Chikhaladara Wildlife Sanctury: Popular Tourist Attraction In Maharashtra

Chikhaladara Wildlife Sanctury

About:

Situated in the Gadchiroli district of Maharastra, the Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in India. The beauty of the Western Ghats, the majesty of Maharastra, and the blessings of nature make this place a real treat for the nature lovers. Covering an area of approximately 154 square kilometers, the Chaprala wildlife sanctuary is a majestic place to visit for the nature lovers. The heaven of animals and endangered species, the Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary, is the place to visit to get the glimpse of the nature at its best. Hidden in the majestic Western Ghats, the Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the greatest of all wildlife sanctuaries. It is one of the greatest places where the flora and fauna reach their best of form. Its rich collection of vegetation and wild life is a real asset for any wildlife sanctuary Populated with a variety of animals and vegetation, the Chaprala wildlife sanctuary proves itself to be the real tourist spot for the nature lovers.

Flora
The land vegetation is Southern Tropical Dry deciduous type. Teak is the dominant tree specie. Other major tree species found in this sanctuary are - Ain, Arjun, Behda, Bija Pterocarpus Bhera, Bel, Chichwa, Dhawada, Ghoti, Hiwar Kalam, Mahua, Mowai, Rohan, Salai, Semal Shisham, Sisoo, Shivan, Surya, Sirus, and Tendu.

Fauna
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is a home of variety of wild animals. Out of 23 species of mammals recorded in this area, there are 4 species of mammals, which are of endangered status, namely Tiger, Leopard, Jungle cat, Sloth Bear, and Wild dog. There are 131 species of avifauna recorded in the Protected Area of which as many as three bird species are of endangered status.
There are 2 species of reptiles, which are of endangered status namely Indian Python, and Common Indian Monitar. Others include Black Buck, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Barking Deer, Blue Bull, Common Langoor, Harep, Jackal, Mungoose, Peacock, Jungle Fowl, and Flying Squirrel.

Location info:

Address: This sanctuary is located in Gadchiroli district in the Vidharba region of Maharashtra. Majority of the area is under thick forest that is wood land, with small patches of grass lands distributed over the entire protected area.

District:Gadchiroli district

Nearest City: Chandrapur

Best time to visit: best Time to visit Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is from the month of February to the month of May. The climate during this period remains predictable and comfortable.

Climate/Weather:

The place experience winter condition during the months of December to February while it is summer from March to May. If you go during the months between June to September you will have to face the monsoon. The best time to visit the place is between February and May.

Interesting things to do:

This is an animal lover's paradise. Here you will find tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs and jungle cats. There are also around 131 species of birds in the sanctuary. The forest also has some exotic reptiles as well. Here you will be able to see Indian Python.
Main Attraction: The Home Of Giant Indian Squirrels.

Interesting things to Visit:

Prashand Dham at Chaprala, Chaprala Temple, and Markanda Temple are the near by attractions from the sanctuary

Mobile range info:

All major Network coverage present in Gadchiroli district and around its Highway.

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is the Ballarpur Railway Junction, , 70-km on Delhi Madras main line.

Phone Number: Enquiry: +07172-139

Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Bhamragarh wildlife sanctuary is the Sonegaon Nagpur airport which is at a distance of only 370 kilometers.

Airports Authority of India Nagpur Airport Nagpur - 440 005. Phone: 91-712-2288001. Fax: 91-712-2288007

Road Transport: Nearest bus station is Chandrapur, at 85-km. (07132)-232950

Contacts & Suggestions
Dy.Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Allapalli, at Mul Road,
Ranger College Campus, Chandrapur-442401
07172-55980(O), 53807(R)

Nearest Visiting places:

Chandrapur district- The city of Chandrapur has ancient temples of Ankleshwar (Lord Shiva) and Mahakali (Goddess Mahakali).Tadoba National Park near Chandrapur is one of India`s 28 Project tiger reserves and one of the famous tourist spots. Other tourist places are Ramala Tank, Junona Tank at Chandrapur, Ghodazari Project, Satbahini Tapovan At Naghbir, Adyal Tekari at Bramhpuri, Ramdegi at Chimur. The languages spoken are Marathi, Hindi, Gondi and Kolam.Gondia(200 kms from the sanctuary) is also known as Rice city, as it is a rice producing district and has about 250 rice mills near the vicinity of city.

Bahndra, also called as the `District of Lakes' is also an important tourist center nearly 156 kms from the wildlife sanctuary.The important places of attraction in Bhandara are: Ambagar Fort Andhalgaon, Adyar, Bondgaon, Brahmi, Bawanthadi, Chaundeshwar, Chichgad, Dighori, Gosikhurd Project,Gaimukh,Gondumri,Koka,Korambhi Devi,Pawni Killa,Pandey Mahal,Rawanwadi,Sangadi Killa,Shivani Bandh,Sindhpuri Bodh Vihar.

Prashand Dham at Chaprala,Chaprala Temple, and Markanda Temple are the near by attractions from the sanctuary.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

There are numbers of petrol pump surrounding the sanctuary to the highway to Gadchiroli district.
Moreshwar Petrol Pump, Navegaon
07132-222955

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

The forest lodges and the guest houses are the best places for accommodation for the visitors to put up and to experience the night life of forest, which is full of thrill and excitement. Else one can also opt for the magnificent and affordable hotels in Chaprala. There is a Rest house at Chaprala with 2 suits and permission is required from R.F.O. Choudampalli.

Else, there are lot of options in terms of lodging present to the nearest district to the Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary. Some are listed below.

Hotel Kundan Plaza - Chandrapur (3 star hotel)
Location
Nagpur Road, Chandrapur, 442 401
Distance
Railway (Ballarshah Junction) - 4 Km.
Airport (Nagpur Airport) - 150 Km.
Bus Terminus (Chandrapur Bus Stand) - 3 Km.

Hotel Sushilka - Chandrapur
Location
Patel Plaza Plot No. 40 Patel Nager Near Bus Stand Civil Line , Chandrapur, 442401
Distance
Railway (Chandrapur Railway Station) - 1 Km.
Airport (Nagpur Airport) - 180 Km.
Bus Terminus (Chandrapur Bus Stand ) - Less than 1 Km.

Hotel Ganpati International - Chandrapur Govt approved hotel
Location
Good Shade Road Near Jatpura Gate, Chandrapur, 442401
Distance
Railway (Chandrapur Railway Station) - Less than 1 Km.
Airport (Nagpur Airport) - 150 Km.
Bus Terminus (Chandrapur Bus Stand) - Less than 1 Km.

Hotel Mayur - Chandrapur Govt approved hotel
Location
Mayur Complex On Mul Road , Chandrapur, 442201
Distance
Railway (Chandrapur Railway Station) - 1 Km.
Airport (Chandrapur Airport) - 5 Km.
Bus Terminus (Chandrapur Bus Stand) - Less than 1 Km.

Things to carry:

Carrying a tour guide book will work wonder. It will help you gaining heaps of information about the region, which will definitely add delight to your touring experience.
Equip yourself with all necessary amenities like trekking kit, cameras and binoculars.
Always put a personal first-aid-box in your bag.
And plenty of water.

Tips & Suggestions:

Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the sanctuary surroundings.

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station: (07132)-100

Nearest Hospital:- (07132)233340
Gondia Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. Address. : Ganj Bazar , Gondia - 441601

Society/Community Phone Number- 07172-55980(O), 53807(R)

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