About Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected coastal woodland ecosystem located in the Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad district, Maharashtra. Established in 1986, it preserves a unique landscape bridging the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats, featuring evergreen forests and open grasslands known as 'Maals'. Formerly a private hunting reserve for the Siddi Nawabs of Janjira, the sanctuary now shelters diverse fauna including leopards, hyenas, and giant Indian squirrels across approximately 52 square kilometers.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore four designated nature trails covering 5 to 8 km through dense woodland and grassland habitats. Guided safaris in private vehicles allow for wildlife spotting and birdwatching, with opportunities to see species like the Malabar Giant Squirrel and over 200 bird varieties. The sanctuary offers basic accommodation options including tents and forest huts. Entry requires an authorized guide, and visitors must adhere to strict silence and no-littering protocols within the core zone.
Key highlights
- 01
Rare coastal woodland ecosystem linking the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats
- 02
Former private hunting reserve of the Siddi Nawabs of Janjira
- 03
Home to Malabar Giant Squirrels, leopards, hyenas, and sambar deer
- 04
Over 200 bird species including hornbills and paradise flycatchers
- 05
Four distinct nature trails ranging from 5 to 8 km
- 06
Open grassland patches locally known as Maals
History of Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
Originally established as a private hunting game reserve for the Siddi Nawab of Janjira State before independence. The area was declared a reserved forest under the Indian Forest Act of 1927 and officially notified as a wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Maharashtra on February 25, 1986.
Culture & Context
Contains a Sacred Grove (Devrai) near Supegaon, reflecting local traditional conservation practices and cultural reverence for specific forest patches.
Route
| By air |
|---|