Wildlife Parks in Maharashtra
Not withstanding Maharashtra`s reputation as one of the most industrialized states in India, Maharashtra has a forest cover equaling 20 % of the total area of the state. The Maharashtra State has 5 National Parks and 35 Sanctuaries. The forests are varied and home to a incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna. Continuous forest stretches can be found along the scenic Satpura hills in northeastern Maharashtra, and along the Western Ghats in the districts of Chandrapur and Gadchiroli in Vidarbha region.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park with an area of 104 square km is located on the northern suburbs of Mumbai. Known as the lung of Mumbai the park is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna.
Tadoba National Park
Tadoba National Park is located 105 km from Nagpur and is a protected Tiger reserve. Other than Tiger Tadoba is also abode to numerous species of Indian antelopes. The park derives its name from a local deity `Taru`, as the place is inhabited by tribals.
Chandoli National Park
The Chandoli National Park spread over an area of more than 300 square kilometers lies in the Sangli and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra. Along with a varied flora and fauna it is the reservoir of Chandoli Dam that attracts the tourist here.
Melghat Tiger Reserve
The Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the Amravati district of Maharastra and covers an area of approximately 361 square kilometers. This forest, a typical example of the tropical dry deciduous forest boasts of an incredible variety of flora and fauna.
Malvan Marine Sanctuary
Malvan Marine sanctuary is located in Malvan Taluka of Sindhudurg district. Rich in coral and marine life it covers an area of 29.22-sq-km and declared a protected area in 1987.
