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IN PHOTOS: Explore these 6 lesser-known wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra

Updated On: 21 May, 2026 01:14 PM IST | Nascimento Pinto

With the wildlife safari season reaching its peak, skip the usual tourist spots, and check out these unique getaways this summer season (Story by Devashish Kamble)

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They offer a chance to sight diverse fauna alongside the elusive tigers. Photos Courtesy: File pics

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They offer a chance to sight diverse fauna alongside the elusive tigers. Photos Courtesy: File pics
Sahyadri Tiger ReserveDon’t fret if you don’t meet a big cat at this reserve. Nearly 30 mammal species including Maharashtra’s state animal the Giant Squirrel, have been recorded here.  How to reachClosest railway station: KhedDrive time from Mumbai: 5 hours

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Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
Don’t fret if you don’t meet a big cat at this reserve. Nearly 30 mammal species including Maharashtra’s state animal the Giant Squirrel, have been recorded here. 

How to reach
Closest railway station: Khed
Drive time from Mumbai: 5 hours

TansaNamed after the Tansa River this sanctuary is home to 280 bird species. Its biggest draw is the Forest Owlet, once thought to be extinct. Also keep an eye out for birds such as the Indian Cormorant, Wood Sandpiper, and Drongos. (Forest Owlet. PIC COURTESY/RAJU KASAMBE) How to reachClosest railway station: AtgaonDrive time from Mumbai: 3 hours

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Tansa
Named after the Tansa River this sanctuary is home to 280 bird species. Its biggest draw is the Forest Owlet, once thought to be extinct. Also keep an eye out for birds such as the Indian Cormorant, Wood Sandpiper, and Drongos. (Forest Owlet. PIC COURTESY/RAJU KASAMBE)

How to reach
Closest railway station: Atgaon
Drive time from Mumbai: 3 hours

Phansad Wildlife SanctuaryWith the dense Sahyadris on one side, and a vast coastal grassland on the other, Phansad hosts diverse herp (amphibian and reptile) species like the Gecko and Skittering Frog. (Skittering Frogs are often seen with their eyes above the water surface. PIC COURTESY/NIKHIL BHOPALE) How to reachClosest railway station: RohaDrive time from Mumbai: 3 hours

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Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
With the dense Sahyadris on one side, and a vast coastal grassland on the other, Phansad hosts diverse herp (amphibian and reptile) species like the Gecko and Skittering Frog. (Skittering Frogs are often seen with their eyes above the water surface. PIC COURTESY/NIKHIL BHOPALE)

How to reach
Closest railway station: Roha
Drive time from Mumbai: 3 hours

Gautrala AutramghatThe 1986-established sanctuary lies on the eastern flanks of the Western Ghats between the Satmala and Ajantha hill ranges. Here, 240 bird species coexist with tigers, leopards, Sloth Bear and Wild Boar. (Sloth Bears. PIC COURTESY/SAROSH LODHI) How to reachClosest railway station: ChalisgaonDrive time from Mumbai: 6 hours

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Gautrala Autramghat
The 1986-established sanctuary lies on the eastern flanks of the Western Ghats between the Satmala and Ajantha hill ranges. Here, 240 bird species coexist with tigers, leopards, Sloth Bear and Wild Boar. (Sloth Bears. PIC COURTESY/SAROSH LODHI)

How to reach
Closest railway station: Chalisgaon
Drive time from Mumbai: 6 hours

Kolamarka Wildlife SanctuaryDon’t let the buffalos here fool you into thinking they’re docile. Wild Water Buffaloes are known for their aggressive charges when provoked. The area was declared a conservation reserve in 2013, and a wildlife sanctuary in 2022. (Wild Water Buffalo. PIC COURTESY/Maharashtra Forest Department) How to reachClosest railway station: Balharshah Junction, ChandrapurDrive time from Mumbai: 17 hours

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Kolamarka Wildlife Sanctuary
Don’t let the buffalos here fool you into thinking they’re docile. Wild Water Buffaloes are known for their aggressive charges when provoked. The area was declared a conservation reserve in 2013, and a wildlife sanctuary in 2022. (Wild Water Buffalo. PIC COURTESY/Maharashtra Forest Department)

How to reach
Closest railway station: Balharshah Junction, Chandrapur
Drive time from Mumbai: 17 hours

PaingangaNearly 90 km from the dense forests of Tipeshwar that are home to tigers, the Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary hosts a river ecosystem dotted by flora such as age-old arjun and amla trees. Keep an eye out for the Dhole that call the sanctuary spanning 325 sq km home. How to reachClosest railway station: KinwatDrive time from Mumbai: 11 hoursLog on to mtdc.co (for more information and lodging options near the sanctuaries)

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Painganga
Nearly 90 km from the dense forests of Tipeshwar that are home to tigers, the Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary hosts a river ecosystem dotted by flora such as age-old arjun and amla trees. Keep an eye out for the Dhole that call the sanctuary spanning 325 sq km home. 

How to reach
Closest railway station: Kinwat
Drive time from Mumbai: 11 hours

Log on to mtdc.co (for more information and lodging options near the sanctuaries)

Photo of Day

Phool-ing around

Phool-ing around

A troop of Bonnet Macaques have a field day playing with fresh flowers at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE

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