12 Breathtaking Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Mumbai

Mumbai is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. This may make it a concrete jungle, but if there’s one advantage to this: it’s that there’s never any shortage of things to do. And this includes visiting wildlife sanctuaries. There are 12 wildlife sanctuaries near Mumbai where you can see a diverse set of animals and birds. Don’t enjoy seeing animals? Well, head out for the fresher air and lovely trails. We bring you the most amazing wildlife sanctuaries near Mumbai.

 

Wildlife Sanctuary around Mumbai (within 300 kilometres)

1. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is located close to Mumbai, making it a great place for a short trip away from the city. The Bhimashankar Sanctuary is famous for housing the Indian Giant Squirrel and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

At this wildlife sanctuary near Mumbai you can go trekking or drive through the forest in your own vehicle. The trek is about a two-hour walk and along the way you can learn about the 14 sacred groves called Devrais.

Avoid going in the monsoon as the Bhimashankar sanctuary receives heavy rainfall, making it difficult to maneuver through the forest. The scenic Malshej Ghat is located not to far away from the Bhimashankar sanctuary.

• Location: Bhimashankar
• Distance from Mumbai: 94 kilometers
• Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
• Species to See:  Indian giant squirrel, rhesus macaque, spotted eagle

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2. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary

The Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary was a hunting reserve during the reign of Siddhi Nawab. Today, it has been converted into a wild sanctuary covering an area of 52 square kilometers. Inside the sanctuary you will encounter many deciduous trees and animals such as reptiles, mammals, and even birds.

The Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the few places in Maharashtra where you will get to see over 90 varieties of butterfly species. The Kashid Beach is located close to the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Location: Murud
• Distance from Mumbai: 155 kilometers
• Timing: 8 am to 6 pm
• Species to See: Leopard, palm civet, jungle cat

Also Read : Take a Trip to These 12 Amazing Bird Sanctuaries in Mumbai

3. Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located about a four-hour drive away from Mumbai, the Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife park that is very popular with nature enthusiasts from Pune and Mumbai. They visit regularly to check out the variety of birds and animals that live here.

Although you can go on foot, the best way to explore the park is by jeep safari that can be booked from the entrance of the park.

• Location: Baramati
• Distance from Mumbai: 227 kilometers
• Timing:  6 am to 6 pm
• Species to See: Indian Gazelle (Chinkara)

4. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

Koyna is a well-known wildlife sanctuary near Mumbai. Prominently located in the Western Ghats, the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary can be accessed by road via the Bengaluru-Mumbai highway. Visitors to this park can take a safari and explore parts of this world heritage site that houses rare plants, bird and a couple of animals that are native to India.

• Location: Satara district
• Distance from Mumbai: 250 kilometers
• Species to See: Bengal tiger, Indian bison

Also Read : 10 Water Parks in Mumbai To Beat The Heat

Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Mumbai (within 500 kilometres)

1. Sagareshwar Deer Park

The Sagareshwar Deer Park in Sangli is the only man-made deer park in India. Apart from deer, you will also get to see peacocks and a few other animals and birds. Inside the Sagareshwar Deer Park is a temple that is used by tourists as a resting place and to take a break from trekking. There are a few accomodations available for those planning to spend the night in the deer park.

You can drive through the Sagareshwar Deer Park, but you will need permission of the forest department and will have to pay a small fee.

• Location: Sangli
• Distance from Mumbai: 330 kilometers
• Timing: 8 am to 6 pm
• Species to See: Deer and peacock

2. Chandoli National Park

The Chandoli National Park has always been a top contender for people who love going on wildlife tours. Wildlife enthusiasts from all over the country come to this park to enjoy the greenery and spot a few wild animals. The best time to visit this park is during the months of August to September or in the months of  November and December, when temperatures are cooler. If you are a bird lover, visit during spring to watch different species of birds converge at the park.

• Location: Sangli
• Distance from Mumbai: 357 kilometers
• Timing: Sunrise to sunset
• Entry Fee: Rs. 30 per head
• Species to See: Indian bison, leopards

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3. Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary

Named after the nearby village of Gautala, this wildlife sanctuary is about a seven hour’s drive away from Mumbai. Go here if you want to get away from the city life to enjoy gazing at nature. The place is a good locale for photographers as there are many points from where you can get good clicks of the animals in the sanctuary.

Nature lovers can enjoy going on long trails within the wildlife park or climbing up the waterfall that is in  the sanctuary. The Ajanta and Ellora caves are located a few miles away from the sanctuary, in case you are up for more exploring.

• Location: Kannad
• Distance from Mumbai: 369 kilometers
• Timing: 9 am to 5 pm
• Species to See: Nilgai, panther, hyena

4. Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

Radhanagari is one of the first to be named a wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra, so you will probably want to go here for its historic importance. Another good reason to go here is to spot bison, this park has the one of the largest population of Indian bison species and the tropical evergreen trees located inside the forest.

If you want to spend a weekend at this wildlife sanctuary, there are plenty of accommodations available inside the Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary. Depending on your preference, there are dorms as well as bungalows where you can stay.

• Location: Shahanur
• Distance from Mumbai: 428 kilometers
• Timing: 9 am to 5 pm
• Species to See: Malabar pit viper, Indian bison or gaur
  

5. Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary

The Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary is the place for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers to catch closeup glimpses of the Indian bison. Although there are a variety of species living at the sanctuary, you will find the wild Indian bison in plenty at this sanctuary.

Plant lovers will enjoy here too, there are plenty of plants and trees to check out at the sanctuary.

Just next to this wildlife sanctuary is the Gagangiri Maharaj Math that is a great place to visit in Dajipur.

• Location: Dajipur
• Distance from Mumbai: 453 kilometers
• Timing: 9 am to 5 pm
• Species to See: Indian bison, wild deer

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Wildlife Sanctuaries Around Mumbai (over 500 kilometres)

1. Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over a distance of  about 12 square kilometres, the Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit for anyone that loves nature and wildlife. At this wildlife sanctuary, one can find rare species of plants like sterculia and kusum and local trees like bamboo, lendia, and tiwas.

We suggest that you book a safari for the best experience at the Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary. Don’t forget to visit the fort that is located within the premises of the Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Location: Shahanur
• Distance from Mumbai: 618 kilometers
• Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
• Species to See: Barking deer, wild boar, sambhar

2. Chikhaldhara

Chikhaldara is a hill station in Vidarbha that offers tourists many sightseeing opportunities. There are quite a few forts and old buildings to explore in Chikhaldara as well as temples.

If you love nature and the outdoors, it is best to visit the wildlife sanctuary in Chikhaldara. Set among beautiful open, green spaces, it is home to a variety of plant and animal species. The lakes and waterfalls here are the perfect setting for a day picnic and for photography.

If you are keen to explore the wildlife at the park book a safari that costs around Rs. 2,000. One the premier wildlife sanctuaries near Mumbai.

• Location: Chikhaldara
• Distance from Mumbai: 658 kilometers
• Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
• Species to See: Blue bull, peacock, jungle fowl

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3. Bor Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bor Wildlife Sanctuary is a deciduous forest with flora such as teak, ain, tendu and bamboo. The Bor Wildlife Sanctuary has recently got the tag of a reserve and so a few tigers have made this place their home.

You can take your vehicle inside the sanctuary, but you need to follow certain rules and pay a small fee. For the best experience, it is best to book a safari that takes to you to ends of the forest, where you can spot tigers.

• Location: Wardha
• Distance from Mumbai: 786 kilometers
• Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
• Species to See: Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, Indian bison, wild dogs

The sanctuaries mentioned above have just the right setting for you to enjoy a quick getaway from Mumbai. Whether you are looking to just escape the city life or love going on wildlife safaris, the wildlife sanctuaries mentioned above should be on your travel itinerary the next time you escape the city for a quick break.

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