Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in the year 1985, as a part of Project Tiger which was initiated to protect the precious specious of tigers in India. The park was declared as the Northern part of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in the year 2010.
Koyna River flows in north-south direction instead of the east-west course followed by other rivers.
Koyna dam is the largest project of hydroelectricity in the state of Maharashtra. A lake reservoir
that goes by the name of Shivaji Sagar is at least 50 kilometers in length. The reservoir is
considered one of the largest projects of civil engineering that were started after independence.
Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in a region with tropical monsoon climate, receiving
heavy rains during monsoons. It is common for thunderstorms to occur during rainy weather.
The insect population thrives during this time of the year along with the flora, which gets
a chance to rejuvenate each monsoon. Summers continue from the month of March till the month
of June. During May, the temperatures rise drastically, making the climate hot and dry. Most
animals are seen near water bodies during this time of the year. Winters are cool with the
lowest temperatures seen during the months of December and January.
Ideally the monsoon months between June and August are ideal for tourists to venture into the
forests as the temperature is average and climatic conditions are stable. Heavy showers may be
experienced durin these months but the observable density of the forest makes it worthwhile.
October is the most stable time of the year as the weather is most predictable and pleasant
to take trips during. November till March see the most amount of tourism in the year and are
not ideal if one prefers to experience nature in exclusivity. The Sanctuary is open between
7:00am to 6:00pm for visitors.
Pune – 181 km
Mumbai – 265 km
By Air
Airport connectivity to the park is good with the nearest airport located in Kolhapur
at a range of 65 kilometers with connectivity to all major cities. Other options are Pune,
which is 181 kilometers from the Sanctuary and Mumbai, which is 250 kilometers away by road.
Mumbai airport has connectivity with all major countries around the world.
By Train
The nearest railway station to the Sanctuary is located at Kolhapur, from where Taxi or
bus can be availed till the park. There are train stations around small towns all around
the area as well.
By Road
The Sanctuary is well connected by road and has the Kolhapur-Deogarh Highway
passing through it.
There is a wide variety of wild animals to explore inside the vicinity of the sanctuary.
Some of the astounding examples of the Sanctuary’s flourishing Fauna are enlisted below.
Mammals
Indian leopards, Bengal tigers, Indian bison, Sambar deer, sloth bears, mouse deer,
barking deer, common Gray langurs, Indian Giant Squirrels and Smooth-coated otters.
Birds
Rufous woodpecker, Heart-spotted woodpecker, Brown-capped pygmy woodpecker,
Long-tailed nightjar, Crested goshawk and Asian fairy bluebird.
Reptiles
King cobras, Indian pythons, Bufo koyanansi and frog.