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Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

wildlife park · Maharashtra

State
Maharashtra
Type
Wildlife Park

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Western Ghats of Kolhapur district in Maharashtra, is one of the region's oldest protected areas and is known for its population of the Indian gaur (bison). Part of a UNESCO-listed Western Ghats site, its dense forests, plateaus and the Radhanagari Dam support gaur, leopards, sloth bears and rich birdlife.

When to go

October to March is comfortable, the post-monsoon weeks are the greenest, and the monsoon itself is the best of it if you do not mind being wet.

Why visit

Maharashtra's first sanctuary, and this is gaur country — heavy, black, and far easier to find than any cat. Best just after the monsoon, when the water is high and the animals come down to the dam.

Cultural notes

Radhanagari is often described as one of the first wildlife sanctuaries established in the region and lies within the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) World Heritage landscape.

How to reach

By Road: Radhanagari is about 55 km from Kolhapur. By Air and Train: Kolhapur has an airport and railway station; Pune and Belagavi are larger gateways.

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary guide & itineraries

Shopping

Kolhapur nearby is famous for Kolhapuri chappals (leather footwear), jaggery and spicy cuisine.

Frequently asked questions

What is Radhanagari known for?
Its population of Indian gaur (bison) in a pristine Western Ghats setting, along with leopards, sloth bears and rich birdlife.
Where do I go for gaur sightings?
The Dajipur zone of the sanctuary is the usual base, best visited early morning or evening; it is about 55 km from Kolhapur.

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