Radhanagari – Part 1 Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary

08 Jul, 2018 / In: Maharashtra, Wildlife Destinations / 0 / 8850

Radhanagari (Dajipur) Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Radhanagari Forest comes as a part of Western Ghats. Western Ghats is immensely important with unique bio-physical and ecological processes in India. Radhanagari declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. It’s surrounded by Radhanagari & Kalammawadi Dams.

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Butterfly garden & Sanctuary

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 351.16 SqKm. and out of which 18 Sq.Kms area is open for tourists as mentioned by our guide. Weather in Radhanagari is pleasant through out the year except monsoon. Due to its surroundings and unique topography, it rains heavily i.e. 4000 – 5000mm average yearly. Therefore you can see various types of flora and fauna here. During summer time, Radhanagari can be considered as a best destination for family & friends. Study tours are also arranged here for various possibilities. Temperature during march through may are really comfortable as compared to rest of the Maharashtra.

Before we turn towards the sanctuary, there is one place where you can have your snacks. Right next to this hoarding past the main road, there is a small tea/snacks stall. You won’t find variety of food options here. You can munch on basic maharastrian snacks like Pohe, Upma, Misal & Omlett.

You’ll have to carry your snacks/food prior to entering into the sanctuary. Unlike other national parks in India, there is no facility for canteen inside the sanctuary. This is the last point where you can have your snacks & drinking water.

While buying entry tickets, one can have a look at the Information Centre of Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary. You can find information about flora and fauna found in Radhanagari. You can also find information about various points that you can visit after entering into the sanctuary.

Especially, kids will love this place. There are interesting puzzles and food chain related information explained in easiest manner.

Its the main entry gate called “Thakyaacha Wada”.

This is the main entry gate. There is also a Souvenir Shop with really basic stuff that you can purchase if you want. From this point, our jungle safari starts.

Next to the souvenir shop, a tent stay facility with canteen is available. This tent facility is provided by Forest Department and one can experience the thrill by spending a night into this part of the jungle.

Our guide Rupesh Bombade, took us on a Nature Walk into this really silent jungle. At some places, we thought we made a mistake by opting for a Nature Walk 😀 Its sooo peaceful(feels risky) that you can even hear insects sniffing around small ponds… while walking.

Places like Sambar Kond are so mysterious and with water stream flowing nearby the track, which can be the ideal place to hideout for Leopards or any other carnivores.

Radhanagari is a host of various types of reptiles. Including snakes, lizards, geckos and amphibious like fungoid frogs. 33 species of snakes recorded till now out of which Olive Forest Snake and Pied Bellied Shieldtail snakes are prime species.

There is a watch tower from where you can see the Lakshmi Talao Dam, hence the name. Its amidst the lush green forest and you’ll feel really good at this point. Quite place, birds chirping, gigantic view of sahyadri moutains and cool wind! – what else can you ask for?

As the name says, its a beautiful view of Kokan part of Maharashtra. Spend some time here, drink some water and enjoy the moment!

Radhanagari has a unique habitat for butterflies. More than 135 species of butterflies have been recorded till date. Amongst which Southern Birdwing is the largest butterfly species in India with a wingspan of 190mm. The smallest species is Grass Jewel with wingspan of 15mm.

Migration of Butteflies

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One unique Natural Phenomena can be seen here during October & November month. Thousands of butterflies like Blue Tiger, Glossy Tiger & Striped Tiger can be seen migrating in this particular season.

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