Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the must visit wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra is the Koyna wildlife Sanctuary. Situated in a dense forest reserve in Satara District of Maharashtra, Koyna is a beautiful sanctuary. A home to a number of mammals, such as Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards, deer, Indian Bison, sloth bears, barking deer, and mouse deer; along with birds like Night-tailed light jar, Brown-capped pygmy woodpecker, and reptiles, Koyna is a place of sheer bliss.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Koyna is between June to October. October being the best month to visit.
Location: Koyna Nagar, Koyna, Maharashtra.
Safari timing and price: The sanctuary is open from 9 AM till 6 PM. Ticket prices is 20 Rs per person; with addition to car, it’s 50 INR. For boating, the ticket prices range from 400 INR to 500 INR.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The distance from Mumbai to Koyna is 265 km and from Pune it is 181 km.
Radhanagari Bison Sanctuary

Accredited as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Radhanagari Bison Sanctuary is the home to Indian Bison. The Sanctuary which is spread over 351 sq. km is home to a wide range of flora and fauna.
Additionally, this is located in the Sahyadri Range and is the abode of many reptiles, birds, and animals. Tributaries of river Krishna, Bhogavati, Tulshi, Dirba Pass through the Sanctuary which provides water to the animals and birds.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Sanctuary is from March to May.
Location: Located at Kolhapur district of Maharashtra.
Safari timing and price: The Safari timings start from 9 am and end at 5 pm. There are no entry fees for the Sanctuary but one has to pay for the Guide.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The distance from Pune and Mumbai is 288 km and 430 km respectively.
Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary

Another popular Maharashtra wildlife sanctuaries that tourist must explore during their visit in Maharashtra is Gautala wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is named after its neighboring village Gautala and is a beautiful shelter for plenty of animals, reptiles and birds alike.
The visitors can explore an area of around 26061 hectares, witnessing more than 260 species of birds including jungle fowl, partridges, quail along with a number of reptiles, and mammals like a jungle cat, barking deer, jackal, hares, foxes, wolves, and bats.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Gautala wildlife sanctuary is between the months January to March.
Location: The sanctuary is located in Kannada, Maharashtra.
Safari timings and cost: The safari timings are between 9 am to 5 pm and entry is free.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune is 260 km and from Mumbai is 293 km
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is another important Maharashtra wildlife sanctuaries. Nagzira Sanctuary which is also known as the open outdoor museum is home to many flora and fauna. The name Nagzira came from ‘Nag’ temple of Mahadeva which is in the middle of the sanctuary.
One can find mammals, birds and different other invertebrates in the sanctuary. From them, the Nagzira Wildlife sanctuary is famous for sambar, wild dog, cheetah, mouse deer and many other forms of wildlife and it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and June. The sanctuary remains closed during the monsoons.
Location: The sanctuary is located in Bhandara, Maharashtra.
Safari timings and cost: The sanctuary is open for safari from 6 am to 4 pm. The entry price depends on the type of vehicle you choose which starts from Rs 300 per person with a guide.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The distance from Pune is 832 km and 945 km from Mumbai.
Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in the year of 1985, Melghat wildlife Sanctuary another famous wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra which is the proud home to many flora and fauna. Surrounded by the Satpura range and the Tapti River, the Wildlife sanctuary is famous as a tiger reserve. The name Melghat means ‘meeting the Ghats’ as Melghat wildlife sanctuary meets the Western Ghats of India.
The Melghat Sanctuary is also the home to some of the endangered species; Forest Owlet is an example of such endangered species. Nilgai, sambar, leopard, sloth bears and other animals can also be seen in the forest.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the wildlife sanctuary is from December to June.
Location: Located at Amravati District of Maharashtra.
Safari timings and cost: Safari Starts from morning 8 am to 5 in the evening depending on the months. One needs to pay Rs. 600 per car for a gypsy safari along with a tour guide.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune is 570 km and distance from Mumbai is 621 km
Bhima Shankar Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over 131 sq. kilometer Bhima Shankar wildlife sanctuary is another remarkable Maharashtra wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the Western Ghats of India, the wildlife sanctuary attracts many tourists for its biodiversity.
The Sanctuary is also recognized as the biodiversity hotspots in the world. Along with mammals like barking deer, wild boar, langurs; the sanctuary also preserves many reptiles, insects, amphibians and many types of butterflies.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and February.
Location: Located at Khed Taluka of Pune District of Maharashtra.
Safari timings and price: Safari time starts from dawn to evening at 7 pm. No entry tickets for a person but one has to pay for the vehicle which starts from Rs 100 for a car.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: 138 kilometers from Pune and 94 kilometers from Mumbai.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Karnala Bird Sanctuary is one of the most famous destinations for people who like hiking and watching birds. Located near Mumbai city, the place attracts many people. Along with the 222 residential spices of birds the sanctuary also attracts many migratory birds and it is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra.
Nilgiri Wood pigeon, woodpeckers, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Green Pigeon are some of the famous birds in the sanctuary. During the winter, the sanctuary also attracts migratory birds. Bird view towers, Karnala Fort are some of the added places which one can visit in the sanctuary.
Best time to visit: For residential birds, Monsoon is the best time to visit and for migratory birds, one can visit the sanctuary during the winters.
Location: Located at Panvel Taluka of Maharashtra State.
Safari timing and price: 9 am to 6 pm is the ideal time to visit the sanctuary. Tickets for an adult cost Rs 30. Camera and car parking cost extra.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune and Mumbai are 121 km and 47 km respectively.
Great Indian Bustard Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1979, the Great Indian Bustard wildlife sanctuary is another wildlife sanctuary in the state that deserves your much attention. The sanctuary is also known as the Jawaharlal Nehru Bustard Sanctuary, that is highly popular for housing the rare Great Indian Bustar, and it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra.
Best time to visit: Between September to February.
Location: Solapur, Maharashtra.
Safari timing and price: There are no safari facilities provided by the authorities as of now.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune is 251 km and distance from Mumbai is 398 km.
Phansad Bird Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 52 sq. km, the Phansad bird sanctuary is another beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra that you must visit. Phansad is also a wildlife sanctuary that is home to many mammals and other animals. The Phansad Bird sanctuary is home to over 279 different species of fauna and 720 species of flora.
The bird sanctuary which is located near Kashid Beach is another attraction for the tourists. One can relax on the beach after watching the beautiful birds in the sanctuary. Again it is a perfect destination for people who love taking beautiful pictures. Grab your camera and click awesome pictures of the birds.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Phansad bird Sanctuary is between November and March.
Location: The beautiful sanctuary is located in Raigad, Roha, Maharashtra.
Safari timings and cost: The time to visit the sanctuary is between 8 am to 8 pm. The Entry fee is Rs 30/- for adult and Rs 15 for children. Camera and other types of equipment will be charged extra.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The distance from Pune and Mumbai is 180 km and 156 km respectively.
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a manmade sanctuary that is in the state of Maharashtra. The plants in the Sanctuary is all planted by a human being and different animal species are induced in the sanctuary and it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra.
Animals like wild boars, blackbucks, sambar, deer are also being found in abundance in the manmade sanctuary. Reptiles, insects and different other birds have made a home in this sanctuary.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Sanctuary is from August to February.
Location: The man made sanctuary is located in Tupari, Maharashtra.
Safari timing and price: One can visit the Sanctuary during the day time. Tickets are not required to visit the sanctuary.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune is 195 km and distance from Mumbai is 337 km.
Dhaknakolkaz Wildlife Sanctuary

The heart of the Melghat tiger reserve is the DhaknaKolkaz wildlife sanctuary. Though DhaknaKolkaz Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for tigers, other flora and fauna are found abundantly in the wildlife sanctuary.
Surrounded by Tapti river, Satpura Range and Gawilgarh ridge the place is home to many wildlife and birds. The forest is mostly covered with teak plants and the wildlife consists mostly of monkey, langur, wild boar, Bengal tiger, leopard, deer, and other mammals.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the wildlife sanctuary is from December to June where you can get the chance to see the tigers.
Location: Located at Amravati District of Maharashtra.
Safari timings and cost: Safari Starts from morning 8 am to 5 in the evening. One needs to pay Rs. 600 to 1000 depending upon the type of vehicle.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune is 570 KM and distance from Mumbai is 621 KM.
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary

Offbeat and yet a deserving name in the list of must-visit wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra is the Narnala wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is spread over almost 12 sq. km around the Narnala Fort and is densely populated with a number of mammals.
Once merely a dense forest with a massive wildlife population, the place was announced as a wildlife sanctuary on 2nd May 1997. The sanctuary, however, is a part of the Melghat Tiger Reserve.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Narnala Wildlife sanctuary is between October to April.
Location: Narnala wildlife sanctuary is located at a distance of 40 km from Akola, Maharashtra.
Safari timings and cost: The safari can be done throughout the day and entry is free.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The distance from Pune and Mumbai are 546 km and 619 km respectively.
Bor Wildlife Sanctuary

Bor Wildlife sanctuary which is located in the state of Maharashtra is declared as a tiger reserve in the year 2014. The Sanctuary which covers a total area of 138 sq. km, is notable for tigers and it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra.
Along with the Tigers, other animals and mammals can be abundantly found in the sanctuary. The Bor sanctuary is situated near Pench Tiger Reserve. One can also find the Bor Dam located in the Sanctuary.
Best time to visit: Best time to see tigers in the sanctuary is during the summer season.
Location: Located in Wardha, Maharashtra.
Safari timing and Price: Morning Safari stars at 6 am and evening safari starts at 4:30 pm. Tickets cost Rs 50 for adult and 25 for children and car or gypsy cost Rs 100.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune and Mumbai are 655 km and 766 km respectively.
Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary

The Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary, which is located in the state of Maharashtra is dedicated to the Indian antelope. The blackbuck can be mostly found in the Indian grassy plains. Though the Sanctuary is named after the Indian antelope, other important species of wildlife can also be found in the sanctuary.
The endangered species of the Great Indian Bustard, wild wolf, jackal, wild dogs and other similar species of life have been flourishing in the sanctuary.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the sanctuary is from August to January.
Location: The Indian antelope dedicated sanctuary is located at Barge wadi, Maharashtra.
Safari timing and price: Safari starts at 7 am and ends at 3 pm. The price of Safari cost around Rs 200 per person.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The distance from Pune and Mumbai is 152 km and 298 km respectively.
Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary

The Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary which is situated in the backwater of Ujani Dam in Maharashtra is another famous destination for the bird lovers. What makes this place unique is here you can spot flamingos. It is a heaven for the wildlife photographers and other bird watching people and it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra.
Ducks, Raptors, Herons and other birds can also be seen enjoying the backwaters of the Ujani Dam. Migratory birds like painted Storks, wild geese, cranes also visit the Sanctuary.
Best time to visit: The best time to watch birds in the Sanctuary is during the month of December to February.
Location: The Awesome Sanctuary is located in Baramati, Maharashtra.
Safari timing and price: The sanctuary is open for visitors from 5 am to 8 pm and it does not require any entry fees.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The distance from Pune is 105 km and the distance from Mumbai is 252 km.
Amba Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary

Serving as an important corridor of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the Amba Barwa Sanctuary nest in the Satpura range foothills. Dedicated to the Bengal Tigers, the sanctuary is also famous for other wildlife species like Indian jackal, wolf, Leopard, and other such wild mammals. Since the Sanctuary is situated near the famous Melghat Sanctuary, one can find similar flora and faunas.
Best time to visit: The best time to watch an animal in the Sanctuary is from April and May.
Locations: The Sanctuary is located in Nagpur district of Maharashtra State.
Safari timings and price: The ideal time for safari is from 6:30 am to 6 pm. One does not require any ticket to visit the sanctuary.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune is 510 km and distance from Mumbai is 564 km.
Andheri Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra, the Andheri Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 626 sq. km. Dedicated to the tigers, the Wildlife Sanctuary is also the home to many flora and fauna and it is one of the must visit wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra.
Trees like bel, tendu, sisso, Kusum are some of the unique plants found in the Andheri Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary also preserve animals like sloth bear, leopard, Hyena, and other such carnivorous animals.
Best time to visit: April and May are the ideal months to witness the tigers in the sanctuary.
Location: The Sanctuary is located in the District of Chandrapur in the state of Maharashtra.
Safari timings and price: The safari opens from 6 am in the morning and 3 pm in the evening with a price of Rs 200 per person.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The Distance from Pune is 734 km while the distance from Mumbai is 846 km.
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the southern side of the Satpura Range, the Aner Dam is another wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra which attracts many nature lovers. Babul, Bhuri, Khair, Bel and other such trees can be easily spotted in the area. Beautiful bird chirping sound and other animals make it a perfect place for people to take a break from the busy city life.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the place is from November to February.
Location: The Sanctuary is located in Vile Parle, Maharashtra.
Safari timings and price: One can visit the sanctuary at any time of the day without any tickets.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The distance from Pune and Mumbai is 420 km and 411 km respectively.
Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 148 sq. km, the Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous Maharashtra wildlife sanctuaries. The sanctuary is home to the leopard, wild boar, peacock, and all the other wildlife.
This is not only the home to the wildlife but also home to famous tribes of Maharashtra. One can also find Gond-Madia tribes residing in the sanctuary.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the sanctuary is from February to May.
Location: It is located in Bhandara, Maharashtra.
Safari timings and price: One can visit the place with Private Jeep safari. The price of the safari depends from time to time.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The distance from Pune is 625 km and distance from Mumbai is 937 km.
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary

Like many other wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra, Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is another important wildlife sanctuary. The flora and fauna of the sanctuary are so amazing that it will melt the heart of people who love wildlife.
The amazing greenery of the place mesmerize the people who visit it once. Along with the greenery, the place is famous for wildlife like the Jungle cat, jackal, flying squirrel and other such animals.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the place is from February to May.
Location: The amazing wildlife sanctuary is located in Chandrapur District of Maharashtra.
Safari timings and price: One can visit the place from 6 am to 7 pm and it Cost around Rs 200 per person.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune is 731 km and Distance from Mumbai is 843 km.
Dnyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary

Named after the River Dnyanganga, the Dnyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful Maharashtra Wildlife Sanctuary. Adding a cherry on the cake, the sanctuary is also home to two lakes. Leopards, sloth bear and other wildlife flourishes in the sanctuary. One can enjoy the serenity of a beautiful place. Along with the animals, a wide variety of birds can also be spotted in the sanctuary.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the sanctuary is from January to June.
Location: The sanctuary is located in the Buldhana District of Maharashtra State.
Safari timings and price: One can visit the Sanctuary during the day time and there is no entry fee for the sanctuary.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune and Mumbai is 400 km and 511 km
Jaikwadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Declared a wildlife Sanctuary in 1986, the Jaikwadi Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra. The Sanctuary is mostly famous for the migratory birds which visit the sanctuary during a season.
The shallow water provides an excellent place for the birds to flourish without any worries. The sanctuary is a heaven for the bird watchers. More than 70 species of birds are present in the sanctuary.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the place is from October and March as one can see the migratory birds.
Location: The amazing sanctuary is located in the Paithan, Maharashtra.
Safari timings and place: There is no safari available in the sanctuary and no tickets required to visit the place.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The distance from Pune is 212 km and from Mumbai is 347 km.
Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary

Another wildlife marvel of Maharashtra is Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in a height of 1646 m from the sea level, the sanctuary is a heaven for the wildlife and the birds.
The clean and serene place is home to leopard, wild cats, monitor lizard, and many other animals and reptiles. The sanctuary is also home to many birds like the storks, Herons etc.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the Monsoons.
Location: The Sanctuary is located in Indore, Maharashtra.
Safari timings and price: One can visit the sanctuary during the day time and it does not require any fees.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune and Mumbai is 593 km and 583 km.
Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated at the foot of Katepurna Reservoir, the Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary is another interesting wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra. The green grassland is set up by the forest department mesmerize the people who visit it once.
Wild Boar, Leopard, Cheetah, barking Deer are some of the important wildlife found in the sanctuary. Apart from the animal, one can also spot a large number of birds.
Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit the place is between October and June.
Location: It is located in the Akola District of Maharashtra state.
Safari timing and place: The safari can be enjoyed from 6 am to 6:30 pm with a ticket from Rs 200 person.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune is 478 km and 590 km from Mumbai.
Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the smaller wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra. The sanctuary now includes The Lonar Lake, the world’s only saltwater lake in basaltic rock.
The sanctuary is famous for birds like Crow Pheasants, Bee Eaters, Woodpeckers, Parakeets, Peafowls and many more. Monitor Lizards, Deer, Bats, Snakes, and Langurs are among the animals found.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the place is from November to January.
Location: It is located in Buldhana district of Maharashtra.
Safari timing and price: There is no safari available and no tickets required to visit the place.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The distance from Pune is 375 km and from Mumbai is 550 Km.
Malvan Marine Wildlife Sanctuary

Declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1987 and a total area of 29.122 km2, The Malvan Marine Wildlife Sanctuary is the only Marine Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra. It is very rich in coral and marine life.
Sea Anemones, Pearl Oysters, Seaweed, Mangroves, and Corals are found aplenty along with over 30 species and subspecies of fish, Dolphins, Mollusks etc. are found in the area covered by the sanctuary.
Best time to visit: The marine wildlife sanctuary can be visited throughout the year.
Location: It is located in Malvan taluka of Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.
Safari timing and price: One can visit the sanctuary between 9 am to 5 pm. Scuba diving fees in the sanctuary are 1200 rupees.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune is 400 km and distance from Mumbai is 450 km.
Mansingdeo Wildlife Sanctuary

Mansingdeo Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the newer Wildlife Sanctuaries in Maharashtra, being declared as one in 2010. The wildlife sanctuary covers 183 sq. km area and boasts of a diverse fauna which includes Tigers, Sloth Bears, Bison, Deer, Sambar, Nilgai, Wild Boars, Jungle cats, Barking deer and a variety of bird species.
Best time to visit: It is best visited from March to June.
Location: It is located in Nagpur district of Maharashtra.
Safari timing and price: The sanctuary is open from 6:30-10:30 am and from 3 pm to 6 pm. The tickets cost Rs. 50 per individual. Guide charges are Rs. 240.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: It is located 804 km away from Pune and 936 km away from Mumbai.
Mayani Bird Sanctuary

For bird lovers, visiting the Mayani Bird Sanctuary is a must. This place is a place of interest of ecologists, that is home to almost 400 species of birds; including Kingfisher, Brahminy ducks, Painted storks, Flamingos, Coot, Black ibis, and Spoonbills. If the avian world fascinates you, then this is a true paradise for you.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November to January.
Location: Near Satara and Sangali district in Maharashtra.
Safari timing and price: The entry to the bird sanctuary is free.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune is 203 km and distance from Mumbai is 339 km.
Chandoli National Park

Chandoli National Park is all about natural beauty, lush greenery, and mesmerizing surroundings. Providing shelter to many animals, birds and reptiles alike, the national park is an excellent spot for bird watching, trekking, jeep safari, boating, and lot others and wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the park is between October to February.
Location: Satara District, Kolhapur District, Sangli District, Maharashtra, India.
Safari timing and price: Entry fee per person is 30 INR. For private cars, the fee per vehicle is 150 INR. For hiring guide, (which is mandatory) the cost is 300 INR per safari.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: Distance from Pune is 43 km and distance from Mumbai is 150 km.
Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Love the flora and fauna? Tour the Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary where you take a close look at the variants of wildlife. Whether you wish to capture images of the avian species or just want to stroll along the rugged trails of this sanctuary, here you can have all of it.
Something which makes it unique is its collection of laughing dove, shrieks, and multitudes of other species.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November to January.
Location: Kutwalwadi, Maharashtra.
Safari timing and price: The sanctuary is open from sunrise to sunset and the entrance fee is INR 180 for an adult.
Distance from Pune and Mumbai: The distance from Pune is 70 km and from Mumbai is 220 km.