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The sanctuary area spreads from Kalasubai to Harischandragad in Akole Tehsil of Ahmadnagar district. The area is part of Sahyadri hill ranges. The Kalsubai sanctuary is challenge to trekkers as it is most rugged, hilly area and difficult to get accessibility. Kalasubai is the highest (1646 m) peak of Western Ghats in the Maharashtra State. It is also a paradise for nature lovers.
The vegetation type is southern moist mixed deciduous. The part of
Sahyadri that is close to West Coast is semi evergreen forest and semi
deciduous shrub savanna. The main tree species that are seen in this area
are Hirda, Jambhul, Chandawa, Bahava, Kumbhal, Gulchavi, Kudal, Siras,
Kharvel, Karap, Avali, Aashind, Lokhandi, Beheda and acharacter worth
noticing.
Species that are undergrowth are Mandar, Kadipatta, Ghaneri, Chilhar,
Parjambhual, Karvi, Karwand, Ber, Dhaiti, and Rametha. There are large
patches of grasslands mostly of Marvel, Dongari, Pawanya, Ber, Surad,
Harali etc. You can also see Bamboo in this region but rarely.
Tourists can find wide variety of mammals, reptiles and
birds. The mammals found here are Leopard, Jungle cat, Palm civet,
Mongoose, Hyena, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Sambar, Hare,
and Bats etc. The most attractive animals are Indian Giant Squirrel and
Porcupine.
The
reptiles found in this sanctuary are Monitor Lizard, Fan-Throated Lizard,
Turtles and many species of snakes. Among the birds are the common hill
and grass land birds. One can also spot water birds such as White Necked
Storks, Black Ibis, Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Water hen's, etc
The hilly terrain of sanctuary has many peaks, forts and
temples such as Kalasubai, Harischanragad, Ratangad, Ajoba, Kulanggad,
Alang, Madangad, Bahiroba, etc. Because of these peaks it is considered as
Trekker's paradise.
Bhandardara dam is constructed across Pravara River in 1926 and is one of
the oldest dams and is famous for its Umbrella fall. The architecture of
Shiva temple at Amriteshwar is worth seeing. Randha fall cascading 45m
down in Pravara riverbed is the splendid spot.
Air: Nearest Airports from the sanctuary are
situated in Pune &
Mumbai .
Rail:
Nearest Railway Station is Ghoti on Mumbai - Bhusaval rail line and
is on the Mumbai Agra National Highway No - 3.
Road: The nearest bus station is situated at Bhandardara
There are numerous accommodations are available in the nearby towns/cities of the sanctuary. The options vary from irrigation bungalows, MTDC resorts and private hotels.