Description
Melghat is among the first nine Tiger Reserves. It is situated in the Amravati district of Maharashtra State in India. It is near the border of Madhya Pradesh. Melghat is 25 km from Chikaldara a hill resort in the Satpura Range. It took birth in 1964 but was declared as a tiger reserve in 1974. It covers a vast area with dense deciduous forests. It has the Deccan trap and the rock beneath it is basalt which is a geological formation. Melghat terrain is rocky and rugged in nature and thus it protects its inhabitant animals from poachers. It has a large tiger population. In addition, it also has other animals residing in the reserve like the bison, wild oxen, sloth bear, sambar, barking deer, four-horned antelope and wild boar. It is home to a number of birds and snakes.
Melghat has wonderful natural beauty. River Tapi and all its tributaries flow through the reserve. If you are fond of fishing, then proceed to The Rocky Doh at Kolkaz and have a delightful fishing time. It encompasses the Sanctuary and Gugarnal National Park. Vairat Devi is the highest point in the Reserve.
Getting to Melghat
By road – Regular buses ply going via Paratwada which is close to the reserve. You can also hire a tourist vehicle from Amravati town.
By rail – The nearest station is Amravati or Badnera which is 110 km from the reserve.
By air – Nagpur airport is the closest.
Best time to visit
October to June but safaris are allowed only from December to June. In summer due to the heat the forest is thinly covered, and tiger sighting is good. In winter though it is cool and pleasant, animals are rarely seen.
Do arrange for a conducted tour of the sanctuary along with forest guides. One can contact the Forest Department of that region. Pay for entry and go ahead in the ‘Reserve’ opting for the Jungle Safari Rides, Elephant Rides, hire guides and follow Nature Trails or Trek around.
Accommodation
There are State run ‘guest houses’. Get your bookings done in advance through Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) personally or through their website. You could check out ‘hotels’ in nearby Chikhaldara. There is a ‘Tourist Complex’ at Semadoh which is under the Field Director of Melghat.
If you are not afraid of sounds, howls, squeaks, rustles, hooting, etc. and are prepared to be in the midst of the forest then you also have the option to book the ‘Kolkas Rest House’ which is 15 km deep in the forest. These are forest officers’ guest houses, so prior permission is necessary from the Forest Department.
