Maharashtra is a state that has diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. The state is home to several tiger reserves that are necessary for the conservation of these magnificent creatures. Each of these reserves offers a unique experience, with abundant wildlife, scenic beauty, and well-preserved natural habitats. This article provides an in-depth overview of the prominent tiger reserves in Maharashtra, highlighting their significance, key features, and efforts to protect these incredible ecosystems.
Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Chandrapur District
Tadoba Tiger Reserve, one of India’s most famous destinations for tiger safaris, is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. Renowned for its forests and tiger population. This reserve offers visitors the opportunity to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Spotting tiger cubs here is a delightful experience, as they are often visible during safaris.
- Area Covered: The total area covered under this is 625.4 square KM
- When to Visit: You should prefer to visit from October to June
- Timings: The timings are from 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM
- Distance from the Airport: It is at the distance of 136 KM from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport
- Entry Charges: Rs 20 for Indian visitors, Rs 1200 for international visitors
- How to Come: You can use the Chandrapur Railway Station or Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport or can come using the buses or cabs to the park.
Pench Tiger Reserve, Nagpur District
Pench Tiger Reserve shared between Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, is another noteworthy sanctuary known for its thriving flora and fauna. The Pench River has been flowing from north to south through the park. The river is doing the work of enhancing its scenic beauty. While the tiger population here is relatively low compared to other reserves, the park’s tranquil environment makes it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Area Covered: The total area covered under this is 292.85 square KM
- When to Visit: You should prefer to visit from November to April
- Timings: The timings are from 06:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM
- Distance from the Airport: 87.5 km from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport
- Entry Charges: Rs 15 for Indian visitors, Rs 150 for foreign visitors
- How to Come: After arriving at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, buses or cabs can take visitors to the sanctuary.
Melghat Tiger Reserve, Amravati District
Melghat Tiger Reserve, situated in the Amravati district, is located in the southern region of the Satpura Hills. This place becomes the area where five major rivers come named Khandu, Khapra, Sipna, Gadga, and Dolar. It was initially founded as a wildlife sanctuary in 1967 and it was announced as a tiger reserve in 1974. The reserve consists of the core Gugarnal National Park and the buffer Melghat Tiger Sanctuary.
- Sanctuary Type: Tiger Reserve
- Area: The total area covered under this is 1,677 square KM
- Foundation Year: It was founded in 1974
- When to Visit: You should prefer to visit from October to June
- Temperatures: Range from 6°C in winter to 43.6°C in summer
- Nearest Town: Chikhaldara
- Address: Melghat Tiger Reserve Camp Road, Amravati-444602, Maharashtra
- Phone: 0721-2662792
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri Districts
The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, established in 2008, is a combination of three reserves: Koyna, Chandoli, and Radhanagari. Nestled in the lush green Western Ghats, this reserve boasts evergreen and moist deciduous forests, making it a biodiversity hotspot. Besides Bengal tigers and Indian leopards, visitors can spot other wildlife like gaur, four-horned antelope, and giant squirrels.
- Area Covered: The total area covered under this is 1,166 square KM
- When to Visit: You should prefer to visit from November to February
- Distance from the Airport: 137 km from Kolhapur Airport
- Entry Charges: Rs 30
- How to Come: From Kolhapur Airport, buses and cabs are available to reach the sanctuary.
Nagzira-Navegaon Tiger Reserve, Gondia and Bhandara Districts
It is located in the Central Indian tiger landscape. It is the 05th tiger reserve in Maharashtra. It is residence to a variety of wildlife species, including wild boars, panthers, jackals, palm civets, bison, nilgais, sambars, chitals, and sloth bears, apart from tigers.
- Area Covered: The total area covered under this is 133.88 square KM
- When to Visit: You should prefer to visit from November to February
- Timings: The timings are from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
- Distance from the Airport: 98.4 km from Birsi Airport, Gondia
- Entry Charges: Rs 30 to Rs 150
- How to Come: Travelers can take buses from Tirora Railway Station or Birsi Airport to reach the sanctuary.
Bor Tiger Reserve, Wardha District
It was announced as a tiger reserve in July 2014. The location of Bor Tiger Reserve is in the Wardha district of Maharashtra. The sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It has a variety of animals prospering in its ecosystem. It covers the drainage basin of the Bor Dam and is centrally located among other tiger habitats like Pench, Tadoba, and Melghat.
- Sanctuary Type: Tiger Reserve
- Area: The total area covered under this is 121.1 square KM
- Foundation Year: It was founded in 2014
- When to Visit: You should prefer to visit from April to May
- Address: It is located at Hingni, Bor Dam Road, Wardha
- Phone: Call on the number 079-26858002