The short answer
Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Visit for open-country wildlife viewing and a chance to see blackbuck at close range. It is a small, flat reserve in the neighbouring taluka, so plan the outing from Jamkhed as a half to full day and confirm timings and charges with the forest office.
History and context
The story behind Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary
Published sources give the establishment as 1980, covering about 2.17 sq km in Karjat taluka. Some archive records refer to later declarations and extensions in the late 1990s and 2000, so the exact legal history is not fully clear. Population estimates range from about 300 to 500 blackbuck.
Useful facts
Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- Rehekuri village, Karjat taluka, Ahilyanagar district
- Area
- About 2.17 sq km
- Established
- 1980, per published sources
- Main wildlife
- Blackbuck; also chinkara, wolf, fox, jackal and birds
- Typical hours
- Reported as about 7 am to 3 pm; confirm locally
- Best months
- August to January
Why it matters
Why Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary is worth your time
The blackbuck is one of the Deccan's signature grassland animals, and Rehekuri protects a small but healthy population on a few hundred hectares of land that might otherwise be farmland. Published estimates of the herd range from roughly 300 to 500 animals, which makes it one of the most reliable places in the region to see them.
The sanctuary was established in 1980 and covers about 2.17 sq km. Its smallness is part of its charm: you can see the habitat, the animals and the surrounding fields in a single visit, and it gives a sense of what open grassland once looked like across the plateau.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Blackbuck in the open
Herds graze in the open grassland and are best seen in the first hours after sunrise.
- 02
Winter birds
Migratory birds and raptors add interest between November and February.
- 03
A small, easy reserve
Flat terrain and short distances make it one of the easiest wildlife outings in the region.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Rehekuri is a grassland and scrub reserve on the semi-arid Deccan plateau, and its appeal is the open view. Blackbuck are the main draw, with males in dark coats and spiral horns and females and young in pale fawn. They are easiest to see early in the morning, and they keep their distance, so bring binoculars and keep your voice low. Jeep drives and guided walks are reported, but ask at the gate what is currently offered.
Chinkara, Indian wolf, Indian fox and jackal also live in the reserve, along with peafowl, raptors and ground-nesting birds, and migratory birds in winter. The Great Indian Bustard lived here historically but sightings are now extremely rare, so do not expect one.
August and September are green and good for blackbuck, October to December are cool for walking, and April to June are very hot. Monsoon rain can make the approach roads difficult. Carry water, wear a hat, and pair the visit with a stop at Siddhatek or a meal in Karjat.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Go early in the morning for the best chance of animals
- Confirm timings and entry charges with the forest office
- Carry water and wear a hat; shade is limited
- Keep your distance and do not feed or chase animals
- Avoid the extreme heat of April to June
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Rehekuri village, Karjat taluka, in the neighbouring taluka to the west of Jamkhed; about 80 km from Ahilyanagar city
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours at the sanctuary, plus travel from Jamkhed
- Best time
- August to January; early morning or late afternoon for animals
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The terrain is flat and open, and much can be seen from a vehicle. There is little shade, and facilities such as toilets and seating are limited, so avoid the midday sun.
- Tickets and access
- The sanctuary is run by the Maharashtra Forest Department. Visiting hours of roughly 7 am to 3 pm and a small per-person entry fee have been reported, with extra charges for vehicles and cameras; confirm current timings and rates with the forest office before you go.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The terrain is flat and open, and much can be seen from a vehicle. There is little shade, and facilities such as toilets and seating are limited, so avoid the midday sun.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Where is Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary?
Near Rehekuri village in Karjat taluka, Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) district, about 80 km from Ahilyanagar city.
When is the best time to visit?
August to January. August and September are green, October to December cool, while April to June are very hot.
Can I see the Great Indian Bustard?
The bird lived here historically but sightings are now extremely rare, so do not plan around it.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
