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Nagzira Wildlife sanctuary lies in Tirora Range of Bhandara Forest Division, in Bhandara district of Vidarbha region covering an area of 152.810-sq-km. The sanctuary is enclosed in the arms of the nature and adorned with exquisite landscape. The sanctuary consists of a range of hills with small lakes within its boundary. These lakes not only guarantee a source of water to wildlife throughout the year, but also greatly heighten the beauty of the landscape.
The land vegetation of this sanctuary has diverse type of vegetation ranging from dry mixed forests to moist forest. The forest type is Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests. The numerous lakes in the sanctuary make it important in agricultural point of view. Some of the lakes are Nagzira Lake, Chorkhamara Lake, Bodalkasa Lake, Rengepar Lake, Murpar Lake, Lendezari Lake, Malutola Lake, Thadezari Lake, Balapur Lake, Badbadya Lake, etc. These lakes area also important for the fishing purposes. The flora includes major tree species, small trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses and a few under-shrubs. Major trees are Ain, Dhavda, Bija, Garari, Tinsa, Tendu and Surya. Teak grows sparsely while Bamboos grow plentifully.
The
forests provide ideal conditions of harborage to a variety of birds and
animals. The animals commonly spotted are Tigers, Panthers, Leopards,
Bison's, Sloth Bears, Sambar, Four-Headed Antelope, Blue Bull, Chital,
Barking Deers, Mouse Deers, Civet Cats, Jackals, Jungle Cats, Spotted
Hyena, and Hare. Among the birds that are prominent and commonly seen are
Peafowl, the Grey Jungle Fowl and the Red Spur Fowl.
The habitats of sanctuary include 34 species of mammals, 166 species of
birds, 36 species of reptiles, 4 species of amphibia, and number of
fishes. The invertebrate fauna includes, besides a number of insects and
ant species, 49 species of butterflies.
Nearby attractions include Nawegaon National Park at 50-km; Itiadoh Dam at 65-km; Tibetian camp at Gothangaon at a distance of 60-km; Pratapgad at 70-km; and Dongargad in the state of Madhya Pradesh at 100-km.
The Best Time To Visit to visit is during April - May as the sanctuary remains closed from 16th June to 30th September. The visitors are charged for entry fee, vehicle fee and camera fee. Timings to visit the sanctuary are: 1st October to 31st January: 07.00 am. to 6.00 pm. 1st February to 15th June: 07.00 am. to 7.00 pm.
Air: Nearest airport is Shegaon
Nagpur at 122-km from the sanctuary.
Rail: Nearest railway station is Gondia at 45-km from the
sanctuary.
Road: Nearest bus stand is Sakoli at 22-km on the Nagpur-Calcutta
National Highway.
Rest houses are available for accommodation at the Sanctuary. To name a few Nilay Rest house, Log Hut Rest house, Madhukunj Rest house, Latakunj Rest house, Tents sites, etc.