Mumbai might feel like a steel-and-concrete giant, but just beyond its border lies a rich network of wildlife and wilderness waiting to revive your spirit. Here’s a lineup of 12 remarkable wildlife sanctuaries, all worth the drive:
Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Right within city limits, this gem offers leopards, langurs, over 270 bird species, and the ancient Kanheri Caves carved into basalt, making it an unbeatable urban nature escape.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary – Just over an hour away, this compact sanctuary brims with over 220 bird species and features a rewarding trek up Karnala Fort with panoramic views.
Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary – Around 50 km from Mumbai, this lush corridor houses rich biodiversity—600 plant species, 250+ bird species, butterflies and reptiles—perfect for trekking and bird walks.
Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary – Roughly 90 km out, it protects a hilly, dense forest around a water catchment area. Expect leopards, gaurs, hyenas, and four-horned antelopes in this tranquil sanctuary.
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary – About 140 km from Mumbai, it blends coastal woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. Notable residents include Indian giant squirrels, leopards, and critically endangered vultures amid breathtaking ecosystems.
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary – Around 120–220 km away, this Western Ghats hotspot preserves the Malabar giant squirrel, sacred groves, Monsoon treks, and an ancient Shiva temple.
Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary – Situated 400 km from the city, it’s a biodiversity haven with Indian bison, leopards, sambar deer, and rich flora—a haven for wildlife lovers.
Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary – Around 250 km away in the Western Ghats, this sanctuary belongs to a UNESCO Biosphere zone and is home to tigers, leopards, sambar, and Indian bison, most lush after the rains.
Chandoli National Park – About 350–360 km away, this hidden gem boasts over 250 animal species and a variety of birdlife, excellent for peaceful offbeat safaris and nature treks.
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary – At the edge of a 600 km radius, this compact 12 km² sanctuary offers unique plant species like sterculia and kusum, and wildlife such as barking deer, wild boar, and sambhar.
Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary – Approximately 227 km from Mumbai, this lesser-known sanctuary lets you explore local fauna like the Indian gazelle (chinkara) via jeep safaris.
Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary – Inside Mumbai’s reach, this coastal wetland hosts thousands of migratory flamingos and water birds. Ideal for a quiet boat ride and intimate birdwatching.
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