
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Bhiwandi, Mahārāshtra, India
1. Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
A serene and rich wildlife sanctuary, home to a variety of flora and fauna including leopards, sambars, and sloth bears.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a tranquil environment for close encounters with wildlife.
- Easy Accessibility: Located just 40 km from Bhiwandi, making it an easily accessible weekend getaway.
- Historical Significance: Surrounded by ancient caves and temples, providing a blend of wildlife exploration and historical exploration.
2. Vanganga Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary
A picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery and a thriving wildlife sanctuary with crocodiles, deer, and birds.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful landscapes perfect for nature photography.
- Water Activities: Allows boating and other water activities alongside wildlife sightings.
- Unique Fauna: Is home to the Indian Mugger Crocodile, a rare species found in India.
3. Pench National Park
A large national park spanning across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, famous for Bengal tigers and other wildlife.
- Tiger Spotting Opportunities: One of the best places in India to spot tigers in their natural habitat.
- Elephant Safaris: Provides guided elephant safaris for a unique and exciting wildlife experience.
- Diverse Wildlife: Hosts over 217 species of birds, 50 species of trees, and various other fauna.
4. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
A small yet rich bird sanctuary housing over 150 species of resident and migratory birds.
- Birdwatcher's Paradise: Ideal for avid birdwatchers seeking a diverse array of avian species.
- Easy Hiking Trails: Offers easy hiking trails through scenic forests and open grasslands.
- Night Visits: Allows night visits for the chance to spot nocturnal birds such as the Indian Nightjar.
5. Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
A less-explored sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity, including tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.
- Off the Beaten Path: Provides an off-the-beaten-path wildlife experience away from crowded tourist spots.
- Vibrant Flora: Features a variety of flora that attract numerous bird species.
- Community-Based Tourism: Supports community-based tourism, promoting local employment and conservation efforts.
6. Navegaon National Park
A picturesque national park known for its large populations of Indian Gaur (Bison) and sloth bears.
- Bison Encounters: Provides opportunities to observe Indian Gaur, the largest species of cattle in Asia.
- Sloth Bear Experience: Offers close encounters with sloth bears in their natural habitat.
- Night Safaris: Provides night safaris for spotting nocturnal wildlife such as the Jungle Cat and Flying Fox.
7. Melghat Tiger Reserve
A large tiger reserve and national park located in the Melghat plateau of Maharashtra.
- Tiger Population: Home to one of the largest populations of Bengal Tigers in India.
- Scenic Beauty: Boasts stunning landscapes with deep valleys, plateaus, and dense forests.
- Tribal Villages: Allows visits to nearby Gond and Bhill tribal villages for cultural insights.
8. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
A large protected area in the western suburbs of Mumbai, home to a variety of wildlife including leopards and Indian Bison.
- Leopard Spotting Opportunities: Provides chances to observe leopards in their natural habitat.
- Historical and Cultural Significance: Includes historical forts, ancient caves, and Buddhist temples within its boundaries.
- Easy Accessibility: Located just a few hours away from Bhiwandi, making it easily accessible for day trips.
9. Nasik-Saptashrungi Wildlife Sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary nestled amidst the Sahyadri mountain ranges, home to a variety of fauna and flora.
- Scenic Mountain Ranges: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Historical Shrine Nearby: Features the Saptashrungi Temple, a popular Hindu pilgrimage site nearby.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Contributes to biodiversity conservation efforts by protecting various endangered species.
10. Radhakrishi Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
A small wildlife sanctuary situated around the Radhakrishi dam, hosting a variety of birds and reptiles.
- Water Body Presence: Features a large water body that attracts various aquatic wildlife.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers excellent birdwatching opportunities with over 150 bird species.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful and serene environment for relaxation.
11. Matheran Hill Station & Wildlife Sanctuary
A hill station known for its scenic beauty and a small wildlife sanctuary housing various species.
- Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
- Small Wildlife Sanctuary: Hosts a small but diverse range of wildlife, including deer, leopards, and snakes.
- Trekking Opportunities: Offers numerous trekking trails through scenic forests and open grasslands.
12. Kawla Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary located around the Kawla dam, hosting a variety of bird species and reptiles.
- Water Body Presence: Features a large water body that attracts various aquatic wildlife.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers excellent birdwatching opportunities with over 150 bird species.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful and serene environment for relaxation.
13. Bhima-Koregaon Wildlife Sanctuary
A large wildlife sanctuary located near the Bhima-Koregaon battlefield, rich in biodiversity.
- Historical Significance: Surrounded by historical sites related to the Battle of Bhima-Koregaon.
- Large Area Coverage: Covering an extensive area, it provides ample opportunities for wildlife sightings.
- Diverse Wildlife: Boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including the Indian Gaur (Bison), Bengal Tiger, and Leopard.
14. Torana Park
A smaller park located within the premises of the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, known for its rich avian life.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers excellent birdwatching opportunities with over 150 bird species.
- Close to Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park: Located within the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park premises, allowing combined visits.
- Peaceful Environment: Provides a peaceful and serene environment for observation and relaxation.
15. Shirota Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary
A scenic lake surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary housing a variety of birds and reptiles.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful landscapes perfect for nature photography.
- Water Activities: Allows boating and other water activities alongside wildlife sightings.
- Unique Fauna: Is home to the Indian Mugger Crocodile, a rare species found in India.