Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is at trifurcation of three
Tehsils namely Khanapur, Walva and Palus Tehsils of Sangli
district covering an area of is 10.87-sq-km in Western Maharashtra.
The significance of this sanctuary is that it is a man made sanctuary.
Sagareshwar is an artificially cultivated forest without perennial supply
off water and in which most of the wildlife species are artificially
introduced.
The status of the area progressively upgraded. It was first brought under
the category of park, then Sagaroba game reserve in 1980 and thereafter,
in 1985, it became Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary when approximately 52
animals were set free in the area.
The land vegetation is southern dry mixed deciduous and
Southern thorn forest. Protection from grazing and forest fire has
resulted in good regeneration of dry deciduous species. Forest department
has planted many trees in this area. Planted species were Tamarind, Neem,
Kashid, Subabool, Gulmolhar, Anjan, Nilgiri, Australian Acacia, Pangara,
Chilar, Sisoo, Agave, Khair, Karnaj, Shiras, Char, Bahava, Dhavada, etc.
Hill slopes are covered with grass.
Major animals found in this sanctuary are Sambar, Blackbucks, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Peacocks, Cheetal, etc. There are no major carnivorous species like tiger and panther in the Sanctuary. However, small carnivores like Hyena, Fox and Porcupines are found in the protected area. Quite a large number of insects, birds and reptiles are also found in the sanctuary.
This Protected Area is very easily accessible and in spite of its small size, it attracts a very large number of visitors. Best time to visit this sanctuary is from August to February.
Rail: To reach this sanctuary railway is the most suitable mode of travel. The nearest railway station is Takari, which is on Kolhapur - Pune broad gauge line. From Takari station the sanctuary is just 3-km away.
There is a Government rest house available for accommodation at the sanctuary.