Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

Travel in Kolhapur

The Radhanagari wildlife sanctuary is situated in the catchment areas of 'Rajarshi Shahu Sagar' and 'Laxmi Sagar' reservoirs in Kolhapur district, this sanctuary was constituted in the year 1958 and is the first wildlife sanctuary of Maharashtra.

The rivers that flow across the sanctuary are; Bhogavati, Kallamma, Dudhganga, Dirba and Tulshi, which then join the Krishna river which is a major river of the Deccan Peninsula. The 'Randhanagari Dam' is a famous tourist spot here.

Radhanagari wildlife sanctuary well known for being a  'Bison Sanctuary' , this sanctuary is home to the 'Indian Bison' or 'Gaur' which is found here in abundance, the sanctuary covers an area of about 351.16 square kilometers and it's terrain is undulating with steep ridges.

The Radhanagari wildlife sanctuary is one of the main attractions for tourist and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Kolhapur, and because it is blessed with a rich and diverse flora and fauna, thick dense forests and rocky mountains, this sanctuary is a perfect place to watch wild animals and exotic birds move around in their natural habitat. 

Travel in Kolhapur

Flora : The kind of forests the sanctuary is the 'Southern semi evergreen forest', 'Southern moist mixed deciduous forest' and 'Southern evergreen forest'. The main flora found here are Ain, Anjani, Amba, Awala, Bhoma, Bibba, Chandala, Gela, Hirda, Jambul, Jambha,  Kinjal, Kumbha, Katak, Nana, Pisa, Umbar etc. Karvi is found almost all over the sanctuary.Climbers like Garambi, Shikekai are most commonly found here.Medicinal plants and shrub species like Dhayati, Kadipatta, Karvand, Murudsheng, Narkya, Ranmiri, Tamalpati, Toran, Vagati are found in abundance.Bamboo is also found in small quantities in certain areas, while ephemerals, bulbs of seasonal plants are found in abundance.

Fauna : Tourists can spot the ‘Bison’ or ‘Wild Oxen’ in a large herd grazing in the jungles; it is a real treat to watch these animals in their natural habitat. Other animals you will see in the sanctuary are Leopard, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Sloth bear, Mouse Deer, Sambar, Giant Squirrel, Wild Dogs, among some of the major animals found in the protected area of the sanctuary.Furthermore, there is a large variety of reptiles, amphibians and bird species such as Bee-eater, Bulbul, Doves, Eagles, Flycatchers, Hornbills, Jungle Fowl, Kingfishers, Night jars, Owlets, Owls, Plovers, Quails, Sand Pipers, Sunbirds, Vultures, Woodpeckers,
Warblers and Wagtails.

Travel in KolhapurTip for tourist visiting Radhanagari wildlife sanctuary : If you travelling by your own vehicle, make sure you travel in an SUV with a high ground clearance, and to catch a good glimpse of the wild animals the ideal time to visit the sanctuary is in the early hours of the morning.

Best time to visit :
August to February.

Main wildlife attraction of Radhanagari wildlife sanctuary: The sanctuary is famous for Bison, spotted deers, sambhar deers, leopards.

How to reach Radhanagari wildlife sanctuary :
By Rail: There is railway station at Kolhapur, which is about  55 km away from the sanctuary.
By Road: Radhanagari is 55-km from Kolhapur on Kolhapur - Deogarh state highway. Regular bus services are also available.

Where to stay (Accommodation) :
Government rest houses, dak bungalow and a dormitory which is managed by the Deputy Conservator of Forests - Wildlife, Bindu chowk, Ganji Galli, Kolhapur - 416002.
Phone: (0231) - 2542766.
Also MTDC Rest houses and Guest hotels provide good accommodation, there is also a provision of seasonal tents.

Nearby attractions :
  • Radhanagri Dam, Tulshi Dam and Shahu Sagar Dam.
  • Rautwadi Fall.
  • Phonda Ghat.
  • Gagangiri Maharaj Math.

Medical facilities : Incase of medical emergencies the nearest hospitals are

Government Hospital,
Radhanagari,
Maharashtra - 416212.

Civil Hospital,
Gramin Rungnalay Road,
Gargoti,
Maharashtra - 416209.

Emergency contact:
The nearest police station is the Murgud police station.
Murgud police station,
Bazaar Road,
Murgud,
Maharashtra - 416219.
Phone : (02325) - 265199 / (02325) - 264333.

Tourist Information :
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wildlife,
Bindu chowk, Ganji Galli,
Kolhapur - 416002.
Maharashtra, India.
Phone : (0231) - 2542766.

Other things to carry : Carry your own food and plenty of water, hat and sunglasses, first-aid box.
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