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14 Best Wildlife Safaris to Visit in Maharashtra
If you are a wildlife lover you should visit Maharashtra once to explore different famous wildlife safaris. In addition, the state is notable for its gorgeous landscape beauty. So, travellers can also explore a variety of flora and fauna along with authentic Indian wildlife. Besides, the immersive beauty of these wildlife parks will refresh you from the inside.
So keep scrolling to know about some famous wildlife safaris in Maharashtra.
List of the Best Wildlife Safaris in Maharashtra
The list of the 14 best wildlife safaris in Maharashtra is presented below.
1. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary
Koyna wildlife sanctuary is one of the most-visited wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra. Situated in the Satara district of Maharashtra, it is a UNESCO heritage site for its rich biodiversity. You can choose to go on a safari here between 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It will allow you to explore a large number of wild mammals such as Bengal tigers, sloth bears, deer, Indian bison, leopards etc.
- Area Covered: 423.55 km2
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 days
- Operational Hours: 9:30 am to 8 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 206 km from the nearest Kolhapur Airport
- Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
- How to reach: Fly to Kolhapur Airport, and take buses or cabs to teach this sanctuary.
2. Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Mahadev temple called ‘Nag’ which is situated in the centre of the sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary is famous for animals like cheetahs, mouse deer, wild dogs, sambar etc. Apart from watching wildlife, you can also explore the gorgeous beauty of the landscape and the authentic Indian flora. It is known for tiger safaris in India. The safari usually takes place between 5:00 AM and 9:30 AM.
- Area Covered: 152.81 km2
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 days
- Operational Hours: 6 am to 10 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 126 km from the nearest Nagpur Airport
- Entry Fee: Depends on the type of vehicle one chooses for the safari
- How to reach: Fly to Nagpur Airport or arrive at Kolhapur railway station. Then, take a bus or cab to this sanctuary.
3. Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary
Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary is situated between the Tapti River and the Satpura range. It is mainly well-known as a tiger reserve. Apart from this, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary protects endangered species such as forest owlets. Visitors can also explore other wildlife such as nilgai, sloth bears, leopard, sambar etc. You can choose jeep safari, bird watching safari or walking safari. The morning safari usually starts at 5:30 AM and ends at 10:30 AM.
- Area Covered: 1677 km2
- Best Time to Visit: December to June
- Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 days
- Operational Hours: Open all-day
- Distance from the Airport: 257 km from the nearest Nagpur Airport
- Entry Fee: Depends on the type of vehicle one chooses for the safari
- How to reach: Take a bus or rented vehicle from Nagpur Airport.
4. Bhima Shankar Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhima Shankar is another place for taking an adrenaline-boosting wildlife safari tour in Maharashtra. This wildlife sanctuary is rich in biodiversity and has many more to offer tourists. The natural beauty and highly adventurous landscape call out to all trekkers and adventure lovers. Tourists can take a guided jeep safari or a walking safari inside this wildlife sanctuary from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Area Covered: 131 km2
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 days
- Operational Hours: 5:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 94.7 km from the nearest Pune Airport
- Entry Fee: no entry fee
- How to reach: Fly to Pune Airport or take a train to Pune Railway Station. Then, take a bus or cab to this sanctuary.
5. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
If you want to explore some of the most beautiful places in Maharashtra, you must visit Karnala Bird Sanctuary. This birdwatchers' heaven is home to 222 bird species and several other migratory birds. Some great instances can be, green pigeons, Malabar grey hornbills, Nilgiri wood pigeons etc. If you want to get the best experience of this place you must visit during winter.
- Area Covered: 446 km2
- Best Time to Visit: September to April
- Average Time to Spend: 1-day trip
- Operational Hours: 7 am to 6 pm
- Distance from Airport: 64.1 km from the nearest Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai
- Entry Fee: ₹ 35 per person
- How to reach: Arrive at Khandeshwar railway station or Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Then, take a bus or cab.
6. Great Indian Bustard Wildlife Sanctuary
Great Indian Bustard Wildlife Sanctuary is a reserve of rare bustard birds. The place has recently become a tourist hotspot for its unique natural view. However, apart from bustards, you can also spot some other birds such as partridges, Indian bush larks, sandgrouse, Indian courser etc. Along with birds, you will also watch animals such as blackbuck deer, hyena, mongoose etc.
- Area Covered: 472 km2
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 days
- Operational Hours: 8 am to 5:30 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 258 km from the nearest Pune airport
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- How to reach: Arrive at Bhuj railway station or Pune airport, and take a bus or cab to the sanctuary.
7. Phansad Bird Sanctuary
An abode of 720 species of flora and 279 species of fauna, Phansad Bird Sanctuary is a must-watch place in Maharashtra. Apart from beautiful birds, you will also explore different animals and mammals. However, tourists can spend some relaxing beach hours at the nearby Kashid Beach and also enjoy clicking photos during visiting this sanctuary.
- Area Covered: 52 km2
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Average Time to Spend: 1-day trip
- Operational Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 169 km from the nearest Mumbai airport
- Entry Fee: ₹ 30 per person
- How to reach: Arrive at the Mumbai Airport and hire a cab to the sanctuary.
8. Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary
If you want to spend your holidays in an offbeat tourist destination, then Narnala wildlife sanctuary is a perfect destination for you. Covered by dense forest and a huge number of wild animals, Narnala has a lot to offer tourists. Apart from the wildlife, there is also a fort which is also a famous destination for tourists.
- Area Covered: 1.46 km2
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Average Time to Spend: 1-day trip
- Operational Hours: 8 am to 11 am
- Distance from the Airport: 265 km from the nearest Nagpur airport
- Entry Fee: Depends on the type of vehicle one chooses for the safari
- How to reach: Take a cab or bus from Nagpur Airport or Akola Railway Station.
9. Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary
Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary is a great place to watch famous Indian antelopes. Apart from this, Rehekuri is also home to several other mammals and endangered birds. The animals you will spot here are wild wolves, jackals, and Great Indian Bustards. However, the place is also rich in natural beauty thus giving you the best experience of a soothing trip. The jeep safari usually starts at 7:00 AM and continues till 3:00 PM.
- Area Covered: 2.17 km2
- Best Time to Visit: August to January
- Average Time to Spend: 1-day trip
- Operational Hours: 8 am to 6 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 152 km from the nearest Pune Airport
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- How to reach: Fly to Pune Airport and then take a bus or a cab.
10. Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary
If you are a bird lover you must visit Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary. The famous attraction of this sanctuary is colourful flamingos. The pristine lake and attractive natural beauty have made this place a heaven for photographers. Some famous birds you will spot here are herons, raptors etc. Apart from bird watching, you can also enjoy boat riding in the lake and peaceful solo outings.
- Area Covered: 357 km2
- Best Time to Visit: December to March
- Average Time to Spend: 1-day trip
- Operational Hours: 6 am to 6:30 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 105 km from the nearest Pune Airport
- Entry Fee: ₹ 30 per person
- How to reach: You can fly to Pune Airport and then take a bus or cab to this sanctuary.
11. Tadoba Andhari National Park & Safari
Tadoba Andhari National Park is among the oldest ones in Maharashtra and has a huge attractive flora and fauna. Not only animals, but nature lovers can also explore several Indian trees such as bel, sissoo, tendu etc. In animals, you can explore sloth bears, hyenas, leopards etc. In addition, the beauty of this sanctuary also attracts photography enthusiasts.
- Area Covered: 626 km2
- Best Time to Visit: December to February
- Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 Days
- Operational Hours: 6 am to 10 am and 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
- Distance from Airport: 108 km from the nearest Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur
- Entry Fee: ₹ 20 per person
- How to reach: Buses and taxis are easily available to this sanctuary from Chandrapur Railway Station or Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport.
12. Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-include for your Maharashtra tour bucket list. The sanctuary is covered with greenery and trees which has made this place extremely soothing and attractive. However, animal lovers will watch several mammals, like jackals, wolves, barking deer, wild boars etc. In addition, there are a huge number of bird species residing at the sanctuary.
- Area Covered: 82.94 km2
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 Days
- Operational Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 212 km from the nearest Aurangabad Airport
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- How to reach: Arrive at Aurangabad Airport and then hire a cab or take a bus to this sanctuary.
13. Jayakwadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Jayakwadi is one of the most famous wildlife safaris in Maharashtra and also a haven for birdwatchers. If you want to get the best experience then you should visit this place during winter and explore the lifestyle of migratory birds. Further, if you love photography, this place can be perfect for you.
- Area Covered: 1.25 km2
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 Days
- Operational Hours: 6 am to 7 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 80 km from the nearest Aurangabad Airport
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- How to reach: Fly to Aurangabad Airport and then take a bus or cab.
14. Malvan Marine Wildlife Sanctuary
As you have gone through a long list of wildlife sanctuaries for terrestrial and aerial animals, you can take the reference of Malvan Marine Wildlife Sanctuary which is for watching aquatic animals. In 1987, this place was designated as a wildlife sanctuary. The popular sea creatures you will spot here are pearl oysters, corals, sea anemones etc. In addition, there will be over 30 species of fish in this sanctuary.
- Area Covered: 29.122 km2
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 Days
- Operational Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
- Distance from the Airport: 130 km from the nearest Dabolim Airport
- Entry Fee: ₹ 1200 for Scuba Diving
- How to reach: Hire a vehicle or take a bus from Dabolim Airport.
Hope you have got a clear idea of the popular wildlife safaris in Maharashtra. The article has broadly enlisted the details of some of the famous wildlife sanctuaries which are a must- to include in your bucket list. So, if you are planning your next adventure to Maharashtra, do not forget to add these sanctuaries to your itinerary to get an authentic flavour of the great Indian wildlife.