4 Famous Wildlife Safaris to Visit in Pune

One of the most important educational and industrial hubs of India, Pune is a sprawling city with a population of roughly over 43 lakhs. However, there are several options to get a slice of nature to its fullest.

Let’s look at the following list of jungle safaris near Pune to get a broad knowledge base for planning your next adventure.

Here is a list of 4 top jungle safaris near Pune.

1. Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

source: aroundpune

Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary has various reasons behind its fame. It is mostly known for its massive variety of flora and fauna and its birdlife. One can expect to see birds like a black-winged kite, ashy-crowned sparrow lark, Eurasian collard dove, Blue-cheeked bee-eater, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Indian roller and mammals like Striped Hyena, Indian Fox, Jackal, Indian grey wolf and more.

• Area Covered: 5.14 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to January
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 7 am to 7 pm
• Distance from Airport: Pune International Airport, 70.9 km away
• Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
• How to Reach: Arrive at Pune International Airport and take a bus or cab to this sanctuary.

2. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

source: mouthshut

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is among the 12 biodiversity hotspots of the world. This massive forest houses a plethora of flora and fauna at its lap, making it one of the must-visit jungle safaris near Pune.

A visitor might find mammals such as leopards and hyenas to birds such as Hornbill and Malabar whistling thrush in this sanctuary.

• Area Covered: 131 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Average Time to Spend: 1 night 2 days
• Operational Hours: 5:30 am to 9:30 pm
• Distance From Airport: Pune International Airport, 94.6 km away
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Parking charge for two-wheelers: ₹10
  • Parking charge for four-wheelers: ₹50
  • Parking charge for heavy vehicles: ₹100
• How to Reach: Arrive at Pune airport and then take a bus or cab to this sanctuary.

3. Taljai Hills

source: wikimedia

Taljai Hills can be one of the most delightful experiences one can seek near Pune. It offers a plethora of fauna and abundant natural beauty. The area is also popular for the Taljai Mata Devi temple attracts a lot of people who enjoy the zigzag hike into the mildly dense forest.

A visitor can expect to find a variety of migratory birds, peacocks, rare butterflies, and ducks in their natural habitat.

• Area Covered: NA
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 5 am to 10 am and 4:30 pm to 7 pm
• Distance From Airport: Pune International Airport, 17.5 km away
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• How to Reach: Arrive at Pune International Airport and take a bus or cab.

4. Sinhagad Valley

source: cornell

Sinhagad Valley is a remarkable tourism destination for several reasons. It is a spot ideal for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts in general. Do not forget to watch out for the Khadakwasla dam area to get hold of some rare birds.

Visitors can have opportunities to see the Asian Paradis Flycatcher, Olive Backed Pipit, Black Naped Monarch, Brahminy Starling, Indian White Eye, Red Breasted flycatcher, White Throated Kingfisher and more.

• Area Covered: NA
• Best Time to Visit: June to February
• Average Time to Spend: 3  to 4 hours
• Operational Hours: Open 24 hours
• Distance From Airport: Pune International Airport, 33.7 km away
• Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
• How to Reach: You can get buses or cabs from Pune airport to reach this sanctuary.