Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary

  Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary 

Location:

Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state, in a low rainfall area, at the origin of the Katepurna River on the border of Akola and Washim districts. It is known as a forest that provides water to West Vidarbha.

Area:

The sanctuary spreads over approximately 73.69 square kilometers and is situated around the catchment (backwater) area of the Mahan Dam near Mahan village.

How to Reach the Sanctuary?

• From Akola, Katepurna Sanctuary is about 36 kilometers away.

👉 It can be reached via Akola – Barshi Takli – Mahan route.

• From Washim – Mangrulpir – Shelu Bazar – Akola Road via Anand Buddha Vihar, the sanctuary can be accessed.

• Nagpur is the nearest major international connectivity city, well connected by road, rail, and air.

👉 From Nagpur – Karanja – Bhurra route, one can reach the sanctuary.

• The nearest airport is at Songav, about 292 kilometers away.

• The sanctuary is about 40 kilometers from Akola Junction on the Mumbai–Nagpur railway route.

• Entry to the sanctuary is available through the Fetra Gate from Washim district.

• From Akola district, it can also be accessed via Mahan village – Anand Buddha Vihar – Wagha route.

Places to Visit in the Sanctuary:

• Waghagaon Area:

Earlier there was a village named Wagha, which has now been rehabilitated. This area is inhabited by wildlife.

• Dam Catchment Area:

A beautiful view of the backwaters of Mahan Dam can be seen. Visitors can enjoy boating and water activities with tickets. Many migratory water birds can also be spotted. Sunrise and sunset views here are especially scenic.

• Wagha Temple Area:

At a place called Waghagad near the backwater area, there is a group of Hindu temples including Annapurna Mata Temple, Gajanan Maharaj Temple, Jagdish Maharaj Sansthan, Shri Ram Temple, and Ganga Mata Temple.

• Children’s Park:

Near Anand Buddha Vihar on the Mangrulpir road, a children’s park with play facilities has been developed.

• Geru Ghat:

This place is famous for spotting animals. The soil here is reddish-brown, called “Geru,” hence the name Geru Ghat.

• Ghari Pass and Valley:

During forest safari, a mountain pass can be seen where many nests of kites (birds) are present on steep cliffs. These birds can be seen flying in the valley.

• Forest Trails:

Several forest routes have been developed for safaris. Visitors can enjoy jungle safaris in vehicles like gypsy and canter. A local guide is mandatory. Plantation of various trees and bamboo can be seen along these routes.

Fetra Gate and the Mahan Dam side entry are considered more convenient.

Vegetation:

This region consists mainly of thorny and scrub forests. Trees such as Khair, Teak, Tendu, Mahua, Amla, Dhavda, Bahava, Palash, Neem, Bamboo, Ghost Tree (which changes trunk color in different seasons and shines in moonlight), Babul, Cactus, Karvand, and many shrubs are found here. More than 115 plant species are present.

Animals:

Chousingha (four-horned antelope), barking deer, blackbuck, leopard, wild boar, wolf, hyena, rabbit, nilgai, wild cat, monkeys, and cheetah-like animals can be seen.

Bird Life:

Eagle, egret, stork, flamingo, owl, peacock, jungle fowl, falcon, kingfisher, coucal, koel, and various water birds are found here.

Reptiles:

Due to thorny forest conditions, various species of snakes, monitor lizards, lizards, and other reptiles are found.

Amphibians:

Since the sanctuary lies in the backwater catchment area, frogs, crabs, and other aquatic animals are found in marshy areas.

Insect Life:

Colorful butterflies, predatory insects, honeybee hives, and many small and large insects are found here, which serve as food for birds.

Predatory insects are especially common in summer, and their sound fills the forest.

Grass:

Various grass species are found here, which are a primary food source for deer.

Accommodation:

In the Wagha area, lodges are available with AC and non-AC rooms. Nearby Mahan village also provides food and lodging facilities.

During fort trekking, you need various essential items. You can explore and purchase them through the links below.

🧭 Essential Trekking Gear:

• Travel Bag / Trekking Rucksack

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• Trekking Shoes / Hiking Shoes

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• Sun Cap / Hat

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• Camera / Action Camera

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• Selfie Stick

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• Battery / LED Headlamp / Torch

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• Climbing Rope

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• Carabiner Hooks

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• First Aid Kit

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• Camping Tent

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• Sleeping Bag

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• Telescope / Binoculars

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Precautions While Visiting:

• Carrying plastic items or paper is prohibited.

• Mobile phones must be switched off and deposited; selfies are strictly prohibited.

• Entry is allowed only with a valid ticket.

• Only vehicles like gypsy, canter, and jeep are allowed.

• Do not get down from the vehicle during safari.

• Do not make noise or disturb animals.

• Use glass bottles for drinking water; plastic bottles are banned.

• Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited.

• A guide and driver are provided by the forest department.

• Cameras and binoculars are allowed (charges applicable).

• They can also be rented or purchased near the gate.

• Near Wagha sanctuary gate and other entry points, food and lodging facilities are available, especially near Anand Buddha Vihar, Wagha area, and Mahan village.

This is the complete information about Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary.