Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the southernmost part of the state of Maharashtra in India, Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is often described as a Green Oasis among the arid land on which it sprawls. Even though locked in the arms of nature, the Sanctuary is adorned with picture-postcard landscape, luxuriant vegetation and varied wildlife specimens. All of this is grouped together to form a living outdoor museum which is a feast for the eyes. Just spend a weekend here. You are sure to love your experience of the great outdoors. The hilly terrain and the greenery will please your eyes. Not only can you see a variety of wildlife, but you are sure to go back to your city way of life feeling completely recharged. That is a huge accomplishment.
Covering an area of 148.63 square kilometers, the sanctuary is home to numerous aromatic, medicinal and commercial plants. The list of mammals as obtained from the last census tells us that the forest is full of animals, and is in good health. So what can you see? You can expect to find here tigers, panthers, jackal, hyena, peacock, bear, chital, sambar, sloth bear, wild boar, wild dog, nilgai and bhedaki. Apart from this, there are of course many species of birds, insects and butterflies that call this forest home. The Sanctuary is also home to a large group of reptiles that include the Indian Cobra, Rock Python, Russel’s Viper, Checkered keel back and a few other viperine snakes. There are some non-poisonous types too, like the common Monitor Lizard.
You will find many villages located within the forest. You could visit a few of them too and see how the people in these villages depend on the forest to make a living.
How to reach: It is quite far from Mumbai and Pune. So don’t take the bus. Driving can be difficult as well because of the distance. It is best to travel by train and get down at the Adilabad railway station. There are many hotels and resorts that will send a car to pick you up at the station. If your hotel is not doing so, then you must hire a taxi.
No accommodation is available within the sanctuary except for the forest rest houses. You will however find a few resorts in Tipeshwar and hotels in Tipeshwar outside the sanctuary.
