Nagzira Gondia, also known as Nagzira wildlife sanctuary iss between the Bhandara-Gondia district of Maharashtra. The sanctuary is about 60 KM from District headquarters (Gondia) and 60 KM from District H.O Bhandara. With rich and diverse nature and an impeccable view of landscapes, this wildlife park was declared as the sanctuary in the year 1970. The Government of Maharashtra declared this Park reserved for the Project Tiger in 2012. A true sense of serenity, tranquillity and wilderness found here attracts lots of tourists to this beautiful and enigmatic Wildlife Sanctuary every year.

Districts/ Region 

Tahsil: Bhandara, District: Gondia, State: Maharashtra

History

The Gond kings once ruled these forests in the vicinity of the Bhandara. In 1970, 116.54 sq. KM. was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary. In 2012, the state government announced to merge this sanctuary with another national park to include in the Save Tiger Project. Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with marvellous landscapes. It is home to many endangered species. Nearly 34 species of mammal including Tiger, Panther, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Wolf, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Common Giant Flying Squirrel, Gaur, Four Horned Antelope, Mouse Deer, Pangolin. The avifauna is the most attractive wildlife feature of this sanctuary. More than 166 species have been recorded here. About 15 species of migratory birds and about 42 species of local migrants are reported in this locale. One remarkable bird, “Barheaded Goose” which is a winter migrant from Ladakh and Tibet inhabits the Chorkhamara tank located adjoining the sanctuary. There are 13 bird species of endangered status including peafowl and the birds belonging to the “Accipitridae” family. This sanctuary is the abode of about 36 species of reptiles out of which about 6 species are of endangered status namely Indian Rock Python, Dhaman, Indian Cobra, Russell's Viper, Checkered Keelback and Common Monitor. This sanctuary is home to a variety of frogs and toads like Tree-frog, Bull-frog, Six-toed frog, an uncommon toad; Ramanella Montana etc. The Nagzira lake and the other water bodies in and around this sanctuary abound in many varieties of freshwater fishes. Nearly 30,000 tourists visit this sanctuary annually. There are various entry gates like Baki gate, Bonde gate, Mangezari gate, Pitambartola gate, Chorkhamara gate.

Geography

The nearest city is Bhandara, Gondia which is 25 kilometres. Geographically the area of this sanctuary comes under the Nagpur Circle of the State Forest Department. Gondia district shares common boundaries with Madhyapradesh and Chhattisgarh on the north and eastern sides respectively.

Weather/Climate

Nagzira has moderate weather throughout the year. Summers (Mar-Jun) – the temperature may rise to 45 degrees. We advise you to carry light cotton clothing. During the rains (Jul-Sep), the park remains closed due to heavy rainfall. With winters (Nov-Feb), the temperature may drop as low as 6.5 degrees. We recommend you take enough warm clothes, during the trip in winter

Things to do 

Bird watching, Jungle safari in a jeep.

Nearest tourist place

Suryadeo Mando Devi temple, Kanchangadh caves are nearby. Ramtek is 70 KM from Nagzira and has an ancient Temple of Lord Rama. Umred Karhandla (120 KM) is another wildlife sanctuary. Another nearby places are Hazara Falls. Waterfalls such as Itiadoh Dam. Dams, Shree Sant Lahari Ashram. Religious sites like Chakradhar Swami Temple. Religious Sites, Navegaon Lake. Bodies of Water are an attraction to visitors.

Special food specialty and
hotel

There are hotels and restaurants outside the area of sanctuary where they serve veg and non-veg food.

Accommodation
facilities nearby & Hotel/
Hospital/Post
Office/Police station 

In the nearby vicinity of the sanctuary, a number of hotels and resorts are available.

Visiting Rule and Time,
Best month to visit

October to May is the best time to visit.

Language spoken in area

English, Hindi, and Marathi