Most people know Nagpur as a city of oranges or a central travel hub, but it’s also surrounded by some of the most amazing wildlife destinations in the country. Just a short drive away, you’ll find dense forests, peaceful lakes, and exciting safari zones. Whether you’re a wildlife lover or a family looking for a weekend adventure, the sanctuaries around Nagpur have something for everyone. Bookmark these wildlife sanctuaries around Nagpur that are perfect for your next wild escape.
Best Wildlife Sanctuaries Around India
1. Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary (119.2 km)
With lush forests, beautiful lakes, and a huge variety of animals and birds, this sanctuary is often called a “living outdoor museum.” This beautiful forest is home to an incredible variety of animals, birds, and even amphibians. Imagine spotting a Bengal tiger or an Indian leopard in the jungle trails. What makes Nagzira even more special is its role in conservation under Project Tiger and its peaceful atmosphere, making it feel like a real retreat into the wild.
Where: 6XXP+7J8, Maharashtra
2. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (106.4 km)
If you’ve ever wanted to see tigers in the wild, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve should be at the top of your list. Located just 150 km from Nagpur in the Chandrapur district, Tadoba is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park. And yes, Tadoba is famous for its large tiger population, with over 90 tigers roaming freely in the wild. Here, you’ll also find leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, wild dogs (dholes), sambar, deer, crocodiles, and a whole orchestra of birds singing from the treetops. The park is split into different ranges like Tadoba North, Kolsa South, and Mohurli, each offering different landscapes and experiences. Tadoba offers a full-blown jungle adventure.
Where: Maharashtra
3. Pench National Park (85.0 km)
Spread across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, it’s only a few hours from Nagpur and offers one of the most magical wildlife experiences in India. The forest here is dense, filled with teak and bamboo. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, jackals, wolves, wild boars, hyenas, and sloth bears. You’ll also find herds of deer, nilgai, and even the four-horned antelope. Birdwatchers will love it here too, as over 325 bird species visit the park across the seasons. And the best part? You can enter the park from either the Maharashtra side or the Madhya Pradesh side, making it flexible for travellers.
Where: Turia ,Tehsil :Kurai, near Turia gate, Madhya Pradesh
4. Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (101.1 km)
Just about an hour’s drive from Nagpur lies Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, a lesser-known but equally exciting destination for wildlife lovers. The sanctuary shares forest corridors with Tadoba, allowing animals to move freely between them. Because of this, it has become a safe breeding ground for tigers, and sightings are on the rise. The forest is also home to sloth bears, pangolins, and flying squirrels, animals not commonly seen in other sanctuaries. For bird enthusiasts, over 90 species have been recorded here, including rare and migratory birds.
Where: RHHV+F86, Khaksi, Maharashtra
Also Read: 7 Unique Things To Do In Patna For First Timers
5. Bor Wildlife Sanctuary (74.3 km)
Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Hingani in Wardha district, is a calm and scenic place perfect for a short nature getaway. It became a tiger reserve in 2014 and is part of a larger network of forests connected to other tiger reserves like Pench and Tadoba. Spread over 138 sq. km, the sanctuary has lush forests, small hills, and the beautiful Bor Dam right in the middle. Here, you’ll find animals like Bengal tigers, leopards, deer, wild boars, and sloth bears. Bird lovers will also enjoy spotting many species near the water bodies. If you’re looking to escape the city and be surrounded by greenery, Bor is a peaceful and less crowded option.
Where: XMH8+J8W, S H 255,Hingni – to, Manoli, Maharashtra
6. Navegaon National Park (145.4 km)
Navegaon Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Gondia district and is famous for its big lake, green forests, and rich bird life. It covers about 134 sq. km and is perfect for wildlife lovers, birdwatchers, and families looking for a nature outing. The beautiful Navegaon Lake in the middle of the forest attracts many birds, especially during the winter when migratory birds like storks and ducks fly in. Apart from birds, you might spot tigers, panthers, deer, civets, and wild boars.
Where: X5G8+63F, Nishani, Maharashtra
7. Koka Wildlife Sanctuary (86.4 km)
Koka Wildlife Sanctuary, located just 60 km from Nagpur in Bhandara district, is a smaller but very natural and peaceful forest area. Declared a sanctuary only in 2013, Koka is still raw and untouched, making it a perfect offbeat destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It has tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, and lots of deer. Birds also visit the lake inside the sanctuary during winter. The safari route is about 44 km long and takes 3–4 hours. If you want a more personal and natural wildlife experience, Koka is a hidden gem worth visiting.
Where: Koka, Maharashtra
8. Kanha National Park (253.7 km)
Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is one of the most famous wildlife spots in India and it’s just a few hours from Nagpur. The park is huge, covering over 1,900 sq. km, and is known for its lush forests, grassy meadows, and clean rivers. Here, you can see tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and barasingha (swamp deer). Over 300 kinds of birds also live here. Don’t miss Bamni Dadar, the Sunset Point, for stunning views. If you love animals, birds, and forests, Kanha is a magical place.
Where: Madhya Pradesh
Whether you’re in the mood to chase tiger trails or simply soak in natural beauty, the wildlife sanctuaries around Nagpur offer something for every explorer.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/RealityImages
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