Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary — the Green Oasis of Vidarbha.

Visitors frequently ask whether Nagzira is a sanctuary or a tiger reserve. Both are correct. Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is one of five protected areas amalgamated into Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve when it was notified as India's 46th tiger reserve on 12 December 2013.

• Nawegaon National Park
• Nawegaon Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
• New Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
• Koka Wildlife Sanctuary

Strategically, NNTR sits at the heart of the central Indian tiger landscape — a region that contributes roughly one-sixth of India's entire tiger population. Almost every major floral and faunal species found in central India occurs here.

Nagzira operates several safari gates across the NNTR landscape. Distances from Nagpur vary considerably and — critically — Nagpur is not the practical base for most Nagzira safaris.

Spot booking gates in NNTR

Beyond the main core gates, NNTR operates several eco-tourism gates where spot booking is available — a significant advantage for last-minute travellers.

Additional entry gates

The wider NNTR landscape operates multiple entry points across its constituent protected areas, including Nagzira, Kosamtondi, Murpar, Murdoli, Balapur and Pongezara. Murdoli was recently inaugurated as a new tourism entrance gate, expanding access to previously under-visited forest.

NNTR safari permits are issued by the Maharashtra Forest Department through the official reserve website (nawegaonnagzira.com) and the state booking portal (safaribooking.mahaforest.gov.in). Numerous private agency websites use similar names and appear prominently in search results — verify you are on a .gov.in domain before making payment.

Entry permit timings

Booking rules

• Permits are issued in the traveller's name and are non-transferable
• Fake passes or permits in another person's name are not accepted and may attract heavy fines
• Original photo identification must be carried during the safari
• Vehicle numbers are limited per zone per shift
• Spot booking is available only at designated eco-tourism gates

Documents required

Indian nationals may present Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN Card or Driving Licence. Foreign nationals must carry a passport. Original documents are mandatory at the entry gate.

NNTR supports 34 mammal species, 36 reptile species and over 166 bird species across its varied habitats.

Predators

• Tiger — resident population strengthened by ongoing translocation
• Leopard — regularly sighted across all zones
• Dhole (Indian wild dog) — pack sightings occur
• Sloth bear — common, particularly in hilly terrain
• Jungle cat — grassland edges

Herbivores

• Indian gaur (bison) — impressive herds
• Sambar, chital and nilgai — abundant throughout
• Barking deer — forest edges
• Mouse deer — one of India's smallest and most elusive ungulates
• Wild boar — common

Birds — 166+ species

Nagzira's two lakes make it a serious birding destination. The Sarus Crane — the world's tallest flying bird — is among the sanctuary's most celebrated residents. Around the lakes, herons, egrets, kingfishers and storks are consistently present, and winter brings migratory species in significant numbers. NNTR runs an annual Citizen Bird Survey each January and celebrates Bird Week from 5–12 November.

Butterflies and reptiles

NNTR conducts an annual Butterfly Survey, with the Plumbeous Silverline recorded here for the first time. Crocodiles are occasionally seen basking along the shores of Nagzira Lake, and thirty-six reptile species have been recorded across the reserve.

This is where NNTR genuinely stands apart from every other Indian tiger reserve.

Nisarga Anubhava — the Machan Census

Held on Buddha Purnima each year, Nisarga Anubhava invites members of the public to spend an entire night on forest machans (raised platforms) conducting a wildlife census. Participants sit through the night beside waterholes, recording every animal that arrives — one of the most immersive wildlife experiences available anywhere in India, and open to ordinary citizens through an application process. Applications are invited annually and shortlisted participants are announced on the official NNTR website.

Citizen Bird Survey

Conducted each January, this multi-day survey invites birdwatchers to participate in structured data collection across the reserve. Participants receive certificates and contribute to genuine conservation science.

Butterfly Survey & waterbird census

The Butterfly Survey is held annually in September, with approximately 50 applications invited, and has produced new species records for the reserve. NNTR also participates in the international Asian Waterbird Census with public registration opportunities. For serious naturalists, timing a Nagzira visit around one of these events transforms a safari trip into genuine participation in conservation.

By air: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur is the nearest airport — Chorkhamara gate is 100 km away, approximately 2.5 hours by road.

By train: Gondia Junction is the most convenient railway station for Mangezari gate at 31 km, and Bhandara Road station also serves the region well. Gondia sits on the Howrah–Mumbai main line with good national connectivity.

Distances to other reserves

November to February — best overall. Comfortable temperatures, excellent birdlife including migratory arrivals and pleasant safari conditions. Bird Week runs 5–12 November and the Citizen Bird Survey takes place each January.

March to June — best for mammal sightings. As waterholes shrink, wildlife concentrates around the lakes and remaining water sources, and thinning vegetation improves visibility. Nisarga Anubhava, the Machan Census, falls on Buddha Purnima in this period — typically May. Temperatures are high but morning and evening safaris remain manageable.

October — post-monsoon green. The reserve reopens into spectacular greenery. Sightings are less predictable with abundant water and dense vegetation, but the landscape is at its most beautiful and crowds are minimal.

July to September — closed. NNTR shuts entirely for tourism during the monsoon.

Rules

• Carry original photo ID matching your permit
• Fake or transferred permits attract heavy fines
• Maintain complete silence during safari
• Never alight from the vehicle
• No feeding or approaching wildlife
• Carry all waste out of the reserve
• Follow guide instructions at all times

What to carry

• Original identification for all passengers
• Binoculars — essential given the birdlife
• Camera with telephoto lens
• Neutral clothing — olive, khaki, brown
• Water and food (limited facilities near gates)
• Warm layers for winter mornings
• Sunscreen and a hat for summer