The Sagareshwar wildlife Sanctuary is a significant endeavor in conservation in that it is almost entirely a
man made sanctuary, created through a planned afforestation programme, with the unreserved co-operation of the local population of three tehsils namely khanapur,walva and palus tehsil of Sangli
district.
The sanctuary covers a land area of about 10.87 sq.km and is forested with grassy hill slopes. It is home
to roughly 52 species of animals such as Deer, jackals, rabbits, peacocks, wild goats, wild cows, cheetal,
sambar, blackbuck, and barking deer, hyena, fox and porcupine apart from a large number of insects,
birds and reptiles.
The Sagareshwar sanctuary has much religious, cultural and archaeological significance. The sanctuary
derives its name from an ancient famous Shiva temple that attracts a large number of devotees. It
actually consists of one large temple and a complex of 51 small temples, all from the Satvahana period.
You will find the Kamal Bhairao temple, partially hewn from hard Basalt rock perched on the edge of a
steep cliff. The entrance to the temple is through a narrow tunnel.
Sagareshwar is an artificially cultivated forest without a sufficient perennial supply off water and in which
most of the wildlife species are artificially introduced in 1980. This protected area was previously declared
as a forest park and a deer was established within this on an area over 35Ha.This protected area is also unique because it is very easily accessible and in spite of its small size, it
attracts a very large number of visitors. The status of area is progressively upgraded. It was first brought
under the category of park. It becomes Sagaroba game reserve in 1980 and there after, in 1985,it
became Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Flora:-
The forest type is southern dry mixed deciduous and southern thorn forest protection from grazing and
forest fire has resulted in good regeneration of dry deciduous species. Hill slopes are covered with
grassed. Protected area was earlier managed under pasture working circle. Planted species were
Tamarind, Neem, Kashid, Subabul, Gulmohar, Anjan, Nilgiri, Australian acacia, Pangara, Chilar, Sisoo,
Agave, Khair, Shiras, Char, Bahava etc. Density of the forest crop is bellow 0.4Fauna:-
There are no major carnivorous species like tiger and panther in the sanctuary. However small carnivore
like hyena, fox and porcupines are found in the protected area. Sambars, Blackbucl, Wild boar, peacock,cheetal etc. are the major animals found in the sanctuary Quite. A large number of insects, birds and
reptiles are also found in sanctuary.
The best time to visit this wildlife paradise is from the month of August to February. The safaris are
arranged so that tourists can enjoy the animals in their natural habitat.
How To Reach:-
Nearest Airport :- Kolhapur (85kms)
By Rail :- Karad (40kms)
By Road :- Karad (35kms) on pune-Banglore Highway.
