Melghat Tiger Reserve

Melghat tiger reserve is located in Chikhaldara and Dharni tehsils of Amaravati district in Satpura hill range also called Gavilgarh hills. One of the main tourist attraction in Chikaldara, Melghat is a perfect place for a nature lover.

Melghat was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1967 and was declared as a Tiger reserve in 1974 with objectives of maintaining tiger population and preserve the national heritage for posterity. And in 1994, the core area of the reserve, the Gugarnal National Park, lies within the reserve (1987) and buffer area of the reserve, the Melghat Tiger Sanctuary, were added and the entire area notified as the Melghat Sanctuary.

Covering an area of 1676.93-sq-km area, Melghat is an important biodiversity repository of Maharashtra. The River Tapti forms natural north-eastern boundary of the Reserve. The reserve is a catchment area formed by the tributaries of the River Tapti -Khandu, Khapra, Sipna, Gadga and Dolar. 'Virat' about 1,178 m above the main sea level is the highest hill in Melghat.

Flora

The vegetation is predominantly of Southern tropical dry deciduous forests. The terrain is mostly covered with Teak and Bamboo trees. The rugged topography is home to more than 750 plant species of 97 families, including 90 trees species, 66 shrubs species, 316 herbs species, 56 climbers, 23 sedges and 99 grass species. Main trees species are Bamboo,Aola, Lendia, Bel, Bija, Salaia, Auriculata, Palas, Hiwar Tendu, Khair, Kusum, Zizphus Helicteres, Dhawda, Casia, Sal, Babul, Terminenalia species, and more. The main shrubs found in this area are Isora, Solanium Giganteum, Lantna, and more. Eroni, Gunj and Khobarvel are main climbers. The Reserve is also has plenty of Medicinal plants.

Fauna

Along with 73 tigers, the reserve houses 41 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 24 species of fish and 160 species of reptiles. The common animals in this reserve include Tiger, Leopard, Sloth bear, Wild dog, Jackal, Sambar, Gaur, Barking deer, Nilgai, Chital, Chausingha, Flying squirrel, Wild boar, Langur, Rhesus monkey, Porcupine, Pangolin, Mouse deer, Python, Otter, Caracal, Blacknaped hare. The reserve boasts about 2,000 gaur the second largest in India

Avi Fauna consists of Grey jungle fowl, Indian Peafowl, Grey Francolin, Painted Francolin, Red Spurfowl, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, White-bellied Drongo, Indian Grey Hornbill, White-naped Woodpecker, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Indian Pitta, Emerald Dove and Oriental Turtle Dove.

Also one can spot Sirkeer Malkoha, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Orange-headed Thrush, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Black-hooded Oriole, Large Cuckoo shrike, Scarlet Minivet, Verditer Flycatcher, Asian Paradise-flycatcher, Crested Bunting are frequently seen. And raptors like serpent Eagle, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Eurasian Hobby, Bonelli`s Eagle, Mottled Wood Owl, Jungle Owlet.

The reserve offers jungle safaris (Jungle Safari Rs. 18/- per head) during December to June. It starts from Semadoh (12 km east of the Kolkas Guest House) which has a tourist complex which has a Nature Interpretation Complex, a Tourist Information Center and an Educational Center with a mini theater. It also has accommodation facilities. One can also see Gavilgarh fort on the Chikhaldara plateau and Narnala fort in the southeastern part of Melghat Tiger Reserve.

Entry Fee Rs. 20/-per adult, Rs.10/- per Child. Vehicle entry fee Rs 20/- Guide fee Rs 40/-.