Tips on clicks :

• Located in the Chandrapur District in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.

• Covers a total area of around 135 sq. km.

• The main attraction of the sanctuary is that it is home to the Giant Indian Squirrels.

• Ideal time to visit the place is between February to June.

The Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra - Welcome!

To be found in the Chandrapur District of the Vidarbha region in Maharashtra, the place has a total area of approx. 135 sq. km to span. Though a major region of the sanctuary is blanketed by the woods and gives it a forest like appearance, there are a few patches of land, adorned with lush green grasses which make the forest look live. There are also a few wet land spaces created by the numerous water sources, including Rivers and tank outlets, which are found to be flowing through the forest area and that add to the jade of the place. These contributing reservoirs can be named as the Wainganga River, the Chandankhedi Nala, and few of the tanks like Murgikunta Tank, Komatkunta Tank, Ushirkunta Tank, Lagam Tank, and Raikonta Tank. The numerous cliffs, caves, tallus, and beds of the nalas serve as the unique set of shelters for existence of the wildlife here, in the Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary.

The fauna :

The Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary has become a home to a huge variety of wild animals that are dangerous and endangered as well. Over 20 species of mammals have been recorded to exist here, and of them 4 species are among the rarest creatures in the country. The Tiger, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Wild Dog and the Sloth Bear are among them. 131 species of birds comprise of the wonderful avifauna in the Protected Area of this sanctuary. As well as these, there are species of reptiles, which include the Indian Python and the Common Indian Monitor (species of huge Lizards). Other mammalian animals have these names under the list - Barking Deer, Peacock, Harep, Jackal, Mungoose, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Blue Bull, Common Langur (monkey), Wild Boar, Black Buck and the Flying Squirrel. The Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is also popular by the name of the Home of the Giant Indian Squirrels, pertaining to the number of diverse species of squirrels existing as a part of this sanctuary.

The flora :

The flora haven in the Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is quite similar to other sanctuaries of Maharashtra, having typical Southern Topical Dry Deciduous trees and grassy green vegetation. The forest land in the sanctuary is dominated by the Teak specie trees. Apart from these, there are Ain, Behda, Arjuna, Bija Pterocarpus Bhera, Dhawada, Bel, Ghoti, Kalam, Ghoti, Mahua, Rohan, Sisoo, Mowai, Salai, Sirus, Tendu and the Semal Shisham trees.

Other attractions in the proximities of the sanctuary are the Prashand Dham, the Markanda Temple and the Chaprala Temple.

Stays :

The vicinity of the sanctuary bears a few rest houses with comfortable suits and meal facilities. There is also a rest home in the sanctuary premises, for using which a prior permission from the Resident Forest Officer is required and the guest home available at some feasible cost.