Gugamal National Park

Gugamal National Park has an area of 1673.93 square kilometers. Built in 22 February 1974, this park is located in Chikhaldara and Dharni Tehsils of Amravati District, Maharashtra, India. It is part of Melghat Tiger Reserve.

Melghat was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973-74 under the Project Tiger. It was declared as a National Park in the year of 1975. Total area of the park is about 361.28 Km

The Rivers that flow within the Park are the Gadga River and Dolar River. The Tapi River flows on the northern borders of the Park.

The park is home to a wide variety of rare animals and birds, including the Tiger, Bison, Panther, Sloth bear, Wild dog, Jackal, hyena, Chausingha, Sambar, Barking deer, Ratel, Flying squirrel, Cheetal, Nilgai, Wild boar, Langur, Rhesus monkey and a host of migratory birds. Many species of reptiles, birds, fishes and butterflies are also found in the park.There are 90 tree species, 66 shrub species, 316 herb species, 56 climbers, 23 sedge species and about 99 grass species. The area is rich in medicinal plants.The Park provides visitors an opportunity to sight different type of snakes, monkeys, ,squirrels ,bears, deer’s ,antelopes ,fishes , butterflies, crocodiles ,cat family, variant plants, trees and shrubs.The park offers visitors a wonderful place for sightseeing, great photography amidst nature and its creations.

Flora The forest in rugged and hilly area of Melghat is typical southern dry deciduous forest. This consist mainly of Tectona grandis, Ain, Tiwas, Aola, Lendia, Dhawada, Kusum are the important tree species. Bamboo is widely spread in the forests. Some orchids and strobilanthes in the upper hills. The area is rich in medicinal plants.

Fauna The area is rich in wild mammals including Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, Ussuri dhole, Indian jackal, striped hyena, chausinga, sambar (largest Deer on earth) gaur, barking deer, ratel, flying squirrel, cheetal (type of deer), nilgai, wild boar, langur, rhesus monkey, and macaque. Also found here are 25 types of fishes and many varieties of butterflies.

Crocodiles were re-introduced in a systematic manner in March 1990 and February 1991 in Siddu Kund in Gadga river near Dhakna and Hathikund in the Dolar river in the Gugamal National Park.

History : Gugamal National Park creates the central portion of The Melghat Tiger Reserve. Melghat was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973-74 under the Project Tiger. On 5th Sep 1975, the Melghat Tiger Reserve was designated a sanctuary. It was declared as a National Park in the year of 1975. Total area of the park is about 361.28 Km2. Crocodiles were re-introduced in a systematic manner in March 1990 and February 1991 in Siddu Kund in Gadga River near Dhakna and Hathikund in the Dolar River in the Gugamal National Park.

Geography: Gugamal National Park is located in the Amravati district of the state of Maharashtra. The park is a part of the Melghat Tiger Reserve. Melghat Tiger Reserve is situated in Chikhaldara & Dharni tehsils of District Amaravati in Hills of Satpura series.The Park area lies within the Satpura hill ranges also known as the Gavilgarh Hills. The forest is rugged and hilly and quite suitable for the Park’s most important inhabitant. The main ridges rise over 1000 metres.

The Rivers that flow within the Park are the Gadga River and Dolar River. The Tapi River flows on the northern borders of the Park. The forest in rough & hilly region of Melghat is usual Southern arid deciduous jungle. There are 75 classes of plants found here. Significant tree species include Tectona grandis, Ain, Tiwas, Aola, Lendia, Dhawada and Kusum. Bamboo & Teak is extensively extended in the jungles.

Temperature – Maximum – 43o C & Minimum – 6o C

Altitude: 350 – 1,178 m

Rainfall: 1,850.00 mm

Attractions in Gugamal National Park

While the Gugamal National Park provides a unique opportunity to its visitors to observe the diverse flora and fauna, there are a couple of other activities as well which tourists can indulge into while they are visiting the place. Those who are interested in knowing about a new culture, they can get to know about the Korku tribal culture and even study their practices and traditions. Among other activities that are popular choices are trekking, photography, bird watching and meditation as you get to relax in the tranquil atmosphere, away from the urban jungle. Families seeking adventure can also go on exciting jungle safaris where they get to drive through dense forests and even opt for camping at night under the vast sky and shimmering stars.

Other major attractions in the vicinity of the Gugamal National Park are Makhla, Gavilgarh Fort, Bhootkhora, Narnala Fort, Bhim Kund, Chikaldhara and Panchbol Point. Gawilgarh Fort

Eco-tourism at Gugamal National Park

A nearby village, named Semadoh, is located 25 kms away from Chikhaldara is where the first Nature Interpretation Center of the Project Tiger was established. For nature and wildlife lovers, some of the main attractions for them are wildlife viewing in vehicle safari and a visit to the Project Tiger Museum. There are also plans in the pipeline for upgradation of the museum to the national level and a separate Nature Interpretation Centre. The present Interpretation Center at Gullarghat serves the purpose of educating tourists about the value of medicinal plants grown locally. Another Interpretation Center at Amravati imparts education to about the diverse flora and fauna to the tourists to enable them to understand the mission and vision of Melghat.

Entry Fee

Entry for Individual:

Adult: INR 30

Children (5 to 12 yrs old): INR 15

Student: INR 15

Foreigner (Adult): INR 60 and Children (5 to 12 yrs old): INR 30

Entry with Vehicle:

Bus Truck and other heavy vehicles: INR 150 per day

Car, jeep and other light vehicles: INR 100 per day

Two-wheelers: INR 25 per day

Camera Charges:

For Still camera: Indian - INR 500 and Foreigner - INR 1000

For cine camera: Indian - INR 5000 and Foreigner - INR 10000

Best Time to Visit

The perfect time to plan a visit to the Gugamal National Park is between October and June.

How to Reach

Reaching Gugamal National Park is possible through airways, railways and roadways. If you are flying to the National Park, the nearest airport is at Nagpur, 225-km away whereas the nearest railway station is 110 km away from the park at Badnera / Amravati. Renting private cabs to reach the Gugamal National Park is another option where the shortest route is via State highway from Paratwada to Dharni.

By Air – Nearest airport is Nagpur airport, about 225 Km from the Gugamal National Park. Nagpur airport is well connected by road to Gugamal National Park.

By Rail – Nearest railway station is Badnera/Amravati railway station, about 110 Km from the Gugamal National Park. Badnera/Amravati railway station is well connected by road to Gugamal National Park.

By Road – Gugamal National Park is well connected to Major Cities and Places by road network. There are a number of government and privately operated vehicles that go to Gugamal National Park at frequent intervals. It is approachable by the state highway from Paratwada to Dharni.

Where to Stay

The Semadoh village close to the National Park has accommodation facility for the tourists who are on a 2-3 day's long trip. There are also Forest Rest Houses available in Dhakna, Chaurakund, Jarida, Dhargad, Ranguveli, Chunkhadi, Kolkaz, Makhalara, Raipur and Hatru. For availing the facility at the rest houses, one needs to make a reservation at the Deputy Conservator of Forests, at Paratwada, Amaravati.

The eco-huts available at Semadoh are available at INR 700 whereas the VIP Rest House at Kolkhas is available at INR 1800 per day.

Barkha Negi Nagee

Co-FounderAlfa Tours And Travels
G3-Nagee Palace, Sai Baba Nagar, Navghar Road,
Bhayandar [East], Thane 401105 India
+91 77188 09030Barkha@alfatravelblog.com
www.AlfaTravelBlog.com