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.
Flora
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.
Fauna
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.
Best Time To
Visit
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.
HOW TO GET
THERE
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.
WHERE TO STAY
There is a
Government rest house available for accommodation at the sanctuary.
