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- WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES |
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Maharashtra is
home to a large number of animals and bird
species, including the tiger, Crocodile, Bison,
Gawa, Neelgai, Wild Deer, Sambar and rare migratory
birds. The state has taken adequate steps towards
setting up many wildlife parks and sanctuaries
to protect these regions and promote them as
tourist attractions. The parks offer splendid
opportunities to see a variety of wildlife
in a spectacularly natural setting.
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Modern
amenities such as jeep rides, night safaris,
comfortable accommodation and efficient
transport are also available at a nominal
charge.
RADHANAGARI (PANHALA) Wildlife
Sanctuary
Situated
at an altitude of 977.2 m., Panhala is a charming hill resort which makes
for a
complete holiday. Panhala's historic fort throws up memories of Chhatrapati
Shivaji, such as his epic escape from the forces of Siddi Johar. Besides,
there's the
Sambhaji temple, Someshwar temple, Teen Darwaza, Raj Dindi and several
other places. Of special interest are the blue basalt temples on the sacred
Jyotiba
hill 9 kms., the 7th century A.D Mahalaxmi temple at Kolhapur 18 kms.,
and the wildlife sanctuary at Radhangari 52 kms. What's more, there's abundant
natural
beauty to
luxuriate in.
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Melghat
Tiger Reserve
This
Reserve is in the enchanting sylvan beauty of
the woodlands and greenery of Melghat, in the
Amravati district, roams the tiger, and it is
here that a greater part of Project Tiger is
being implemented. In the heart of the luxuriant
teak forests of Dhakna-Kolkaz is the Melghat
Tiger Reserve, where Panthers, Bison, Sambar,
Chital and the Flying Squirrel are familiar sights. |
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Nagzira
Wild Life Sanctuary
Another
wildlife sanctuary which is known for its verdant
hills and dales, where the fauna offers a mesmerising
blaze of colours, is the Nagzira. Wild Life Sanctuary.
Ambling around in these idyllic environs is the
sloth bear, tiger four horned antelope, the Bluebull,
Chital, Barking Deer, Bison and the Panther.
Besides these sanctuaries are alive with the
Chirruping of the colourful and varied
birds. |
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The
Navegaon Forest Resort
Navegaon,
a popular forest resort in the Vidarbha region,
was built in the 18th century. The picturesque
lake set amidst lush green hills at Navegaon
has a watch-tower beside it, from which visitors
may find a bird's eye view of the surrounding
forest and its abundant wildlife. Best known
for the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Navegaon
is home to almost 60 per cent of the bird species
found in the entire state. Every winter, flocks
of migratory birds visit the region. Visitors
can join the Jungle Safari and have a stroll
to see the Sambar, Chital and Langurs. Staying
in a unique tree-top house and riding a power
or sail boat on the lake, are thrilling
pastimes. |
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The
Dajipur Bison Sanctuary
The
jungle resort of Dajipur is situated on the
border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts,
near the backwaters of the Radhanagari dam.
Surrounded by rugged mountains and dense
forests, this secluded area is completely
cut-off from human habitation. A home to
bison, wild Deers, Chital, Gawa and many
more spectacular wild animals and birds,
Dajipur is an exciting and beautiful holiday
getaway. An excursion to the nearby Gagangiri
Maharaj's Math makes for a pleasant outing. |
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The
Tadoba National Park
This
is a large park spread over many acres of lush
green forested land. Situated 45 kms from Chandrapur,
Tadoba is an extremely beautiful jungle of mixed
teak forests around a tranquil lake. The Tadoba
National Park has migratory ducks visiting its
lake, and also swarms with crocodiles. The rest
houses are ideal for nature lovers as it commands
a lovely view of the lake and the distant green
hills beyond. Late nights are ideal times to
see tigers, leopards, gaur, nilgai, sambar and
chital. The park has facilities for tourists
to stay over night. |
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BirdSanctuaries
There
are many more types of birds than animals
in Maharashtra, like the bulbul, shama, cuckoo,
parakeet, drongoes, Wagtails Flycatchers,
Purple Sunbirds, Grey Jungle Fowl, the great
Indian bustard and above all the beautiful
peacock. The great indian bustard which is
an endangered species, is an ostrich-like
bird, found in the Ahmednagar and Sholapur
districts. It is known for its royal gait
and is a fast runner. The Salim Ali Bird
Sanctuary is a must for ornithologists and
so is the Karnala Bird Sanctuary which is
the home of winged birds like the golden
oriole. |
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Chikhaldara
Wildlife Sanctuary
Chikhaldara
Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Amravati
district of Vidarbha region. The only
hill station in the Vidarbha region offers
one
an abundance of wildlife, viewpoints,
lakes and waterfalls. This sanctuary is named
after "Keechaka".
This is the place where Bhima killed Keechaka
and threw him into the valley. It thus came
to be known as "Keechakadara" and Chikhaldara
is its corruption. This is the only coffee
growing area in Maharashtra.
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Bhamragarh
Wildlife Sanctuary
This
sanctuary is located in Chandrapur district
in the Vidharba region of Maharashtra. Majority
of the area is under thick forest that is wood
land, with small patches of grass lands distributed
over the entire protected area. One can even
find wetlands in the protected area. Notable
among them are Pamalgautam and Parlkota rivers,
which runs through the protected area.
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Anerdam
Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra
The
sanctuary is situated on southwestern range
of Satpura range in Shirpur Tehsil of Dhule
District. The sanctuary was once very rich
in wildlife, now it is trying to regain its
previous status. Some of the common animals
found in this area are Barking Deer's, Chinkaras,
Hares, Porcupines and Jungle Cats. |
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Chaprala
Wildlife Sanctuary
Chaprala
Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of
wild animals including a few endangered species
namely the tiger, leopard, jungle cat, sloth
bear and wild dog. There are 131 species of
avi-fauna recorded in the protected area of
which as many as three bird species are of
endangered status. There are two species of
reptiles which are of endangered status: the
Indian python and common Indian monitar. It
is common to spot the following wild animals
as well: wild boar, spotted deer, sambar, barking
deer, blue bull, jungle cat, jackal, peacock,
jungle fowl and flying squirrel.
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