About Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a 10.87 sq km man-made protected area located at the convergence of Kadegaon, Walva, and Palus tehsils in Sangli district, Maharashtra. It is recognized as India's first artificially cultivated wildlife sanctuary, established without perennial water sources through community afforestation efforts. The sanctuary features dry deciduous forests, grassy hill slopes, and introduced fauna including sambar, chital, blackbuck, and peacocks. It also contains ancient Shiva shrines dating to the Chalukya period.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a 6 km mini bus jungle safari or car-based entry through artificially cultivated dry deciduous forest with opportunities to spot deer species, peacocks, wild boars, and foxes. The sanctuary offers hiking trails leading to Kirloskar Point, which provides panoramic views of the Krishna River flowing through sugarcane and grape fields. Ancient Shiva temples, including a complex of 51 small shrines and the rock-carved Kamal Bhairao Temple, are accessible within the sanctuary boundaries. Facilities include a ticket counter, watch towers, and basic guest house accommodation.
Key highlights
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India's first man-made wildlife sanctuary established through community afforestation
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Mini bus jungle safari covering 6 km with three viewpoints including Kirloskar Point
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Population of sambar, chital, blackbuck deer, peacocks, leopards, hyenas, and foxes
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Ancient Shiva temple complex with 51 shrines dating to Satvahana and Chalukya periods
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Panoramic views of Krishna River flowing through sugarcane and grape vineyards from hilltop
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Rock-carved Kamal Bhairao Temple accessible via narrow tunnel on steep cliff
History of Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary area contains ancient Shiva shrines built during the Chalukya dynasty, with some temple complexes dating to the Satvahana period. Kundal, the surrounding region, served as the capital of the Chalukyas. The sanctuary itself represents a modern conservation milestone as India's first man-made wildlife sanctuary, developed through afforestation programs led by local villagers and Vrikshamitra D M Mohite without perennial water sources.
Culture & Context
The sanctuary integrates natural conservation with cultural heritage, housing numerous ancient Shiva temples that remain active religious sites. The name 'Sagareshwar' derives from the ancient Lord Shiva temple in nearby Devrashtre village. The site demonstrates successful community-led rewilding where local participation transformed barren land into a thriving ecosystem that now supports both biodiversity and traditional pilgrimage practices.