Navegaon National Park

Navegaon National Park is a protected area located in the Arjuni Morgaon subdivision of Gondia district, Maharashtra. Established on November 22, 1975, it covers approximately 133.78 sq km and forms part of the Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve. The park features diverse flora and fauna including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and over 209 bird species. It encompasses the historic Navegaon Lake, constructed around 1300 AD, which serves as a significant habitat for migratory birds and supports boating activities.

Visitors can expect dense deciduous forests, rolling hills, and the scenic Navegaon Lake within the national park. Wildlife sightings may include tigers, leopards, gaurs, sambars, chitals, and sloth bears during jungle safaris. The park offers boating on Navegaon Lake, watchtower visits for birdwatching, and nature trails through forested areas. Accommodation options include tree houses, cottages near the lake, holiday homes, and youth hostels managed by forest authorities. A zoological museum and interpretation center provide educational insights into local biodiversity.

The name Navegaon derives from 'Nave' (new) and 'gaon' (village) in Marathi. The Navegaon Lake was constructed around 1300 AD by brothers Kolhu and Chimna Patil of the Kohali community under Queen Durgawati's direction for irrigation purposes. The area was established as a national park on November 22, 1975, and later became part of the Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, notified as India's 46th tiger reserve on December 12, 2013.

The park holds cultural importance due to its historical association with the Kohali community who built the Navegaon Lake in the 14th century. The adjacent Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is named after India's renowned ornithologist, highlighting the region's significance in bird conservation. Local communities continue to have traditional connections with the forest landscape.