ABOUT NAGZIRA TIGER RESERVE

Nagzira Tiger Reserve is located between Bhandara and Gondia district of Maharashtra. The sanctuary serves as a corridor linking the central and southern forests of Tadoba Andhari and Kanha Tiger Reserves. The sanctuary derives its name from a temple of ‘nag’(snake) located in the middle of sanctuary and a perennial source of water that emanates from a hill. There was once a village named Nangthana inside the forest which also gave its name. The reserve is blessed with a picturesque landscape and lush vegetation and serves as a ‘green lung’ for adjoining human settlements. It was bestowed with the tiger reserve status in 2012 which has boosted tourism. The sanctuary boasts of variety of fishes, 34 species of mammals, 166 species of birds, 36 species of reptiles and four species of amphibians.

The sanctuary is confined to the Deccan Plateau and exhibits dry deciduous vegetation. Luxuriant forests are found in pockets of moist soils and along swamps. Bamboo stretches are present on slopes. The forest is a home to endangered fauna like palm civet, tiger, small Indian civet, sloth bear, four-horned antelope and ratel. Besides, 49 butterfly species such as Common Rose, Common Mormon, Lime Butterfly, Common Sailor, Common Indian Crow, Black Rajah thrive in Nagzira.

WHEN TO GO ?

The best time to visit the place is April and May though the climate remains pleasant all year around. The main appeal of this forest is diverse vegetation, wild dogs roaming in large groups and sloth bears hitch-hiking on their mothers’ back.