Melghat Tiger Reserve
About:
Melghat Tiger Reserve is located on southern offshoot of the Satpura Hill Range in Central India, also called Gavilgarh hills. The high ridge running East-West which has highest point at Vairat (1178 m above MSL) forms the South Western boundary of the Reserve.It is a prime habitat of Tiger. The forest is Tropical Dry Deciduous in nature, dominated by Teak (Tectona grandis). The area is catchment to the five major rivers viz Khandu, Khapra, Sipna, Gadga and Dolar, all of which are tributaries of the river Tapti. The North-Eastern boundary of the Reserve is marked by River Tapti. Melghat is prime biodiversity repository of the Maharashtra State.
Fauna:
Tiger, Leopard, Sloth bear, Wild dog, Jackal, Sambar, Gaur, Barking deer, Nilgai, Cheetal, Chousinga, Ratel, Flying Squirrel, Wild boar, Langur, Rhesus monkey, Porcupine, Pangolin, Mouse deer, Python, Otter, Caracal, Black napped hare.
Transport:
Air: The closest airports are Akola (160 km.) and Nagpur (260 km.), Rail: Badnera is the nearest railhead. Road: Regular buses go via Paratwada to Dharni and Burhanpur.
Weather:
The summers temperatures can cross 400C. In winter, Melghat is cool with temperatures dropping below 150C! Between 1,000 to 2,250 mm. of rain falls during the monsoons. But the quantum received by different valleys varies because some of these fall in rain shadow belts.
Best Time To Visit:
The park is open from October to June but safaris are allowed only from December to June. In summer the tiger sightings are high as the forest cover is thin and visibility becomes good. Winter is better time for travel but sightings are rare. But bird watching can be done.
Accommodation:
There are no options for accommodation in the tiger reserve but state-run guest houses are located about 20 km south of the tiger reserve on State Highway 6. There are many options for accommodation in Chikhaldara.
Nearby Excursions:
Vairat Sunset Point is situated on the Vairat Hill within the Satpura mountain range. Vairat Village is located at a distance of about 10 kms from Chikhaldara and which is considered as the late capital of King Vairat during the Mahabharata area.Semadoh Tiger Project 25 kms long scenic road from Chikhaldara
