Maharashtra is home to diverse wildlife, including some of the most majestic creatures of Earth. Among its many natural wonders, one district stands out for its strong connection to a particular animal known for its power and beauty. This district has earned a special title due to its significant tiger population and efforts toward wildlife conservation.
An Overview of Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state in western India, located on the Deccan Plateau. It is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and several other Indian States: Karnataka and Goa to the South, Telangana and Chhattisgarh to the southeast, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to the north. It also shares borders with the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Maharashtra is India’s second-most populous state.
Number of Districts of Maharashtra
Maharashtra has a total of 36 districts, which are divided into six regions or divisions. Each division consists of several districts, making it easier to manage and organize the state’s administration.
Tiger Capital of India
Nagpur, located in the state of Maharashtra, holds the title of the “Tiger Capital of India.” This recognition is not just due to the presence of tiger reserves within the city, but because of Nagpur’s strategic location near several major tiger sanctuaries. These reserves are within a 100 km radius, making the city a perfect base for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and those interested in tiger conservation.
Tiger Reserves Near Nagpur
- Pench Tiger Reserve: Located just 70 km away from Nagpur, Pench Tiger Reserve stretches across both Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The reserve is famous for its rich tiger population and for being the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s famous book, The Jungle Book.
- Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve: Tadoba – Andhari is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Maharashtra, located about 140 km from Nagpur. It is a popular spot to see Bengal tigers in their natural habitat, attracting many wildlife photographers and enthusiasts.
- Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is only about 58 km from Nagpur. Although a relatively new sanctuary, it has gained attention for its growing tiger population and its emerging role in wildlife conservation.
- Bor Tiger Reserve: Bor Tiger Reserve is located around 74 km from Nagpur, in Hingani, Wardha District. Declared a tiger reserve in 2014, it plays an important role in protecting the tiger population in this area.
Center for Tiger Conservation
Nagpur is not only known for its proximity to tiger reserves but also plays an essential role in tiger conservation. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is based here, working alongside the Maharashtra Forest Department to protect tigers across the region.
Wildlife Tourism in Nagpur
Nagpur has become a major center for wildlife tourism in recent years, thanks to its closeness to tiger sanctuaries like Tadoba and Pench. These reserves attract thousands of tourists every year, especially for safaris where tiger sightings are relatively frequent. This has made Nagpur a hub for wildlife lovers and photographers.
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