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WILDLIFE
PARKS
Maharashtra
is home to a large number of animals and bird species, including the
tiger, Crocodile, Bison, Gawa, Neelgai, Wild Deer, Sambar and rare
migratory birds. The state has taken adequate steps towards setting
up many wildlife parks and sanctuaries to protect these regions and
promote them as tourist attractions. The parks offer splendid
opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in a spectacularly
natural setting. Modern amenities such as jeep rides, night safaris,
comfortable accommodation and efficient transport are also available
at a nominal charge
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Melghat Tiger
Reserve
This Reserve is in the enchanting sylvan beauty of the woodlands
and greenery of Melghat, in the Amravati district, roams the
tiger, and it is here that a greater part of Project Tiger is
being implemented. In the heart of the luxuriant teak forests of
Dhakna-Kolkaz is the Melghat Tiger Reserve, where Panthers, Bison,
Sambar, Chital and the Flying Squirrel are familiar sights.
Nagzira
Wild Life Sanctuary
Another wildlife sanctuary which is known for its verdant hills
and dales, where the fauna offers a mesmerising blaze of colours,
is the Nagzira
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Wild Life
Sanctuary. Ambling around in these idyllic environs is the sloth
bear, tiger four horned antelope, the Bluebull, Chital, Barking
Deer, Bison and the Panther. Besides these sanctuaries are alive
with the Chirruping of the colourful and varied birds.
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The
Navegaon Forest Resort
Navegaon, a popular forest resort in the Vidarbha region, was
built in the 18th century. The picturesque lake set amidst
lush green hills at Navegaon has a watch-tower beside it, from
which visitors may find a bird's eye view of the surrounding
forest and its abundant wildlife. Best known for the Dr Salim
Ali Bird Sanctuary, Navegaon is home to almost 60 per cent of
the bird species found in the entire state. Every winter,
flocks of migratory birds visit the region. Visitors can join
the Jungle Safari and have a stroll to see the Sambar, Chital
and Langurs. Staying in a unique tree-top house and riding a
power or sail boat on the lake, are thrilling pastimes.
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The
Dajipur Bison Sanctuary
The jungle resort of Dajipur is situated on the border
of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts, near the backwaters of
the Radhanagari dam. Surrounded by rugged mountains and
dense forests, this secluded area is completely cut-off from
human habitation. A home to bison, wild Deers, Chital, Gawa
and many more spectacular wild animals and birds, Dajipur is
an exciting and beautiful holiday getaway. An excursion to
the nearby Gagangiri Maharaj's Math makes for a pleasant
outing.
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This
is a large park spread over many acres of lush green
forested land. Situated 45 kms from Chandrapur, Tadoba
is an extremely beautiful jungle of mixed teak forests
around a tranquil lake. The Tadoba National Park has
migratory ducks visiting its lake, and also swarms with
crocodiles. The rest houses are ideal for nature lovers
as it commands a lovely view of the lake and the distant
green hills beyond. Late nights are ideal times to see
tigers, leopards,
gaur, nilgai, sambar and chital. The park has
facilities for tourists to stay overnight.
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There are many more types of birds than
animals in Maharashtra, like the bulbul, shama,
cuckoo, parakeet, drongoes, Wagtails Flycatchers,
Purple Sunbirds, Grey Jungle Fowl, the great Indian
bustard and above all the beautiful peacock. The
great Indian bustard which is an endangered species,
is an ostrich-like bird, found in the Ahmednagar and
Sholapur districts. It is known for its royal gait
and is a fast runner. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
is a must for ornithologists and so is the Karnala
Bird Sanctuary which is the home of winged birds
like the golden oriole.
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