Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary (the dense dry deciduous teak forest reserve and vital tiger corridor in Gondia and Bhandara districts) east of Nagpur (celebrated globally across Central Indian wildlife conservation and tiger habitats as the core of the Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve), world famous for its perennial Nagzira Lake, high densities of leopards, gaurs, and open 4x4 Gypsy jungle safaris), located in Nagpur in Maharashtra, stands as Maharashtra's premier bio diversity haven.

Named after the sacred serpentine perennial stream (Nag Zira) that flows through the heart of the forest, this 152 square-kilometer sanctuary forms a crucial ecological bridge connecting Pench, Kanha, and Tadoba Tiger Reserves.

It's the home of the powerful Royal Bengal Tiger prowling through golden bamboo brakes, the elusive Indian Leopard resting on granite boulder kopjes, herds of massive Gaur (Indian Bison) grazing by Nagzira Lake, the alarm calls of Spotted Deer echoing through the teak canopy, and an intensely peaceful, deeply captivating jungle ambiance filled with the crisp morning forest air, the scent of crushed teak leaves, and over 160 species of resident and migratory woodland birds.

It represents a rich Maharashtra wildlife conservation heritage apex, Central Indian tiger ecology, and wilderness safari tourism where open jeep tracks, perennial forest lakes, wildlife watchtowers, and Nagpur safari circuits unite in Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.

Located 120 km east of Nagpur city center, it sits 125 km from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (NAG), 122 km from Nagpur Junction Railway Station (NGP), 40 km from Gondia Railway Station, and 50 km from Bhandara, easily reached by private taxi, rental car, or state transport bus via NH 53.

The Royal Bengal Tiger & Central Nagzira Lake

At the geographic center of the reserve lies Nagzira Lake, a natural waterbody where wild animals gather during morning and dusk hours to drink, offering photographers exceptional wildlife sighting opportunities from lakeside forest rest houses.

The sanctuary supports thriving populations of apex predators including tigers, leopards, dholes (Asiatic wild dogs), sloth bears, striped hyenas, and four horned antelopes (chausingha).

Truth is, hearing a sambar deer's piercing alarm call reverberate across the mist shrouded teak forest while your Gypsy engine idles on a jungle track will make your pulse race with pure excitement.

4x4 Gypsy Safaris & Birdwatching Paradise

Open 4x4 Gypsy Safaris: Forest department authorized safari jeeps operate daily through designated tourism zones via Pitezari, Chorphardi, and Mangezari entry gates with experienced naturalist guides.

Avian Diversity: Home to over 166 bird species including the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Crested Serpent Eagle, Paradise Flycatcher, and various migratory waterfowl wintering on the lake.

Nagzira Safari & Nagpur Vidarbha Day Plan

The Grand Vidarbha Wildlife Circuit: Early morning departure from Nagpur along NH 53 toward Pitezari Gate (5:00 AM to 7:00 AM) -> Morning open 4x4 Gypsy jungle safari inside Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary (7:15 AM to 10:30 AM: track Royal Bengal tigers, observe gaurs & birdwatch around Nagzira Lake) -> lunch and rest at forest eco lodge near Pitezari -> afternoon jungle safari tracking leopards and sloth bears (2:30 PM to 5:45 PM) -> return drive to Nagpur city (6:00 PM to 8:30 PM) -> evening stroll and dining at Futala Lake waterfront in Nagpur.

Safari Booking & Guidelines: Safari permits must be booked in advance via the Maharashtra Forest Department portal (mahaecotourism); carry valid government photo IDs; wear earth toned clothing (olive, khaki, brown); strictly avoid littering or playing loud music.

After exploring the wild trails of Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, visit Deekshabhoomi, explore Futala Lake, or tour Pench Tiger Reserve.