Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Wildlife & National Parks

Maharashtra is home to some of India’s best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, offering thrilling jungle safaris, birdwatching, trekking, and eco-tourism experiences. Whether you want to spot the majestic Bengal tiger, explore lush forests, or witness rare bird species, Maharashtra’s wildlife destinations provide a perfect escape into nature.

Here’s a list of the top national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra for nature lovers and adventure seekers!

1. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve – The Best Tiger Safari in Maharashtra

 Location: Chandrapur District, Vidarbha Region
 Best For: Tiger Spotting, Jungle Safaris, Wildlife Photography

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Maharashtra’s largest & oldest tiger reserve, home to over 100 Bengal tigers.
✔️ Thick forests, lakes, and open meadows make it perfect for wildlife sightings.
✔️ Great for birdwatching with over 195 bird species.

 Wildlife to Spot:
 Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs, Gaur, Spotted Deer.

 Best Activities:
✔️ Jeep Safari (Morning & Evening) – Best way to spot tigers.
✔️ Boat Safari on Irai Lake – Scenic ride with birdwatching.

 Best Time to Visit: October – May (Best tiger sightings from March to May).
 Safari Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 per jeep (max 6 people).

 2. Pench National Park – Inspiration for "The Jungle Book"

 Location: Nagpur District (Partly in Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra)
 Best For: Tiger & Leopard Safari, Nature Lovers

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of India’s best-maintained national parks and inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
✔️ Famous for its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes & rare wildlife.
✔️ Great for both jeep safaris & eco-tourism.

 Wildlife to Spot:
 Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dogs, Jackals, Indian Bison, Sambar Deer.

 Best Activities:
✔️ Jungle Safari (Morning & Evening) – Tiger tracking & photography.
✔️ Birdwatching – Over 300 bird species.

 Best Time to Visit: October – April (Best tiger sightings in summer).
 Safari Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per jeep.

 3. Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Mumbai’s Hidden Wilderness

 Location: Borivali, Mumbai
 Best For: Urban Wildlife, Easy Nature Getaways

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ A national park inside a metropolitan city!
✔️ Home to rare wildlife, ancient Buddhist caves & scenic trekking trails.
✔️ Perfect for day trips, picnics & weekend escapes.

 Wildlife to Spot:
 Asiatic Lions (in a protected safari), Leopards, Spotted Deer, Bonnet Macaques.

 Best Activities:
✔️ Lion & Tiger Safari (Bus Ride).
✔️ Visit Kanheri Caves (2000-year-old Buddhist caves).
✔️ Cycling & Trekking through forest trails.

 Best Time to Visit: October – March.
 Entry Fee: ₹85 per person, Safari: ₹100 per person.

 4. Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary – Maharashtra’s Best Birdwatching Destination

 Location: Near Pune, Bhigwan Village
 Best For: Birdwatching, Photography

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Known as "Bharatpur of Maharashtra" for its rich birdlife.
✔️ Best place to see thousands of migratory birds, including flamingos.
✔️ A paradise for nature photographers.

 Birds to Spot:
 Greater Flamingos, Painted Storks, Grey Herons, Black-Headed Ibis, Cormorants.

 Best Activities:
✔️ Boat Safari in Ujjani Dam Backwaters – Best for birdwatching.
✔️ Photography Expeditions.

 Best Time to Visit: December – February (Peak migratory season).
 Boat Safari Cost: ₹800 – ₹1,200 per ride.

 5. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary – The Green Jewel of Maharashtra

 Location: Satara District, Western Ghats
 Best For: Trekking, Wildlife, Nature Lovers

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ A UNESCO World Heritage Site (Part of the Western Ghats Biosphere).
✔️ Dense forests, waterfalls & wildlife make it a perfect monsoon escape.
✔️ Great for trekking, camping & birdwatching.

 Wildlife to Spot:
 Indian Gaur (Bison), Leopards, Sloth Bears, Sambar Deer, Hornbills.

 Best Activities:
✔️ Jungle Trekking & Nature Trails.
✔️ Camping near Koyna Dam.

 Best Time to Visit: July – February (Best greenery & trekking weather).
 Entry Fee: ₹50 per person.

 6. Melghat Tiger Reserve – A Remote Wilderness Experience

 Location: Amravati District, Vidarbha Region
 Best For: Offbeat Wildlife Safari, Photography

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of Maharashtra’s largest tiger reserves, less crowded than Tadoba.
✔️ Home to rare Indian Sloth Bears & Leopards.
✔️ Great for eco-tourism & night safaris.

 Wildlife to Spot:
 Bengal Tigers, Sloth Bears, Indian Bison, Leopards, Porcupines.

 Best Activities:
✔️ Jeep Safari & Night Safari.
✔️ Camping & Eco-Stays inside the jungle.

 Best Time to Visit: October – March.
 Safari Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹4,500 per jeep.

 7. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary – Maharashtra’s Coastal Forest Reserve

 Location: Near Alibaug, Konkan Region
 Best For: Birdwatching, Coastal Wildlife

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ A rare mix of coastal forests & wildlife near Mumbai.
✔️ Great for nature walks, butterflies & birdwatching.

 Wildlife to Spot:
 Malabar Pied Hornbill, Barking Deer, Leopards, King Cobras.

 Best Activities:
✔️ Trekking through dense forests.
✔️ Butterfly watching & photography.

 Best Time to Visit: October – April.
 Entry Fee: ₹50 per person.