Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in Maharashtra

Already being a part of the National Park, it is a great place for worshipers of Lord Shiva. After Jivadani Mandir (in Virar), this is the 2nd spot(in my Rank list !) On a hill, where you can enjoy climbing & witness blessings dissolved in air. I have already visited this place twice(once in Monsoon & other in Summer). I would highly recommend visiting while Monsoon and Winter. The beauty of Nature is immense during these seasons. #There is a Natural waterfall to look at, which completely dries up during Summer! #To start with, there is a direct public Bus Service till the foot of the Hill. There you can find Rickshaws that will directly drop you at the temple, but their fare depends on the Season. I would recommend climbing on foot during Monsoon & Winter. During Summer, the scorching Sun is unbearable, so prefer a Rickshaw. The Rickshaw owners say that they have often seen tigers roaming the Jungle, also they claim that the count is in a hundred. #Unlike Jivadani Mandir, which has stairs for worshipers to climb on, Tungareshwar has a mild steep slope which roads of mud, which have become hard due to extensive walking. For people who are planning to take pics, Walking is the best option(obviously, During Monsoon). #If you are visiting it on Monday(which is believed to be Lord Shiva's auspicious day in Hindu mythology), you will find Bhandaras(small organisations offering free food for worshipers). However, the crowd on Monday is immense. If you want to attend the main prayers, try visiting during Early morning(as it is a tradition to worship God early in the Morning in India). Taking your personal vehicle is also a good option for people only aiming to reach the temple. #There are few food stalls on the way towards and surrounding the temple. But the price is Hefty! #If you have planned to walk till the temple, then let me inform you, it will take atleast 1hr 30 minutes to reach, if you aren't stopping anywhere. At last, it is a place worth visiting with...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Nestled amidst lush greenery and serene surroundings, this sanctuary is a gem for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

One of the things that struck me the most was the sanctuary's rich biodiversity. From majestic trees to diverse flora and fauna, every corner of Tungareshwar Sanctuary seemed to be teeming with life. The sight of exotic birds, such as peacocks and paradise flycatchers, was a treat for birdwatchers like myself. The sanctuary also boasts a variety of mammals, including deer, monkeys, and occasionally leopards, adding to the thrill of exploration.

The well-maintained trails within the sanctuary make it easy to explore the area on foot. As I walked along these trails, I couldn't help but admire the natural beauty that surrounded me. The peaceful ambiance, interrupted only by the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling, offered a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Moreover, the sanctuary's conservation efforts are commendable. It's heartening to see initiatives in place to protect and preserve the indigenous flora and fauna of the region. Educational signage along the trails provides valuable information about the ecosystem, making it not just a recreational spot but also a learning opportunity for visitors of all ages.

For those interested in photography, Tungareshwar Sanctuary presents endless opportunities to capture stunning shots of wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, you're sure to find inspiration in every corner of this sanctuary.

In conclusion, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and conservation efforts make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to reconnect with nature and experience the wonders of...

A very scenic location in nearby area of Mumbai to visit and spend time during weekend with family.

Tungareshwar is a mountain plateau situated between Virar and Vasai. It is a dense forest region – in the monsoon, the surroundings are lush and green, and interspersed with flowing waterfalls. At an altitude of about 2,177 feet, it is a popular destination for trekkers. In a bid to improve the habitat for animals, and safeguard more territory for predators such as leopards, Tungareshwar was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2003.

Tungareshwar can be visited throughout the year. The sanctuary doesn’t have any fixed timings, but early mornings are the best time to visit, especially for birding.

The nearest suburban railway station is Vasai Road, on the western line. Take the exit on the east side. From here, buses ply around every half an hour. Alternatively, auto rickshaws are available too. It takes about 45 mins to reach the base of the plateau.

Although studies and camera trap images show the presence of leopards and other wild mammals here, their numbers are low, (there are just 5 leopards, due to the scarcity of their prey base such as chital and sambar). But be alert, as an occasional encounter cannot be ruled out at dawn and at dusk.

Tungareshwar is home to a wide variety of birds such as the Crested Serpent-eagle, Emerald Dove, Indian Scops Owl, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, White-eyed Buzzard and Oriental Honey-buzzard throughout the year.

There are no official forest guides at the sanctuary so you will need to explore on your own. The trail is wide, since it’s the only road to the top, and is used by everyone.

There are no jeep safaris in the sanctuary. You will have to explore the forest on foot or in your...