Navegaon National Park is in the Arjuni Morgaon subdivision of Gondia district in Maharashtra, India. The Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Navegaon is home to almost 60% of the bird species found in entire Maharashtra. Many migratory birds can be seen here during winter.

Stand quietly by the lakeside and watch as a fish-eating bird suddenly dives down to snatch an unwary fish. The fauna consists of leopard, tiger, panther, sloth bear, fishing cat, four-horned antelope, sambar, nilgai, python, peafowl, and migratory birds. This sanctuary serves as a living repository of various commercial, medicinal, aromatic, ornamental plant species. It includes Teak, Haldi, Jamun, Kawat, Mahua, Ain,  Bhel and Bhor.

Districts/Region

Tahsil: Arjuni, District: Gondia, State: Maharashtra

History

Gondia is one of the most popular forest resorts in the Vidarbha region. It was established at the beginning of the 18th century. Spreading over an area of 135 sq KM, it consists of a deer park, an aviary and three well-maintained beautifully landscaped gardens and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

It has a watchtower from where one gets the bird’s eye view of the entire forest. In addition, there is a small museum and a library. A picturesque lake with crystal clear water looks beautiful, especially on a moonlit night, stretching over an area of 11 sq. KM is set amid hill ranges and can be approached through a series of winding trails.

There is an interesting legend about Navegaon Lake. It is said to have been built by one Kolu Patel Koli at the beginning of the eighteenth century. He is now called Kolasur Dev and his shrine is on one of the peaks surrounding the lake. The peaks are known as ‘sat bahini’ or the ‘seven sisters’. The belief is that these deities helped Kolu in building the lake. On the fringe of the lake is an idol of Hanuman, the goddess of strength, whose feet are said to go below the embanKMent.

Geography

The National Park is in the southern part of the Gondia district. It is located in the eastern part of Maharashtra state and constitutes an area of 133.78 Sq.KM. The neighbouring area is known as Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The park exhibits a variety of terrains. The rocks include chlorite, slate, and phyllite in the Sakoli and Saucer Series. There is also a vast difference in the altitude range, starting from 30 meters and ending at about 700 meters – the peak of the park.

Weather/Climate

The national park has diverse types  of vegetation ranging from dry mixed forest to moist forest. Navegaon has the moderate climate.

Things to do

Bird watching, Jeep Safari, Boat ride, sight seen, living in tree top house. 

Nearest tourist places

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary (60 KM), Itiadoh Dam (20 KM), Tibetan Camp at Gothangaon (15 KM) and Pratapgad (15 KM)

Special food speciality and hotel

There are hotels and restaurants outside the area of sanctuary where they serve veg and non-veg food. Freshwater fish dishes are a speciality. 

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

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

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

October to June is the best time to visit with a warm or hot temperature and none till mediocre rainfall. The highest average temperature in Navegaon is 41°C in May, and the lowest is 29°C in January. The park is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day, and remains closed on Fridays and between 16th June to 30th September. The  park also remains closed on Holi and Buddha Poornima (first and the second day only)

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi and Marathi.