Dajipur Bison Sanctuary

Dajipur Bison Sanctuary, officially known as Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in Dajipur, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. Established in 1958, it was the first wildlife sanctuary declared in the state and is renowned for conserving the Indian bison (gaur). Situated in the Western Ghats, this UNESCO World Heritage Site buffer zone spans over 350 sq km of tropical evergreen forests, grasslands, and hilly terrain. It supports diverse flora and fauna, including leopards, sloth bears, and over 260 bird species.

Visitors can expect guided jungle safaris in authorized vehicles through dense forest roads leading to Shivrai Sada, an open grassland with a water pond where wildlife congregates at sunrise and sunset. The sanctuary offers opportunities to spot Indian bison, deer, wild boar, and various bird species in their natural habitat. Trekking trails are available with guides, and visitors may explore ancient temples like the Shiva Temple within the forest. Private vehicles are permitted but restricted to specific zones; roads are unpaved and closed during monsoon.

Established in 1958 as Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary, it was the first declared wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra. Formerly the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Kolhapur, it was re-notified as Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary in 1985. The sanctuary contains an ancient Shiva Temple complex estimated to date from the Satavahana period, comprising 51 smaller temples within the forest.

The sanctuary encompasses sacred groves (devrais) protected by local communities, reflecting traditional conservation practices. The Ugwai Devi Temple and Kal Bhairav Temple within the sanctuary hold religious significance for local populations. The area represents a cultural landscape where indigenous knowledge and community stewardship have contributed to biodiversity preservation in the Western Ghats.