Tips on clicks :

• Located in the Bhandara Forest Division’s Tirora Range, in Maharashtra.

• It spans up to a total area of around 153 sq. km.

• The months of April and May are the most favorable and ideal for visiting.

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra - Welcome!

Situated in the Tirora Range of the Bhandara Forest Division, the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary spans up to a total area of about 153 sq. km. This sanctuary, which lays on the land of the Bhandara District in the Vidarbha region, is a embraced in nature’s arms, and is decked with beautiful countryside. Hill ranges, dotted by smaller lakes within the circumference of the sanctuary makes it look like Mother Nature has caressed this place with all its beauty. The water resources here not only add to its adornment, but also serve a major basis of water supply, all round the year, for the life in the sanctuary.

The fauna :

One of the main advantages of this sanctuary to its inhabitants is the ideal set of conditions of refuge that are provided. All the animals and birds find this place as their homes and there are suitable habitats for each of them. Wild terrestrial fauna in the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary includes Tigers, Leopards, Panthers, Sloth Bears, Four- Headed Antelopes, Sambars, Bisons, Blue Bull, Chital, Jungle Cat, Mouse Deers, Barking Deers, Palm Civets, Jackals, Spotted Hyenas, Hares and so many more. The avifauna of this rich and exotic animal haven takes account of birds like Red Spur Fowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Peafowl, etc. apart from the common grassland and wetland birds.

The wild fauna of the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary consists of 34 species of mammals, over 165 species of birds, 36 reptilian species, 4 of the amphibian ones and countless aquatic small and large fish species. There are also about 50 species of vibrantly colored butterflies that flutter around in blazing colors.

The flora :

The wildlife flora of the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary displays a huge variety of land vegetation. The diversity of this floral wild haven ranges from dry mixed forest growth to moist forests. Most trees found in the sanctuary are f the type Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous tress. There are numerous lakes inside the sanctuary circumference which make the place agriculturally significant. These lakes serve for fishing and irrigation purpose. The aquatic flora and fauna of the sanctuary can be located in and close to these Lakes. Some of them to name are Nagzira Lake, Bodalkasa Lake, Chorkhamara Lake, Rengepar Lake, Lendezari Lake, Murpar Lake, Thadezari Lake, Malutola Lake, Badbadya Lake, Balapur Lake, etc.

Other flora incorporated into the wide lands of this sanctuary is major species of trees - like the Ain, Bija, Dhavda, Tinsa, Garari, Tendu, Surya and most importantly the Teak - shrubs, herbs, grass, and few of the under- shrubs.

Other attractions nearby :

• Navegaon National Park - this place is sited at a distance of 50 km from the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Pratapgad fort - located 70 km away from the wildlife haven.

• Dongargad - located in Madhya Pradesh, 100 km from the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Itiadoh Dam - located 65 km away from the sanctuary.

• Tibetan camp in Gothangaon - spans 60 km from the forest.

Ideal visiting time or season is during the months of April and May. The sanctuary is closed between June and September. There are charges to enter the place, and also for bringing in vehicles or cameras. The timings to visit the sanctuary vary depending upon what part of the year you visit. From 1st October to 31st January, the sanctuary is open from 7 am to 6 pm; while from 1st of February to 15th of June, the timings are changed from 7 am to 7 pm.