Vanam / Parks / Maharashtra
मेळघाट व्याघ्र प्रकल्प
One of the original Project Tiger reserves, in the hills of Vidarbha.
Melghat Tiger Reserve lies in Amravati district of Maharashtra, in the Satpura range. It was one of the first nine reserves set up under Project Tiger in 1973. The name is said to mean 'the meeting of the ghats', a reference to its many hills and valleys.
The reserve covers about 2,029 sq km, with Gugamal National Park as its core. It is a land of deep ravines, dry teak and bamboo forest and rivers such as the Tapi and its tributaries. The Korku people live in villages in and around the forest. Tigers are present but are harder to see here than in Tadoba. Sloth bears, leopards, gaur, dhole, sambar and many birds are more regular sights, and the hill station of Chikhaldara is nearby.
Taller bars mean better wildlife viewing. Select a month to read what it is like.
The dots show how likely you are to see each animal on a typical safari.
India's national animal and the reason most visitors come to a safari.
Tigers live here, but the terrain is large and rugged, so sightings are uncommon.
A shaggy, long-clawed bear that feeds mainly on termites and fruit.
The most common deer on safari, and the main prey of tigers and leopards.
A red, pack-hunting wild dog that whistles to keep its pack together.
A small, shy antelope; the males usually carry two pairs of horns.
The largest wild cattle in the world, with a muscular shoulder hump.
A long-tailed monkey whose alarm calls often reveal a hunting tiger or leopard.
A secretive spotted cat that often hunts at night and rests in trees or rocks.
The largest deer in India, whose alarm call warns the forest of a predator.
Distances and travel times are approximate. Closure dates and permit rules change, so confirm them with the forest department before you book.
It is possible but not likely. The reserve is large and rugged, so Tadoba is a better bet for tigers.
The Korku people live in villages in and around the forest.
No. Most of the reserve closes in the monsoon (approx. July to September).
One of the first nine reserves under Project Tiger.
In 1973, Melghat was among the first nine reserves set up under Project Tiger, India’s national effort to bring back the tiger.
Tell us your dates and group size. We will arrange the safari permits, stay and transfers.
