Wildlife in Maharashtra

Rich in natural beauty, Maharashtra is a paradise for nature lovers. There are many wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife parks within the state, having a wide range of vegetation. Wildlife parks are the home to a number of animals and birds including Tiger, Crocodile, Bison, Gawa, Neelgai, Wild deer, Sambar and rare migratory birds.

These wildlife parks are equipped with jeep rides, night safaris, comfortable accommodation and efficient transport. They offer an outstanding opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat. Apart from the existing wildlife sanctuaries, steps are taken by the state government to set up many new sanctuaries and parks.


¤ Mahim Nature Park

The Mahim Nature Park is situated near Dharavi, Asia's largest slum. The park is sprawled over an area of 450 acres, established with an aim to preserve the natural beauty and estuarine ecosystem of the region. The streams of the park allow the bird and marine life to flourish and the saline marsh land shaded by the Mangroves provide home to a number of animals.

The Mahim Nature Park is an educational park set up by Shanta Chatterji, a busy corporate lawyer and the chairperson of World Wildlife Fund (WWF).


¤ Karnala Bird Sanctuary

The Karnala bird sanctuary is situated near Mumbai on a highpoint. It is a favorite weekend destination for the people who love birdwatching. Here you can spot birds like sunbirds, drongoes, orioles and babblers. Apart from these, you can also see colorful local birds along with occasional male paradise flycatcher having an unusual silvery-white tail.

One can also see troops of monkeys and herds of deer in the sanctuary. Panther is also found here but they are rarely seen. The MTDC provides proper accommodation facilities for a nice stay over here.


¤ Melghat Tiger Reserve

The Melghat Tiger Reserve is situated in the beautiful Satpura ranges. It is located in the Tehsil of Amravati district of Maharashtra. Animals found here are Tiger, Sloth Bear, Hyena, Wild Dog, Gaur, Sambar, Nilgai, Barking Deer, four-horned antelope and wild boar. Besides, there are 113 species of birds found here. The reserve has a rich vegetation that is worth watching. The MTDC organizes exciting Vidharba jungle safari, which takes you through Navegaon, Nagzira and Ramtak.


¤ Borivili Widlife Park

The Borivili Wildlife Park is sprawled over an area of 104 sq. km and is a respite from the hustle and bustle of the cities. This park is a popular place among the picnickers, nature, bird and wildlife lovers. This park looks picturesque with fresh streams, lush greenery and flowering silk cotton trees.

The mini train of the park will take you around the enchanting park. There is also a lake with beautiful lotus flowers on the Dahisar River, where you can enjoy boating.


¤ Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is sprawled over an area of 100 sq km. Rich in flora and fauna, the park has a wide range of wildlife including animals like leopards, sambars, barking deers, wild boars, Hanuman langurs and Rhesus macaques. The sanctuary is flanked by Jyotivanti trees, which glow in the dark during monsoon. They add to the appeal of the mist laden chilly atmosphere. The park also has many temples and forts in the nearby areas, which are worth visiting.