10 incredible wildlife parks in Maharashtra worth travelling for

Maharashtra, known for its cultural diversity, also boasts a rich array of wildlife parks and sanctuaries that preserve the state's natural heritage. These parks provide critical habitats for a wide range of species and offer unique experiences for nature enthusiasts. These wildlife parks in Maharashtra are worth travelling for.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of Maharashtra's oldest and largest national parks, spanning over 1,727 square kilometres. It includes dense forests, meadows, lakes, and rivers. Renowned for its substantial tiger population, the reserve is a prime spot for tiger sightings. Besides tigers, it hosts leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), and a rich variety of birds and reptiles.

Situated within the bustling city of Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi National Park covers 104 square kilometres. The park is home to leopards, deer, and various bird species, and features the Kanheri Caves, ancient Buddhist caves dating back to the 1st century BCE.

Covering approximately 133.78 square kilometres, Navegaon National Park is famous for its picturesque lake, attracting a variety of migratory birds. Part of the larger Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, it is inhabited by tigers, leopards, panthers, and various species of deer and birds.

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary spans 152 square kilometres and is known for its biodiversity. The sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, Indian bison, wild dogs, and a variety of birds. The sanctuary's well-maintained trails and viewpoints offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Encompassing about 1,677 square kilometres in the Satpura Range, Melghat Tiger Reserve is one of the first nine tiger reserves established in India under Project Tiger. The reserve is rich in both flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambar, and numerous bird species.

Chikhaldara Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Melghat Tiger Reserve, is located at an altitude of 1,118 metres. Known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and viewpoints, the sanctuary is home to wildlife such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and various species of birds.

Spread over 130 square kilometres in the Western Ghats, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for the rare and endangered Indian Giant Squirrel, the state animal of Maharashtra. The sanctuary is rich in biodiversity, with dense forests and numerous bird species. It is also a popular pilgrimage site, home to the ancient Bhimashankar Temple.

Part of the larger Pench Tiger Reserve, which spans across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, this park is known for its population of tigers, leopards, and various other wildlife species. The park is rich in birdlife, making it a paradise for bird watchers.

Covering an area of 423.55 square kilometres, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is inhabited by tigers, leopards, Indian bison, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species.

Covering 138.12 square kilometres, Bor Wildlife Sanctuary is inhabited by tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and various herbivores. It is also the smallest Tiger Reserve in India. Rich in avifauna, it is a great spot for bird watchers.