About Gautala

Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is a reserved forest and protected area in Maharashtra state. Also known as Gautala Abhayaranya, the sanctuary came into existence in 1986 when Government of Maharashtra declared sanctuary on existing reserved forest area. It is 72 km away from the Aurangabad city. It is situated in the Ajanta and Satmala hill ranges of Western Ghats in the proximity of Aurangabad and Chalisgaon. The name Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is derived from the adjacent village of Gautala. The Gautala village is named after Gautama Rishi, one of the Maharishis of Vedic times. A small cave which is said to be his abode exists still today.

Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary associated with prehistoric and early historic religious practices. Patna Devi, an ancient temple dedicated to Parvati, attracts thousands of devotees especially during Navratra and Chaitra festivals. The temple is now under the protection of the Archeological Survey of India. The forest rest house at Patna Devi offers dormitory facilities for students. Gautala sanctuary also has a Buddhist cave temples. Hidden in the bowels of the Satmala ranges, the cave temples, popularly known as Pitalkhora, are the oldest examples of rock-cut caves in western India. The Pitalkhora or 'Brazen Glen' is located Bharmarwadi village in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state. Nearly 40 km west of Ellora caves, it is a remarkable series of caves stands amidst a secluded gorge of spectacular natural beauty. Since the caves are located high up on the hill,, one have to climb steep steps to access these 14 Buddhist excavations, mostly monasteries. The stream is usually full of water during monsoon.

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Leartigiano Art Store

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Climatic Conditions

Summers in Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary bring heavy daylight and hot temperatures ranging between 37 degrees and 21 degrees Celsius. Summers in the region usually last between the months of March and May. Between November and February, temperatures fall to a minimum of 10 degree Celsius. The winters are pleasant and have predictable weather conditions. Monsoons see extensive rains and usually last between the months of June and September. The plants get a chance to rejuvenate and repopulate during this period the most.



Best Time To Visit

The months between January and March are the most ideal time to visit the Sanctuary. The climate is moderate and winter is at its peak. Longer excursions are possible during this time and the journey is easier to make.



Distance from Nearby and Major Cities

Pune – 260 km
Mumbai – 293 km



Transport

By Air Nearest airport to the reserve is in Nagpur, around 200 kilometers from the park. A taxi or bus can be hailed from there till Chandrapur or directly till Chimur, which is 140 kilometers to Nagpur. By Train Chandpur harbors the nearest railway station to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve at a distance of 45 kilometers. The easiest way to get to the reserve is by rail as it connects to most nearby cities and has an a daily inflow of passenger trains. By Road The park gates can be accessed by roads through all directions. Inside the park premises park vehicles can be made available along with a forest tour guide officiated by the Department of Forest.

Visiters Attration

Mammals
Sloth bears, Chinkara, Bats, Wild boar, Wanderoo, Jungle cat, Leopard cat, Monkey, Barking deer, Civet cat, Jackal, Fox, Langoor, Hare,Leopard, Nilgai, Grey Langur, Bats, Wolf, Dhole, etc.

Reptiles
Cobra, Krait, Keel backviper, Python, Rat snake, Monitor Lizzard

Birds
Quail, Patridges, Jugle fowl, etc.