Maharashtra had an estimated 444 tigers in the 2022 assessment. Most of them live in Vidarbha, the eastern part of the state around Nagpur and Chandrapur, where Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve has become one of India's most popular parks.
The state has six tiger reserves: Tadoba Andhari, Pench, Melghat, Sahyadri, Nagzira-Navegaon and Bor. Closer to Mumbai and Pune, the Western Ghats hold giant squirrels, hornbills and leopards, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park has leopards on the edge of a city of millions.
Quick answer
Maharashtra's leading wildlife destination is Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve near Chandrapur, known for frequent tiger sightings. Other Vidarbha options are Pench (Maharashtra side), Umred-Karhandla, Nagzira-Navegaon and Melghat, all reached from Nagpur. Near Mumbai and Pune, Bhimashankar has Indian giant squirrels and Sanjay Gandhi National Park has leopards. Core zones usually close in the monsoon.
Key takeaways
- Maharashtra had an estimated 444 tigers in 2022, most of them in Vidarbha.
- Tadoba is the state's best-known tiger reserve; Nagpur is the gateway.
- Tadoba's core zones close in the monsoon; buffer zones can stay open.
- Bhimashankar is home to the Indian giant squirrel, the state animal.
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai has a resident leopard population.
Wildlife places in Maharashtra
| Place | Status | Known for | Gateway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tadoba Andhari | Tiger reserve | Tigers, sloth bears, lakes | Chandrapur, Nagpur |
| Pench (Maharashtra) | Tiger reserve | Quieter side of Pench | Nagpur |
| Umred-Karhandla | Wildlife sanctuary | Tigers close to Nagpur | Nagpur |
| Nagzira-Navegaon | Tiger reserve | Forest and lakes, birds | Gondia |
| Melghat | Tiger reserve | Satpura hills, remote | Amravati |
| Bhimashankar | Wildlife sanctuary | Indian giant squirrel | Pune |
| Sanjay Gandhi National Park | National park | Leopards, Kanheri caves | Mumbai |
| Nandur Madhmeshwar | Bird sanctuary, Ramsar site | Winter waterbirds | Nashik |
Tadoba
The reserve
Tadoba National Park and the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary together form the core, with teak forest, bamboo and lakes. Core gates include Moharli, Kolara and Navegaon, with several buffer gates around them.
- Booking
- Official Maharashtra forest department portal
Wildlife
Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, dhole, gaur and marsh crocodiles in Tadoba lake, with a rich bird list.
The Western Ghats and Mumbai
Bhimashankar
Evergreen forest around the Bhimashankar temple, home to the Indian giant squirrel (shekru).
- From Pune
- About three hours
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
A forest inside Mumbai with leopards, Kanheri caves and a lion and tiger safari enclosure; the wild leopards are rarely seen but live here.
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
Koyna and Chandoli, remote forest in the Western Ghats, with limited tourism.
Where to stay
- Tadoba: resorts and lodges near Moharli, Kolara and Navegaon gates, plus forest department stays.
- Pench (Maharashtra): lodges near Sillari and Khursapar.
- Umred-Karhandla: day trips from Nagpur are easy.
- Bhimashankar: simple stays near the temple, or visit from Pune.
- Mumbai: Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a half-day trip from anywhere in the city.
How many days to spend
Two or three nights at Tadoba give four to six drives across core and buffer zones. A week from Nagpur covers Tadoba with Pench or Umred-Karhandla. Bhimashankar and Sanjay Gandhi National Park fit into a day each from Pune or Mumbai.
When to go
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| October to February | Pleasant; Tadoba green after the monsoon |
| March to June | Very hot in Vidarbha; best for sightings at waterholes |
| July to September | Tadoba core closed; buffers can run; Western Ghats green and wet |
A Vidarbha route
| Days | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fly into Nagpur; drive to Tadoba (about three hours) |
| 2 to 3 | Four safaris in core and buffer zones |
| 4 to 5 | Pench (Maharashtra or Madhya Pradesh side) or Umred-Karhandla |
| 6 | Return to Nagpur |
Safety
- Sightings are never guaranteed; plan several drives and enjoy the forest itself.
- Stay in the vehicle on safaris and follow your guide.
- Book permits only through official forest department portals or trusted operators.
- Never feed animals or leave litter in a park.
- Vidarbha summers are extremely hot; carry water and avoid midday outdoors.
What to pack
- Light cotton clothes in neutral colours
- Hat, sunscreen and water
- Warm layer for winter mornings
- Binoculars
Ready to plan your wildlife escape?
FAQs
Which is the best wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra?
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is the most visited for tigers.
How do I reach Tadoba?
Nagpur is the nearest airport, about three hours by road; Chandrapur is the nearest railway station.
How many tiger reserves are in Maharashtra?
Six: Tadoba Andhari, Pench, Melghat, Sahyadri, Nagzira-Navegaon and Bor.
Are there leopards in Mumbai?
Yes, in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, though they are rarely seen by visitors.
When is the best time to visit Tadoba?
October to June. March to June is hot but often best for sightings; the core closes in the monsoon.
Is Tadoba better than Pench?
Tadoba is bigger and known for frequent sightings; Pench is quieter and easy to combine. Many visitors do both.
Where can I see the Indian giant squirrel?
In Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary near Pune.
