Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bhandara district of Maharashtra. Covers some 152.81 sq. km of forest it lies in Tirora Range of Bhandara Forest Division. One of the popular excursions from the Nagpur city, it is approximately 130 km to the west of Nagpur.

Declared as a wildlife sanctuary on 27th May 1971, this is a green splendour known for its rich biodiversity. Currently about 30,000 tourists visit Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary each year.

The sanctuary has exotic species of wild animals as well as birds. Besides these, Nagzira's scenic locales further adds to its attraction. The sanctuary comprises of various hills along with various small lakes like Nagzira Lake, Balapur Lake, Murpar Lake, Rengepar Lake, Chorkhamara Lake, Badbadya Lake, Lendezari Lake, Thadezari Lake, Bodalkasa Lake and many more. All these lakes act as a good source of water for animals and plants. Also it enhance the beauty of the ambience.

Flora

Most of the area is dense semi evergreen forest, southern tropical dry deciduous forest, southern evergreen forest with wide range of flora. The presence of various water bodies in the area makes the place a good agricultural area. The flora includes tree species, small trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses and a few under-shrubs. The main flora being Dhavda, Tinsa, Surya, Ain, Bija, Tendu, Garari, Bamboo etc. Teak is more abundantly seen in all over the area.

Fauna

The sanctuary is home to 34 species of mammal out of which about 14 species are of endangered status. The common mammals includes Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, wolf, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrel, Four Horned Antelope, Mouse Deer, Pangolin etc. The Invertebrate fauna includes insects and ant species, 49 species of butterflies like common Rose, Common Mormon, Lime Butterfly, Common Sailor, Common Indian Crow, Black Rajah. The forests here are home to 36 species of reptile like Indian Rock Python, Cobra, Monitor Lizzard, Indian Cobra, Russel’s Viper, Rat sanke, Checkered Keelback, Common Monitor etc. The major amphibians includes frogs and toads like Tree-frog, Bull-frog, Six-toed frog, and Ramanella montana etc.

The wilderness of sanctuary offers an ideal habitat for a number of 166 species of avian fauna such as Peafowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Red Spur Fowl, Vultures eagles, Hornbills, Woodpeckers, Bulbul, etc. Aslo there are 15 species of migratory birds are reported.

Facilities

Sanctuary Visiting Timings
October 1 - January 31 (7 am to 6 pm) , February 1 - June 15 (7 am to 7 pm).
Note: The sanctuary may be closed from June 16 to September 30.