Amba Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary

 Here’s a comprehensive overview of Ambabarwa (Amba Barwa) Wildlife Sanctuary — a beautiful and ecologically important forest area in Maharashtra, India:

Ambabarwa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Satpuda hills of Buldhana District, Maharashtra, India, and is part of the larger Melghat Tiger Reserve. It was established on April 9, 1997, under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, with the notification issued by the Government of Maharashtra. The sanctuary spans an area of 127.11 square kilometers (49.077 sq mi), comprising 102.10 sq km of Reserved Forest, 22.62 sq km of Protected Forest, and private cultivation and Abadi lands from ex-forest villages of Ambabarwa, Chunkhadi, and Rohinkhidki in Sangrampur Taluka. The sanctuary lies approximately 65 km from Shegaon and is situated near the Wan Irrigation Project catchment area.

The sanctuary is managed under the Chief Conservator of Forest and Field Director, Melghat Tiger Reserve, with headquarters in Amravati. It features a tourist zone of 21.26 sq km, consisting of eight forest compartments, and offers attractions such as Mangri Mahadev Mandir, Jalkakund, Pipladohkhora, and Chimankhora. The area supports a rich biodiversity, including tropical dry deciduous forests with dominant tree species like teak, ain, salai, and dhawada. It is home to various wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, wild boars, barking deer, four-horned deer (chousinga), and numerous bird species such as peacocks, parakeets, and cuckoos.

The sanctuary serves as an important ecological corridor between forests in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, contributing to the conservation of endangered species and maintaining the ecological balance of the Satpuda-Maikal mountain ranges. The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is generally from April to June, although the period from October to February is also favorable. The sanctuary is accessible via Amravati Railway Station, the nearest major railway station, and Nagpur Airport, the nearest major airport. The area is also noted for its scenic beauty and historical significance, with references to its cool climate dating back to the British period.