Karhandla
- Karhandla
Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary – Maharashtra
If you’re looking for a wildlife experience away from the hustle of crowded parks, Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary offers a serene yet thrilling adventure. Officially called the Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, this haven spans Nagpur and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra. Established in 2013, it is home to a thriving population of tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and over 90 bird species.
The sanctuary’s dry deciduous teak forests, bamboo thickets, and seasonal water bodies provide perfect habitats for its diverse wildlife. Karhandla is also part of an important tiger corridor linking Tadoba, Pench, Bor, and Nagzira, making it a vital conservation landscape.
Spotting a tiger on a forest track here, sometimes with cubs or witnessing a pack of wild dogs in action is an unforgettable sight. With fewer vehicles allowed per safari, every trip feels exclusive and deeply connected to nature.
Covering nearly 189 sq. km, Karhandla’s landscape is dotted with lakes such as Karhandla Lake, Tarna, and Wahi, along with the Wainganga River nearby. These water sources keep the forest alive year-round, attracting mammals, reptiles, and a rich variety of birds.
Interesting Fact – Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary
The male tiger “Jai,” once one of India’s largest wild tigers, famously migrated from Nagzira to Karhandla, making it his territory for years.
Prime Predators
Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, and wild dogs dominate this forest.
Famous For?
Known as a peaceful yet rewarding tiger-spotting destination, especially for sightings of resident tigresses with cubs.
Major Wildlife
Tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, gaur, blue bulls, sambar, chital, barking deer, jackals, and pangolins. Birdlife includes rollers, hornbills, eagles, and owls.
Flora & Fauna in the Sanctuary
Karhandla’s forest is classified as southern tropical dry deciduous. Around 60% is dominated by teak, with bamboo clusters, mahua, tendu, and other native trees providing food and shelter. Seasonal flowers and fruiting trees draw birds and pollinators, while the grasslands and water edges attract herds of deer and gaur.
Mammals
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Leopard
- Wild Dog (Dhole)
- Sloth Bear
- Striped Hyena
- Gaur
- Sambar
- Chital
- Blue Bull
- Jackal
- Pangolin
- Honey Badger
Mammals
- Indian Roller
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Peafowl
- White-eyed Buzzard
- Shikra
- Indian Scops Owl
- Racket-tailed Drongo
Reptiles
- Indian Rock Python
- Cobra
- Common Krait
- Russell’s Viper
- Monitor Lizard
- Rat Snake
Safari Zones or Gates
Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary
Karhandla is divided into multiple safari zones with specific entry gates, each offering unique landscapes and sightings.
Karhandla Zone
The main and most popular zone, known for high tiger sighting frequency and diverse fauna. Entry through Karhandla Gate.
Gothangaon Zone
Offers a tranquil safari experience with beautiful lake views and good wildlife activity. Entry via Gothangaon Gate.
Pullar Zone
A scenic, less-crowded zone with grassland views and occasional predator sightings. Entry via Pullar Gate.
Pauni Zone
Located near Bhandara, ideal for birdwatching and sightings of herbivores. Entry via Pauni Gate.
Core Zone
| Zone Name | Entry Gate |
|---|---|
|
Karhandla |
Karhandla Gate |
|
Gothangaon |
Gothangaon Gate |
|
Pullar |
Pullar Gate |
|
Pauni |
Pauni Gate |
Buffer Zones
| Zone Name | Entry Gate |
|---|---|
|
Navegaon |
Navegaon Gate |
|
Kondhala |
Kondhala Gate |
|
Other local eco-tourism spots |
Managed by Forest Dept. |
