🌳 Navegaon–Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary | Complete Information
📍 1. Location of Navegaon–Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
Navegaon–Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state, on the border of Gondia and Bhandara districts, specifically in Arjuni Morgaon taluka of Gondia district. Since it lies between major tiger reserves like Pench, Tadoba, and Kanha, this sanctuary is also known as a Corridor Sanctuary. It plays a crucial role in the migration and safe movement of tigers.
📐 2. Area and Geographical Structure
The Navegaon–Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 653.67 square kilometers. A large part of the forest is hilly terrain. At the foothills of these hills lie Itiadoh Dam, Navegaon Bandh, and Navegaon Lake. Several natural water bodies and marshy areas such as Madhavjhiri, Rani Doh, Kamjhiri, Telanjhiri, Angenjhiri, and Shringarbodi are found within the sanctuary.
🗂️ 3. Major Forest Divisions
The sanctuary is divided into five major sections for effective forest and wildlife management. These include Nagzira (155 sq. km), New Navegaon (151 sq. km), Navegaon National Park (133 sq. km), Navegaon Wildlife Sanctuary (123 sq. km), and Poka Area (97 sq. km). In terms of size, it ranks 46th in India and 5th in Maharashtra.
💧 4. Navegaon Bandh and Water Management
Navegaon Bandh is the main water reservoir of the sanctuary. It was constructed by the Gond tribal king Sitaram Kondu Patil Dongarba. His memorial (samadhi) still exists in the middle of the lake. Water from this project is supplied free of cost to five nearby villages, while 15 to 20 villages receive water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
🌿 5. Vegetation Structure (Flora)
The sanctuary falls under the tropical deciduous forest category. Major tree species found here include teak, bamboo, ain, dhawda, tendu, mahua, haldu, kawath, jamun, bel, mango, and shisham. An internal botanical garden named Charak Udyan, after Maharshi Charak, has been developed, where various medicinal and Ayurvedic plants are cultivated. Fragrant trees and small shrubs yielding wild fruits are also found here. A rare local fruit called “Amras” is a special attraction of this forest.
🌊 6. Aquatic Vegetation and Afforestation Work
Water bodies within the sanctuary contain lotus, algae, and aquatic plants such as Eichhornia (locally known as Besharam). As these plants are considered harmful to the ecosystem, they are being removed, and new afforestation and ecological restoration activities are being carried out.
🐯 7. Main Wildlife Attraction – Tiger
The main attraction of Navegaon–Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is the Bengal Tiger. It is believed that nearly one-sixth of India’s tigers are found in this region. Tigers are counted annually using modern sensor systems and camera traps. A male tiger occupies around 45 square kilometers, while a tigress occupies about 12 square kilometers. Tigers are identified by their pugmarks and unique stripe patterns.
🐆 8. Other Mammals
Apart from tigers, the sanctuary is home to leopards, jungle cats, wild dogs (dholes), gaur, sambar, chital, nilgai, wild boar, sloth bears, monkeys, and langurs. In total, more than 34 species of mammals are found here, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the forest.
🐦 9. Birdlife
Navegaon–Nagzira is a well-known destination for birdwatching. Over 209 species of birds have been recorded here. About 60% of Asian migratory bird species visit this area. Commonly seen birds include eagles, vultures, hornbills, peacocks, storks, herons, swans, cranes, parrots, kingfishers, wagtails, and water hens.
🐍 10. Reptiles, Amphibians, and Insects
Around 36 species of reptiles have been documented in the sanctuary, with possibilities of more yet to be identified. Notable reptiles include the banded krait and monitor lizard. Amphibians such as frogs, aquatic creatures like crabs, and more than 120 species of butterflies are also found here.
🚗 11. How to Reach Navegaon–Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
Nagpur is the nearest international airport. The sanctuary can be reached by road or rail from Nagpur. Sakoli railway station on the Nagpur–Kolkata route and Gondia railway station are the nearest railheads. The sanctuary has 10 entry gates. Jeep and canter safaris are available, along with trained guides and drivers.
⚠️ 12. Rules and Safety Guidelines
Smoking, alcohol consumption, plastic items, and littering are strictly prohibited inside the forest area. Tourists are allowed to observe animals from a distance but are not permitted to touch or disturb them. Photography is allowed, but the use of flash is strictly prohibited.
👥 13. Tribal Communities and Local Employment
Several Gond tribal villages are located along the forest boundary. To prevent wild animals from entering farmlands, solar-powered mild electric fencing has been installed, which does not harm animals. Local people are provided employment as guides, drivers, watchmen, forest produce collectors, and through other conservation-related activities.
📅 14. Best Time to Visit
Tourists visit the sanctuary throughout the year; however, the best time to visit is from October to June. Attractions such as a rock garden, ornamental plants, children’s play areas, and walls decorated with wildlife murals enhance the visitor experience.
🏨 15. Accommodation Facilities
Accommodation facilities are available at Pitezari, Nagjhiri, and Umarjhiri. In addition, private lodges and restaurants are available in nearby areas for tourists.
🏛️ 16. Historical Background
Historically, this region was under the rule of Gond kings. In the 18th century, Navegaon Lake was constructed by Gond king Sitaram Kondu Patil Dongarba. The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 22 November 1974, and in 2012, Navegaon and Nagzira were jointly recognized as the Navegaon–Nagzira Tiger Reserve. Today, more than 40,000 tourists visit this sanctuary every year.
Navegaon–Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary | Complete Information
