Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary

Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected nature reserve spanning the Nagpur and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra. Established in 2013, it covers approximately 189 square kilometers of Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests bounded by the Wainganga River and Gose Khurd Dam. The sanctuary serves as a vital tiger corridor connecting Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary. It supports resident breeding tigers, gaur herds, wild dogs, and rare species like pangolins and flying squirrels.

Visitors can undertake guided jeep safaris during designated morning and evening slots to explore dry deciduous forests and riverine habitats. Wildlife sightings may include tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, sambar deer, and diverse birdlife within the sanctuary's core and buffer zones. Access is permitted only through authorized gates such as Karhandla, Pauni, and Gothangaon using registered vehicles with mandatory guides. The sanctuary remains closed on Mondays and during the monsoon season from July to September for ecological regeneration.