My first time on a jungle safari in Maharashtra was a disaster. I was wearing a bright red T-Shirt and talking the entire time. All I saw was monkeys and dust. However, over the years I have driven along bumpy roads in the forests of Maharashtra, waiting for hours at peaceful water holes. I have seen amazing animals including leopards, wild dogs, bison and even Tigers! This guide has all the information I would have liked to know before my first safari. I will guide you through the top national parks in Maharashtra, provide a simple list, tips for your safari and also some accommodation recommendations. I will also give you some info about my favourite little forest, Tipeshwar.

How many National Parks are there in Maharashtra?

There are 6 national parks in Maharashtra. They are all very different and include dense tiger forests, beautiful green hills and one even in the middle of Mumbai! There are also lots of wildlife sanctuaries in the state. There are 6 tiger reserves in total. Often these are confused, but all that really matters to you as a traveller is – can you go on a safari to see animals? Is it worth it? The good news is, all of the national parks in Maharashtra answer yes to all 3.

National Park in Maharashtra List

Here is my simple national park in Maharashtra list, covering all the national parks in Maharashtra. I will also give you a short description of each one based on my experiences.

Tadoba National Park

Located in Chandrapur district, this is the oldest national park in the state and is famous for its Tigers. It is the most well known of all the national parks in Maharashtra. Many people consider it to be the best national park in Maharashtra for seeing Tigers and I can see why! I saw my first Tiger here. A large male walked across the road and stared at our jeep for 2 seconds before continuing on his journey. I didn’t even get a photo! The only downside of this one is that it gets very busy. Book your safari in advance.

Pench National Park

This is located near Nagpur on the border with Madhya Pradesh. It is the forest from the Jungle Book stories. It has lovely teak trees, open grasslands and beautiful rivers. This is one of the more peaceful national parks in Maharashtra. I have seen wild dogs hunting in packs here. It was loud, fast and only lasted a minute but I still think about it.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Located in Borivali, Mumbai. This is the only national park in Maharashtra that is located in a big city. You can visit ancient caves (Kanheri Caves) and explore the beautiful forest paths. There are also Leopards here. I have never seen any in this park, however I have seen their pug prints on a muddy path which gave me goosebumps!

Gugamal National Park

Located in Amravati district. This is part of the Melghat Tiger Reserve and is close to the hill station of Chikhaldara. It is a beautiful forest with amazing hills, and is one of the least visited parks in Maharashtra. I love this because it feels like the forest is all yours.

Chandoli National Park

Located in the Western Ghats. This is part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. Close by is the Warna River and Dam. This is best visited straight after the monsoon. The hills are a beautiful bright green colour and there are lots of little waterfalls. I think this is the greenest park in Maharashtra.

Navegaon National Park

Located in Gondia district. This is a peaceful park with a large lake and lots of birdlife. It is a great option for families or bird lovers. That’s the full national park in Maharashtra list! 6 very different places.

Other Wildlife Parks in Maharashtra to Visit

There are also lots of sanctuaries in the state. Some are just as good as the national parks.

Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Yavatmal district. Close to the town of Pandharkawada. Approximately 180km from Nagpur. This is a peaceful and lively little park. Read more about this below as it is my favourite.

Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary

Close to Nagpur. Small park with a great reputation for seeing Tigers. Great if you only have one spare day.

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

Close to Kolhapur. Known for the Indian Bison (Gaur). Seeing a fully grown Bison up close is amazing. They are huge!

Bhigwan

Located close to Pune. Not a forest, but in winter the backwaters are filled with Flamingos. Taking a boat ride here at sunrise is magical. These wildlife parks in Maharashtra are often less busy than the big names meaning your trip will feel more peaceful.

Why Tipeshwar is My Favourite Safari Park in Maharashtra

I have been to most of the national parks in Maharashtra, but my favourite is Tipeshwar. If I was asked which one safari park in Maharashtra would give you a peaceful and personal safari experience I would always recommend Tipeshwar. There are less jeeps and less noise. You can hear more of the forest. During my last visit our driver pulled up by a dry stream bed. He turned off the engine and pointed. Out of the bushes walked a Tigress with 2 cubs tussling behind her. They jumped across the stream and the mum looked back once. All disappeared and not a word was spoken in our jeep for a full minute. Tipeshwar isn’t a national park it is a wildlife sanctuary. However, if I had to say which is the best national park in Maharashtra it wouldn’t even be a national park. It is a little forest in Yavatmal.

Safari Routes & Times at Tipeshwar

There are multiple entry points at Tipeshwar. Most people visit via Sunna Gate and Mathani Gate. The routes travel through beautiful teak forests, open grasslands and small water holes. Like most of the national parks in Maharashtra there are 2 safari times. Morning and afternoon. The morning safari starts around sunrise and the afternoon runs until sunset. Times will vary depending on the season. The sanctuary will generally be closed during the monsoon. Best to plan your visit between October and June.

Best Time to Visit National Parks in Maharashtra

Timing can make or break your visit to the national parks in Maharashtra. October – February is the best time to visit. It is cool and pleasant making it a great option for families, children and first timers. The forest will still be green from the rain. March – June is very hot. However, this is when animals come to the waterholes meaning you will often see more Tigers. Be sure to take a cap and plenty of water. July – September is the monsoon. Most of the national parks in Maharashtra will be closed during this time in the core safari areas. However, the hills (like Chandoli) look at their best straight after the rain.

Where to Stay at Tipeshwar

After a long safari you will want somewhere comfortable to stay with great food. I always stay at Avani Tiger Resort near Sunna Gate. The location is the first thing. You are only minutes away from the gate meaning you can get more sleep before your early morning safari. Trust me this helps when you have to wake up at 5am! The cottages are luxurious, clean and spacious. I love waking up to the sounds of birds rather than traffic. The private pool is perfect after a hot and dusty safari. The first swim feels like heaven! They can also book your safari jeeps. Just give them your dates and they will sort it for you. No stressing about websites. Great for first timers. The food is served outside. Warm and comforting. We had a deer alarm call from the forest one night and nobody wanted to go to bed! Out of all the places I have stayed near the national parks in Maharashtra, this one feels the most like home.

Safari Tips

Book in advance. Slots can fill up quickly at weekends and on holidays. Wear dull colours. Olive, browns and khakis will help you blend in. Don’t make the same mistake I did with the red T-shirt! Be quiet. Animals will hear you a long time before you see them. Take binoculars. Half the fun is spotting the birds and deer from afar. Be patient. Some days you will see the Tiger and some days you won’t. The forest is still amazing! These tips apply to all wildlife parks in Maharashtra.

FAQs

How many national parks are there in Maharashtra?

There are 6 national parks in Maharashtra. They are Tadoba, Pench, Sanjay Gandhi, Gugamal, Chandoli and Navegaon.

Which is the best national park in Maharashtra to see Tigers?

Tadoba is the most famous for seeing Tigers. However, if you are looking for a peaceful and quiet safari with great sightings then Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a great option.

Is Tipeshwar a national park?

No, Tipeshwar is a wildlife sanctuary. However, it is still a amazing safari park in Maharashtra if you love Tigers and peaceful forests.

How do I book a safari at Tipeshwar?

You can book through the official forest bookings. Or you can stay at Avani Tiger Resort and they will book your safari jeep.

Plan your Tipeshwar Getaway with Avani

You have now seen the top national parks in Maharashtra. From the urban forest in Mumbai to the tiger country of Vidarbha. Each one has its own magic. However, if you are looking for a peaceful, intimate safari then Tipeshwar is the place for you! Wake up in a luxurious cottage, drive into the forest at sunrise, relax in your private pool and enjoy a meal under the stars. Whether you want to visit all the national parks in Maharashtra or just enjoy a peaceful safari, you can stay at Avani Tiger Resort near Sunna Gate. Call us on 96768 71777 or 98850 12626 or book your stay on avanitigerresorts.com/contact-us.

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Top National Parks in Maharashtra – Ultimate Guide to Safari & Accommodation