Dnyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary

Dnyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area spanning approximately 205 sq km in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, near the Dnyanganga River. Established in 1997, it forms part of the Melghat Tiger Reserve and features southern tropical dry deciduous forest with teak and anjan trees. The sanctuary supports diverse fauna including leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, nilgai, and occasional tigers, along with over 150 bird species. Its undulating terrain includes two lakes and serves as an important wildlife corridor in the Vidarbha region.

Visitors can expect regulated forest visits focused on conservation and nature awareness rather than commercial tourism. The sanctuary offers opportunities to observe dry deciduous forest landscapes, two internal lakes, and wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears, barking deer, nilgai, and various bird species. Access is primarily through the Botha gate, and the terrain consists of undulating hillocks with gentle slopes. Visitor facilities are basic, with limited accommodation available at Botha through the forest department.

The sanctuary was notified by the Government of Maharashtra in 1997 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Prior to its declaration as a protected area, the forest was managed as reserved forest. It has since been administered by the Maharashtra Forest Department with focus on wildlife conservation and habitat protection.