Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area spanning approximately 152.81 square kilometers across the Bhandara and Gondia districts of northeastern Maharashtra. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1970 and later incorporated into the Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve in 2013, it serves as a critical habitat for Bengal tigers and diverse flora and fauna. The sanctuary features rolling hills, valleys, and perennial water bodies, deriving its name from an ancient Nag temple and local water sources.

Visitors can expect guided jeep safaris through dense forests and open meadows with opportunities to spot tigers, leopards, gaurs, and over 166 bird species. The sanctuary offers watchtowers and cabins for wildlife observation, along with a small interpretation center featuring stuffed birds and animal models. Safaris operate in morning and evening shifts with seasonal timing variations, and visitors must adhere to strict silence and distance rules to minimize disturbance to wildlife.

Historically controlled by Gond kings, the forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1970 due to its ecological importance. It was notified as part of the Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve on December 12, 2013, becoming the 46th tiger reserve in India and the fifth in Maharashtra.

The sanctuary derives its name from an ancient 'Nag' (snake) temple located at its heart and the Marathi word 'zira' meaning a perennial water source, reflecting the cultural and spiritual connection between local communities and the forest's water bodies.