In Maharashtra's Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, the abundant biodiversity and dedication to conservation found in India comes to life. Tucked away in the lush folds of the Western Ghats in Satara district, this sanctuary is the perfect hidden gem. In addition to housing a variety of plants and animals, the sanctuary, created in 1985, covers an area of about 423.55 sq km. Today, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, owing to its ecological and scenic value. So much so, that is also credited as the lush green lung of Maharashtra!
Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is distinguished by its rolling landscape, which ranges in elevation from 600 to 1,100 m. The Koyna, Kandati, and Solashi river catchment basins, which feed into the Shivsagar Reservoir created by the Koyna Dam, are all included in the sanctuary. With an average of 5,500 mm of rainfall each year, the area supports a wide range of ecosystems and luxuriant vegetation.
The sanctuary's diverse topography supports a rich tapestry of plant life. The forests are primarily classified into North Western Ghats montane rainforests above 1,000 m, and moist deciduous forests below this elevation.
Dominant tree species include anjani, jambul, hirda, awala, pisa, ain, kinjal, amba, kumbha, bhoma, chandala, katak, nana, umbra, jambha, gela, and bibba. The understorey is rich with shrubs and medicinal plants such as karvand, agati, ranmiri, tamalpati, toran, dhayati, kadipatta, narkya, and murudsheng. Climbers like shikekai and garambi are also prevalent.
Notably, the sanctuary harbours threatened tree species like dhup (Indian frankincense), longan, and various Elaeocarpus species.
Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is a critical habitat for a variety of wildlife. It forms the northern part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, sharing borders with Chandoli National Park to the south. The sanctuary supports a population of Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, Indian gaurs, sloth bears, sambar deer, barking deer, mouse deer, gray langurs, smooth-coated otters, and Indian giant squirrels.
Reptilian fauna includes large Indian pythons and spectacled cobras. Bird enthusiasts can spot species like the heart-spotted woodpecker, rufous woodpecker, brown-capped pygmy woodpecker, Asian fairy bluebird, Malabar pied hornbill, long-tailed nightjar, and crested goshawk. The sanctuary is also the exclusive habitat of the endemic toad species Bufo koyanansis.
Within the sanctuary lies the historic Vasota Fort, perched at an elevation of 1,120 m. Believed to have been constructed by Malwa king Raja Bhoja in 1170, the fort is accessible via treks through dense forests and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
While Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area, it faces several conservation challenges. The presence of 215 windmills and 10 tourist resorts within its boundaries has led to habitat fragmentation. Additionally, the construction of an earthen dam and the sale of land inside the sanctuary have raised concerns about deforestation and ecological imbalance.
Best Time to Visit: The sanctuary is open year-round, but the period from October to February is ideal for wildlife spotting and birdwatching, owing to pleasant weather conditions.
Activities: Visitors can engage in jungle safaris, nature walks, trekking, and birdwatching. Trekking to Vasota Fort is a popular activity, offering both adventure and historical insights.
Accessibility: The sanctuary is located approximately 181 km from Pune and 265 km from Mumbai. The nearest airport is in Kolhapur, about 65 km away.
Hotels near Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary: Various lodging options are available in nearby towns like Satara and Mahabaleshwar. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) also offers accommodations and guided tours.