Melghat Tiger Reserve

About Melghat Tiger Reserve

Melghat Tiger Reserve is located on southern offshoot of the Satpura Hill Range in Central India, called Gavilgarh hill in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The high ridge running east-west which has its highest point at Vairat (1178 m. above msl.), forms the southwestern boundary of the Reserve. It is a prime habitat of the tiger. The forest is tropical dry deciduous in nature, dominated by teak Tectona grandis. The Reserve is a catchment area for five major rivers viz. Khandu, Khapra, Sipna, Gadga and Dolar, all of which are tributaries of the river Tapti. The northeastern boundary of the Reserve is marked by the Tapti river. Melghat is the prime biodiversity repository of the state.

River Tapi flows through the northern end of this Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh and this forest even falls in the catchment area of rivers. Acres of tropical dry deciduous forests of Melghat in Madhya Pradesh are also the home of Gaurs or Indian Bisons, monkeys, sloth bears and flying squirrels.

Nature has offered protection to Melghat in the form of a rugged topography with only a few entry points. The Makhala, Chikhaldara, Chiladari, Patulda and Gugamal are the large plateaux amidst rugged terrain. Contiguity of forests in Satpura Hill Range guarantees the long-term conservation potential of the area.

Interesting things to do

Chikhaldara:
Chikhaldara is the sole hill resort in the Vidarbha region, situated at an altitude of 1118m and has the added distinction of being the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra. Chikhaldara is full of deep valleys, and these valleys are full of velvet mist and majestic trees. It is a very popular summer retreat. The wildlife sanctuary in this area offers tourists with abundance of wildlife, viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls.

Wadali Talao:
Wadali Talao is situated towards East of Amravati, 3-km from Camp on Chandur Railway Road. It was built for a clean and fresh water supply to Amravati Camp. A small garden with a zoo is also there and usually people come here during weekends. One can also enjoy boating on the Talao. This is one of the best places for kids.

Interesting things to Visit

Ambadevi Temple:
This temple is situated in the heart of Amravati City. According to the legend it is believed that Shri Krishna abducted Rukmini, when she came to pray at the Amba Devi temple, and married her. The Goddess Amba attracts devotees from all parts of Vidarbha.

Satidham Temple:
Satidham Temple is situated in the heart of the city at Rallies Plot. There are beautiful idols of Lord Krishna-Radha, Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva and Rani Satiji placed within the temple. Every year a fair is arranged on the occasion of Janmashthami, which does large number of devotees attend.

Shri Bhakti Dham Temple:
Shri Bhakti Dham Temple is situated on Amravati Badnera road where beautiful idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed. Shri Sant Jalaram Bappa idol is also placed and behind this temple a small park for children is maintained

Wan Sanctuary:
Wan sanctuary is located in Melghat area of Amravati District. It is an extension to the Melghat Sanctuary on the southeastern part. This area is part and parcel of Melghat and is rich in floral and faunal biodiversity. The hilly rugged terrain possesses tropical dry deciduous forests.

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Help Line/Phone Number

Nearest Hospital:

Baheti Hospital and Medical Research Center.
Bakhtar Hospital
Bardia Hospital

The Gugamal National Park, Amravati, Maharshtra is known for its wide range of flora and fauna is one of the most well known national parks in the state of Maharashtra. Maharashtra is home to a wide variety of rare animals and birds, including the tiger, crocodile, bison, gawa, neelgai, wild deer, sambar and a host of migratory birds……more

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Location info

• Address: Amaravati,Maharashtra,India.

• District: Amaravati.

• Nearest City: Chikaldhara

• Best time to visit: December to June.

History of Melghat Tiger Reserve

Melghat area was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1974. Presently, the total area of the Reserve is 1676.93 sq. km. The core area of the Reserve, the Gugarnal National Park with an area of 361.28 sq. km. and buffer area of the Reserve, the Melghat Tiger Sanctuary with an area of 788.28 sq. km. (of which 21.39 sq. km. is non-forest) were together re-notified by the state government in 1994 as Melghat Sanctuary. The remaining area is management as ‘multiple use area’. Previously, Melghat Tiger Sanctuary was created in 1985 with an area of 1597.23 sq. km. Gugarnal National Park was carved out of this Sanctuary in 1987

How to reach Melghat Tiger Reserve

• Nearest Railway Station: Badnera Railway Junction,is located at a distance of 110kms from Melghat Tiger Reserve.

• Nearest Airport: Nagpur airport which is at a distance of 102 kms.

Road Transport: Regular buses go via Paratwada to Dharni and Burhanpur. Two state highways Paratwada to Burhanpur and Akot to Harisal pass through the Tiger Reserve.

Best time to visit Melghat Tiger Reserve

October to June: best wildlife sightings in dry months (March–June). Parks are closed during peak monsoon (July–September).

Timings & opening hours

Open from sunrise to sunset. Safari timings are typically 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Entry fee & tickets

INR 50–200 per person for Indian nationals, INR 500–1500 for foreign nationals. Safari vehicle charges extra (INR 1000–3000).

Duration needed

3–4 hours for a jeep safari. Full-day safaris are available at major parks like Tadoba and Pench.

Safety tips

Follow safari rules — stay inside the vehicle at all times. Do not feed or tease animals. Maintain silence. Wear earth-coloured clothing. Follow your guide’s instructions. Carry insect repellent and first-aid kit.

Things to carry

Binoculars, camera with zoom lens, water bottle, snacks, insect repellent, neutral-coloured clothing, hat, sunscreen, and ID proof.

Nearby visiting places

Other wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the region, nearby lakes, waterfalls, and historical sites.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: Nagpur International Airport (NAG) or nearest city airport. Nearest railway station: Chandrapur or nearest station. Accessible by road from nearest city.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide excellent coverage across Maharashtra’s cities (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur) and major tourist areas. 4G is reliable along highways and in most towns. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Tadoba, Melghat, and certain ghat sections. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Maharashtrian cuisine — missal pav, vada pav, puran poli, and local thalis — is widely available.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. MTDC resorts, budget hotels, and mid-range options are widely available.

Climate & weather

Maharashtra has a diverse climate spanning coastal Konkan, the Western Ghats, and the interior Deccan plateau. Winter (November–February) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C depending on region. Summer (March–June) is hot, with interior areas reaching 40°C+ while hill stations (Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala) remain pleasant. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape into lush green. October–November is pleasant post-monsoon.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road to Melghat Tiger Reserve. It is advisable to fill fuel before heading to remote areas, especially hill forts and wildlife sanctuaries.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit? October to June is the safari season. Parks are typically closed during monsoon (July–September). The dry months (March–June) offer the best wildlife sightings.

How do I book a safari? Safari tickets can be booked online through the official forest department portal. Advance booking is recommended, especially for popular zones.

What animals can I expect to see? Depending on the park, you can see tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, gaurs, sambars, chitals, and numerous bird species.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Quick facts

• Location: Maharashtra
• Best time to visit: October to March for best wildlife sightings
• Ideal duration: Full day recommended
• Safari timings: Early morning (6:00-9:30 AM) and evening (3:00-6:00 PM)
• Accommodation: Forest rest houses and eco-resorts available
• Entry: Entry fee and safari charges applicable; book in advance

Visitor information

• Timings: Generally open from sunrise to sunset. Verify local timings before planning your visit.
• Entry fee: Entry fee and safari charges applicable. Online booking recommended during peak season.
• Best time to visit: October to March for the most comfortable weather conditions.
• Duration needed: 1 to 2 hours recommended for a comfortable visit.

Map & location view

• Destination: Melghat Tiger Reserve
• State: Maharashtra, India
• Region: protected forest area of Maharashtra
• How to reach: Accessible by road from nearby towns and cities. Local transport options include buses and taxis.
• Google Maps: Search for “Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra” on Google Maps for precise directions and navigation.

Photo gallery of Melghat Tiger Reserve

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Melghat Tiger Reserve on popular travel photography sites and social media.