Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kolhapur - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 30 km from Karad, 49 km from Sangli, and 64 km from Kolhapur, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a Deer sanctuary situated at Deorashtre in the Sangli district of Maharashtra. It is one of the prominent sanctuaries in Maharashtra, and among the popular places to visit near Kolhapur.

Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a man-made sanctuary located at the meeting of Kadegaon, Waluva, and Palus tehsils of Sangli district. Covering over an area of 10.87 sq. km, this is an artificially cultivated forest without a perennial supply of water, and most of the wildlife species were artificially introduced. This protected area was previously declared as a forest park, then Sagaroba game reserve in 1980, and thereafter, in 1985, it became Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary when approximately 52 animals were set free in the area.

The sanctuary is forested, but with grassy hill slopes. Large animals found in the sanctuary include several types of deer (Sambar Deer, Blackbucks, Muntjac, Chital) as well as wild boar and peacocks. Small carnivores like hyena, fox, and porcupines are also found in the area. A large number of insects, birds, and reptiles such as pythons and other snakes are also present. The most popular tourist activity is hiking to the top of a hill in the sanctuary, from which one can see the Krishna River flowing through fields of sugarcane and grapevines.

The Sagareshwar sanctuary has much religious, cultural, and archaeological significance as it houses numerous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sanctuary derives its name from an ancient famous Sagareshwar Shiva temple that attracts a large number of devotees. It consists of one large temple and a complex of 51 small temples, all from the Satvahana period. There is one more temple called Kamal Bhairao or Kal Bhairao, located on edge along a steep cliff. The entrance to that temple is through a narrow tunnel and the temple itself is partially hewn out of hard basalt rock. One can take their vehicles inside the sanctuary.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is from August to February. Especially after the monsoon, the region is a sight to behold due to its lush greenery.

Timings: 8 AM - 5.30 PM, Closed on Tuesday

Entry: Rs. 55 for Person