaltic rock of the Deccan Plateau. The crater is about 1.8 km wide and 150 meters deep, making it the largest basaltic impact crater in the world. Its lake is unique because it has both alkaline and saline water, supporting rare forms of micro-organisms. Lonar Crater is surrounded by ancient temples, including those dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and Hanuman, reflecting its cultural heritage. Scientists and researchers from India and abroad study this site for its geological and ecological significance. Today, Lonar Crater is a popular tourist attraction combining science, history, and natural beauty.
Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary
Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nagpur and Bhandara districts, spread over about 189 sq. km. It is best known for being home to the famous tiger “Jai”, who once roamed freely in this region and brought the sanctuary into the spotlight. Apart from tigers, the sanctuary hosts leopards, wild dogs (dholes), sloth bears, jungle cats, wolves, and deer species like sambar and chital. The sanctuary’s landscape is a mix of teak, bamboo, and grasslands, providing a rich habitat for wildlife. More than 180 bird species have been recorded here, making it a good spot for bird watchers. Its proximity to Nagpur city (about 50 km away) makes it a popular weekend safari destination for tourists. Today, Umred Karhandla is an important part of the tiger corridor connecting Tadoba–Andhari, Pench, and Nagzira reserves.
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