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Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in Chikhaldara and Dharni
tehsils of Amaravati district in Satpura hill range. This tiger reserve of
1676.93-sq-km is one of the last remaining habitats of Indian tiger in
Maharashtra.
The Melghat Tiger Reserve was constituted in 1974 and the Directorate of
Project Tiger, Melghat started functioning from 22nd Feb 1974. In view of
the ecological, floral and faunal significance of the region, on 5th Sep
1975, the Melghat Tiger Reserve was designated a sanctuary. The best time
to visit the sanctuary is between October to June.
It is here amidst the Teak and Bamboo groves that, the protected tiger
roams. The number of tigers has steadily increased, thanks to concentrated
conservation efforts.
The
forest in rugged and hilly area of Melghat is typical Southern dry
deciduous forest. There are 750 species of plants in the area. There are
90 tree species, 66 shrub species, 316 herb species, 56 climbers, 23 sedge
species and 99 grass species. Approximately 50-75 more species have been
identified and several more are expected to identify in the future at the
Melghat Tiger Preserve.
Tectona grandis, Ain, Tiwas, Aola, Lendia, Dhawada, Kusum are the
important tree species. Bamboo and Teak is widely spread in the forests.
The area is rich in medicinal plants.
There are 260 species of birds in the published checklist of the Melghat Preserve.
The area is rich in wild mammals including Tiger, Panther,
Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Jackal, Hyena, Chausinga, Sambar (largest Deer on
earth) Gaur, Barking Deer, Ratel, Flying squirrel, Cheetal (type of Deer),
Nilgai, Wild Boar, Langur, Rhesus Monkey, and Macaque. Also found here are
25 types of fishes and many varieties of butterflies.
Tourists can study Korku tribal culture and enjoy trekking,
bird watching, meditation and all glimpses of Nature and Wildlife. MTDC's
Melghat jungle safari gives one the chance to experience these jungle
joys, while on a trek. The other equally adventurous options are a drive
through the thick of the forest, or a camp under a canopy of trees during
a night halt.
Another exciting endeavor is MTDC's Vidarbha Jungle Safari, which covers
Navegaon, Nagzira, and Ramtek. Melghat should be on the must see list of
any nature lover and the adventurer.
Air: The nearest airport is at
Nagpur, 225-km away from the park.
Rail: The nearest railway stations are at Badnera /
Amravati, 110-km away from the park.
Road: The Tiger Reserve is approachable by State highway from
Paratwada to Dharni. Semadoh village has Nature Interpretation facility.
Tourists can reach at Semadoh from Badnera / Amaravati (100-110-km) within
3 hours drive by road.
Tourist huts in Semadoh or at the Forest rest houses in Dhakna, Dhargad, Chaurakund, Ranguveli, Chunkhadi, Kolkaz, Jarida, Makhalara, Hatru and Raipur. For aforesaid accommodation the reservation can be made at the Deputy Conservator of Forests, at Paratwada, Amaravati.
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