Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Ulhāsnagar, Mahārāshtra, India
1. Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
A verdant oasis housing leopards, sambars, and barking deer. Offers trekking trails through lush forests.
- Rich Biodiversity: Home to a variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species.
- Trekking Opportunities: Offers scenic trekking routes through the forest.
- Nearby Ambernath: Conveniently located near Ambernath, making it a day trip from Ulhāsnagar.
2. Karanja Reservoir
A wetland haven for migratory and resident birds. Offers birdwatching opportunities.
- Abundant Birdlife: Over 200 species of birds have been sighted here.
- Wetland Ecosystem: Supports a rich wetland ecosystem, essential for local and migratory birds.
- Accessible Location: Easily accessible from Ulhāsnagar, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
3. Matheran Hill Station
A hill station with a mini-safari park. Offers close encounters with small mammals and birds.
- Unique Mini-Safari: Features a small safari park, offering unique wildlife experiences.
- Scenic Hill Station: Offers stunning views of the surrounding Sahyadri Mountains.
- Eco-Sensitive Zone: Located in an eco-sensitive zone, promoting conservation and responsible tourism.
4. Pen Chandani National Park
A protected area for the Indian Giant Squirrel and Sloth Bear. Offers guided jeep safaris.
- Indian Giant Squirrel: One of the few places in Maharashtra to spot the Indian Giant Squirrel.
- Guided Safaris: Provides guided jeep safaris for an immersive wildlife experience.
- Sloth Bear Habitat: An important habitat for the Sloth Bear, a threatened species.
5. Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary
A winter paradise for Flamingos and other waterbirds. Offers boat rides for birdwatching.
- Flamingo Migration: Hosts one of the largest flamingo migrations in India.
- Boat Rides: Provides boat rides for close-up views of the birds.
- Winter Haven: A must-visit during winter months when birds migrate here.
6. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
A forest sanctuary home to over 150 bird species. Offers trekking trails and overnight stays.
- Rich Avian Biodiversity: Harbors over 150 resident and migratory bird species.
- Trekking Trails: Features trekking trails for exploring the forest.
- Overnight Stays: Provides accommodation facilities for overnight stays.
7. Son Mata Wildlife Sanctuary
A dense forest sanctuary housing the Indian Goral and Barking Deer. Offers guided jeep safaris.
- Indian Goral Presence: One of the few places to spot the elusive Indian Goral.
- Guided Safaris: Provides guided jeep safaris for an immersive wildlife experience.
- Barking Deer Habitat: An important habitat for the Barking Deer, a common resident.
8. Vihigaon Waterfall and Wildlife Sanctuary
A picturesque waterfall set in a wildlife sanctuary. Offers trekking opportunities.
- Waterfall Beauty: Features a stunning waterfall amidst the sanctuary.
- Trekking Trails: Provides trekking trails for exploring the sanctuary.
- Wildlife Presence: Home to a variety of small mammals and reptiles.
9. Kulgaon Bird Sanctuary
A wetland sanctuary for migratory birds. Offers birdwatching opportunities.
- Migratory Birds: Home to a variety of migratory birds during the winter months.
- Wetland Ecosystem: Supports a rich wetland ecosystem, essential for local and migratory birds.
- Accessible Location: Easily accessible from Ulhāsnagar, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
10. Son Mokshadham
A rehabilitation and rescue center for wildlife. Offers educational tours.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation: Dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured wildlife.
- Educational Tours: Provides educational tours to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
- Conservation Efforts: Promotes conservation efforts and responsible coexistence with wildlife.
11. Karla-Aligudda Caves
Historical caves located near a wildlife sanctuary. Offers trekking opportunities.
- Historical Significance: Famous Buddhist rock-cut temples dating back to the 2nd century.
- Trekking Trails: Surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, offering trekking opportunities.
- Wildlife Presence: Home to a variety of small mammals and reptiles in the surrounding sanctuary.
12. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
A hill station sanctuary for Indian Gaur and other wildlife. Offers trekking trails.
- Indian Gaur Presence: One of the few places to spot the endangered Indian Gaur.
- Trekking Trails: Features trekking trails for exploring the sanctuary.
- Hill Station Atmosphere: Located in a picturesque hill station atmosphere.
13. Shirdi Wildlife Sanctuary
A forest sanctuary housing Indian Gaur and Sloth Bear. Offers guided jeep safaris.
- Indian Gaur Presence: One of the few places to spot the endangered Indian Gaur.
- Guided Safaris: Provides guided jeep safaris for an immersive wildlife experience.
- Sloth Bear Habitat: An important habitat for the Sloth Bear, a threatened species.
14. Paithan Wildlife Sanctuary
A forest sanctuary housing Indian Gaur and Leopards. Offers guided jeep safaris.
- Indian Gaur Presence: One of the few places to spot the endangered Indian Gaur.
- Guided Safaris: Provides guided jeep safaris for an immersive wildlife experience.
- Leopard Habitat: An important habitat for the elusive leopards of Maharashtra.
15. Bhandardara Wildlife Sanctuary
A hill station sanctuary for Indian Gaur and Sloth Bear. Offers trekking trails.
- Indian Gaur Presence: One of the few places to spot the endangered Indian Gaur.
- Trekking Trails: Features trekking trails for exploring the sanctuary.
- Hill Station Atmosphere: Located in a picturesque hill station atmosphere.