Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary

Dajipur Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats of the Maharashtra. Located amongst the richest mega biodiversity areas, apart from Arunachal Pradesh, Western Ghats is one of the suggested areas by world Heritage Organization.

The original Dajipur sanctuary, a small belt of 20 kilometers was a hunting reserve for Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaja of Kolhapur. In 1958, it has converted into Dajipur sanctuary for Bison (Gaur – a kind of buffalo). Later in 1985, the huge forest of the backwaters of Kalammawadi Dam and Radhanagari Dam also submerged as the part of the sanctuary. Today, it sprawls over the area of 350 sq. km.

The evergreen tropical forest of Dajipur has a profusion of thick foliage and sprawling trees and abounds in medicinal herbs, more than 800 varieties of plants, trees and shrubs has seen here. The water is extremely cool as the place 1200 meters above sea level. Heavy monsoon showers account for a thick forests and ever-flowing springs and brooks. Amongst the antelopes, one can find cheetals, sanbhars, marking deer, mouse deer’s, from the reptiles, cobras, vipers, Rattlesnakes have seen along with unlimited variety of birds. Dajipur sanctuary offers a visual feast for animals and bird watchers. An excursion in the vicinity to the Gagangiri Maharaj’s Math (Monastery) makes for a pleasant outing. There is a scenic resort near the backwater of Radhanagari Damwhich is highly recommended for wildlife lovers.