Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary: Popular Tourist Attraction In Maharashtra

Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary

About:

The Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is a renowned sanctuary in the state of Maharashtra.It is located in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra and lies in the Satmala and Ajantha hill ranges of Sahyadri.

Flora
The Gautala Sanctuary is rich in its natural vegetation. The main type of forest in this sanctuary is dry deciduous forest. The sanctuary provides shelter to innumerous plant species, including a few endangered and threatened species. Many plant species in the sanctuary have medicinal and commercial values. Some of the predominant plant species include Tendua, Bamboo, etc.

Fauna
The Gautala Sanctuary is home to a rich variety of fauna species that include the mammals, reptiles and birds.Some of vital and noteworthy mammal fauna species found in the sanctuary includes Panther, Nilgai (Blue Bull),Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Bear, Wild Dog, Wild Cat, Bison, Chital, Peacock, Monkey, etc. The sanctuary is also quite famous for its rich avifauna that includes both the resident and migratory types of birds. Some of the bird species found in the sanctuary are considered as endangered or threatened and they need to be conserved in a proper way, immediately.

Location info:

Address: Gautala Sanctuary is situated in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra and lies in the Satmala and Ajantha hill ranges of Sahyadri.

District: Aurangabad & Jalgaon

Nearest City: Aurangabad

Best time to visit: October to February

Climate/Weather:

Annual temperatures range from 9 to 40 °C, with the most comfortable time to visit in the winter - October to February. The highest maximum temperature ever recorded was 46 °C (114 °F). The lowest recorded temperature was 2 °C. Most of the rainfall occurs in the monsoon season from June to September. Rainfall varies from 9.0 to 693 mm/month. Average annual rainfall is 725 mm.

Interesting things to do:

The most popular activity is the guided trips inside the sanctuary to "Experience the night life of forest" and to watch the animals, conducted by the local forest department. Regular morning and evening safari rides take tourists into the forest.

Interesting things to Visit:

Not much to find inside the sanctuary, one can see the places around the sanctuary at Aurangabad district. Some places to mention- Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki (water mill), Bhadkal Gate, Gates in aurangabad, Aurangabad Caves, Ellora-Ghrishneshwar Temple, Khuldabad and many more..

Mobile range info:

All major Network coverage present in Aurangabad and around its Highway.

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway junction is Aurangabad.
Sub-Divisional Officer, Aurangabad, Shri. A.M. Shinde, 0240-2324100 .RAILWAY STATION. OFFICE, PHONE NO. Railway Enquiry, 131.

Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport or Chikkalthana Airport
Telephone 91-240-485234
Fax 91-240-485344
E-Mail apd_vaau@aai.aero

Road Transport: Buldana ( 8 kms) and Khamgaon (20 kms.) are the nearest towns.

Gautala sanctuary Contacts & Suggestions
Address: Dy. Conservator of forests(WL)
Aurangabad Division,
Aurangabad 10
"Paripurti"
Gurujan Sahakari Gruh Nirman
Sanstha,
Tilak Nagar
Aurangabad-431 005
Phone No. : 0240-331027 (O), 480965(R)

Nearest Visiting places:

Aurangabad (10kms from Sanctuary) is a must place to visit if you are one among the great history lovers. some to mention are as follows.

Bibi Ka Maqbara: Situated about 3 km. from the city is Bibi Ka Maqbara, the burial place of Aurangzeb's wife,Rabia-ud-Durrani. It is an imitation of the Taj at Agra and due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan. The Maqbara stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal garden with axialponds, fountains, water channels, broad pathways and pavilions. Behind the mausoleum is located a small archaeological museum.

Panchakki (water mill): Is a 17th century water mill situated at a distance of 1 km from the city. An intriguing water mill, the Panchakki is famous for its underground water channel, which traverses more than 8 km. to its source away in the mountains. The channel culminates in a mesmerising 'artificial' waterfall that powers the mill. The beauty of the mosque housed in the inner enclosure is enhanced by a series of 'dancing' water fountains.

Bhadkal Gate built by Malik Ambar in commemoration of his victory against the Mughals.

Gates in aurangabad: One of the things that makes Aurangabad stand out from the several other medieval cities in India are its 52 'gates' each of which have a local history or had individuals linked with them. Not many people are aware of the fact that Aurangabad is also known as the 'City of Gates'.

Aurangabad Caves: Situated at a distance of 5 km, nestled amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves probably dating back to 3 A.D. Of particular interest are the Tantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves. One is also treated to a panoramic view of the city as well as the imposing Maqbara from this point.

Ellora-Ghrishneshwar Temple: Is half a kilometer away from the Ellora Caves, and 30 km. from Aurangabad. The present structure is an 18th century temple that presents outstanding architecture and carving. This place forms one
of the five Jyotirlinga sites in Maharashtra where Lord Shiva is worshipped. The Ahilya Devi Holkar temple nearby is a must-see.

Khuldabad: Is a walled town lying at a distance of 3 km. from Ellora. It is also termed as the Karbala town and forms the holy shrine of Deccan Muslims. It is believed that the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb was buried here. His
simple tomb remains an eloquent testament to the staunch faith and spartan lifestyle of this pious Muslim ruler.

Pitalkhora Caves: Lies peacefully nestled in the Satmala ranges of the Sahyadris, at a distance of 78 kilometres from Aurangabad. There are 13 cave sanctuaries embedded in this region. These monasteries date back from 2nd century BC to 5th century AD. Rich carvings with elaborate details can be seen in these monuments.

Daulatabad fort: Earlier known as Devgiri, is situated at a distance of 13 kilometres from Aurangabad. Also termed as the city of foutune, it houses a stupendous 12th century fortress well placed atop a charming hill. This invincible fortress boasts of a 5 kilometer sturdy wall and an intricate series of ramparts.

Quil-E-Ark: In 1692, Aurangzeb ordered a palace to be built and named it as the Killa Arrak. The space enclosed by the Killa Arrak or citadel covered nearly the whole ground between the Mecca and Delhi gates of the city.

Barra Darri: Salar Jang’s palace and Govind Baksh’s mahal were between the Paithan and the Jafar gate. The Damri Mahal and the Barr Darri of Ivaz Khan are close to the Delhi gate. The Mahal is new occupied by the Collector’s
Office. The Barra Darri and the adjoining buildings were erected by Ivaz, Khan. A covered aqueduct passes over one of the buildings and in the olden days water descended in a shower into an oblong cistern below containing several
fountains. It is now inoperative.

Damri Mahal: The Damri Mahal which is close by was built after the completion of the Barra Darri. It is so named because it was constructed by levying a contribution of a ‘damri’ or the quarter of a dub, on an labourers
employed on Barr Darri.

Jalna (150kms from Sanctuary)- The Godavari flows along the southern boundary of the district from west to east direction. The rivers, Dudhana, Gulati, Purna are the principal tributaries of the Godavari, which flow through the district. The river Purna flows from the central part of the district and meets the Godavari in the neighboring district. The rivers, Khelna and Girja are the important tributaries of river Purna which flow through the district.

Akola (250 kms from Dnyanganga) "Raj Rajeshwar Temple" in Akola is a famous pilgrimage place for worshippers of Lord Shiva and has a great historical heritage. (see attached photo) During the marathi calendar month of 'Shravan', there is a huge rush of devotees to worship Lord Shiva especially on every Monday of the month. The month of Shravan is very sacred according to Hindu Religion and worshippers from long distances travel to Raj Rajeshwar Temple to worship Lord Shiva.

Narsingh Maharaj Mandir at Akot and Baladevi temple at Balapur both in Akola District are also famous religious temples near Akola. Also in Balapur, 'Chatri' memento by Raja Jaisingh in the memory of his Horse is also famous.

The Atishay kshatra Shri Antariksh Parshvanath Jain Temple is situated in Shirpur (Akola District) about 75 km away from Akola. The Black colored idol of Bhagawan Parshvanath is very Ancient and is amongst very famousJain Temples in Maharashtra.
Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj, Shegaon (Buldhana District).

Other Temples in Akola city are:

Birla Mandir (Shri Ram Temple) Shreenath Dutta Mandir, Ramdas Peth, Jain Temple

Shegaon (in Buldhana District), a very famous pilgrimage place of "Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj", is just 45 km away from Akola. Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan is the biggest temple trust in the Vidarbha region and is so called as "Pandharpur of Vidarbha". The origin of Sant Gajanan Maharaj is untraceable in history. People from all over Maharashtra visit Shegaon and offer their prayers to Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj.

Akola is known as a colorful city because of its many festivals. Ganesh Chaturthi, Makar Sankranti, Dashera, Diwali, Holi and Eid are celebrated with special enthusiasm.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

There are numbers of petrol pump surrounding the sanctuary to the highway Jango D Printer Bharat Petroliam Co
Baba Petrol Pump
Guru Nanak Petrol Pump
Printer DN- 09890102030
AP Patel & Co- 09822017621
Khan Qaisu Shah Nawaz- 09822029125
Hind Super Services

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

The MANOR Business Hotel Aurangabad- 0240 2334772
Amarpreet Hotel
VITS HOTEL
Hotel Windsor Castle
Quality Inn The Meadows
Hotel President Park
classic travels- 09890323194
Hotel AS Club- 09822049158
Hotel Welcome Rama International

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:Kranti Chowk Police Station, 2240552

Nearest Hospital:
Prestige Hospital
Kodlikeri Momorail Hospital
Kamalnayan Bajaj Hospital- 09325211654
Tirupati Hospital
Siddhivinayak Children Hospital- 094 22888844

Society/Community Phone Number- 0240-331027 (O), 480965(R)

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Nearest Attraction

Ajanta Caves

AJANTA is world's greatest historical monument recognised by UNESCO far near from Jalgaon city of Maharashtra,Ajanta Cave Temple can be reached easily from anywhere in Maharashtra by means of regular tourist buses or by hiring taxis. The nearest airport is located at Aurangabad that lies at a distance of 99 kms from the temples. The charisma, of these caves, attracts millions of visitors each and every year......more

Bhaja Buddhist Caves

Bhaja Caves, situated in the Aurangabad district, lie at a distance of 60 km from Pune. The caves are said to be as old as the 2nd century, i.e., the early Theravadin phase of Buddhism, when the Mauryans used to rule over India. The eighteen caves at Bhaja are dedicated to Lord Buddha and have been beautifully carved with His images. Some of the images represent Lord Buddha, in symbolic terms also, and some showcase the incidents surrounding His life. The carved images include that of the lotus or elephant, symbolizing his birth.....more

Ellora Caves

The Ellora caves, locally known as ‘Verul Leni’ is located on the Aurangabad-Chalisgaon road at a distance of 30 km north-northwest of Aurangabad, the district headquarters. The Ellora caves is one of the World Heritage Sites in India. The Elora caves are one of the wonders of the time and speak volumes about the excellent craftsmanship of the Ellora artists, sculptors and painters. The structures at Ellora caves are not creation of a particular period but were built over a long period of time from the 6th century AD to 10th century. The structures at Ellora comprise of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples and monasteries......more

Junnar Caves

Junnar caves are situated in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. They lie at a distance of approximately 177 km from the city of Mumbai, on the Mumbai-Aurangabad route. There are three major groups of caves in the hills surrounding Junnar plains, of which the most prominent ones are Tulija Lena and the Ganesh Lena. All of the Junnar caves, situated in India, were founded somewhere between 2nd Century BC and 3rd Century AD......more

Jaikwadi Dam

Jaikwadi dam, also known as Nath Sagar is located near Paithan.It is about 50 km from Aurangabad, built on river Godavari and about 110 km from Ahmednagar. Its area is 1300 km². It supplies water to Aurangabad City and generates power.The power station is at the foot of dam and is generating 12 MW power with reversible type generator.The Jaikwadi Dam supplies water to Aurangabad City and generates ample hydroelectric power......more

Anwa Temple

Anwa Temple is located 10 km away from Golegaon close to Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Presiding deity is Lord Shiva, and the temple dates back to 12th century. The temple has a sanctuary and a mandap (open hall) with decorated pillars. Anwa is a small village on the main road leading from Aurangabad to the Ajanta Caves......more

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara is a beautiful Mughal monument situated just 5 km from Auragabad in the state of Maharashtra. The monument is a cheap imitation of the great Taj Mahal and is the mausoleum for Aurangzeb's first wife Rabia-ud-Durrani. The structure was built in 1679 by Aurangzeb's son Azam Shah in the memory of his mother (Bibi). An archaeological museum located just behind the mausoleum houses a rare collection of artifacts and articles of personal use from the times of the Mughal era......more

Kailash Temple

Kailash Temple is situated near the village of Ellora, 30 km from Aurangabad. The temple is considered as one of the most astonishing buildings in the history of architecture. This is one of the largest 34 excavations at Ellora, which took almost a century. Kailash Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The idol measures 109 feet wide by 164 feet long......more

Daulatabad

The fortress of Daulatabad is surrounded by 5 km of sturdy walls. The central bastion tops a 200m high hill, originally known as Devagiri, the Hill of the Gods. It was named Daulatabad, the City of Fortune, in the 14th century by Mohammed Tughlaq, who conceived the crazy plan of not only building himself a new capital here, but marching the entire population of Delhi 1100 km south to populate it.The fort has been considered as the most powerful, puissant fort that offered robust resistance to the enemies......more

Jaikwadi Wildlife Sanctuary

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