The short answer
Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Supe: what visitors should know first
Worth it if you enjoy birds and open-country wildlife and have a car. Expect walking or a slow drive on rough tracks, not a safari. Go in the cooler months, and check at the forest office about permits and entry.
History and context
The story behind Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Supe
Wikipedia's account of the sanctuary is inconsistent: its infobox gives August 1997 as the declaration date, while its history section refers to protection from 1919, citing the Wildlife Institute of India. It is described as one of the smallest sanctuaries in Maharashtra.
The habitat is mostly dry deciduous scrub with khair, sisoo and ber trees, and patches of grassland.
Useful facts
Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Supe facts at a glance
- Location
- Supe, Baramati taluka, Pune district
- Experience type
- Walking and slow-drive nature visit
- Known for
- Chinkara, Indian wolf, striped hyena and raptors
- Area
- About 5.14 sq km (one of Maharashtra's smallest)
- Distance
- About 74 km from Pune and 35 km from Daund
- Time or schedule
- Permits at forest office; timings not published
Why it matters
Why Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Supe is worth your time
Mayureshwar is tiny, at about 5.14 sq km, and sits in a landscape of farms and dry plains rather than hills. That makes it a rare protected patch for open-country species that rarely get attention, including chinkara, Indian wolf, striped hyena and fox.
For a Jejuri trip, it adds a gentler, nature-focused stop beside the temple and fort itineraries. It also suits birders, with kites, eagles and rollers seen across the scrub, and gives children a different kind of outing from another climb.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Chinkara in the scrub
The Indian gazelle is the sanctuary's signature animal, best looked for early in the morning.
- 02
Winter raptors and migrants
Short-toed snake eagles and Bonelli's eagles are resident, and European rollers and Montagu's harriers visit in winter.
- 03
Forest-office information centre
A small display at the forest office explains the local plants and animals before you go in.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Drive to Supe and go to the forest office, where permits are issued and a small information centre explains the flora and fauna. The sanctuary is signposted from the highway, but the entrance is further along than the first barrier suggests, so ask rather than turn back.
The sanctuary is dry deciduous scrub with patches of grassland, so animals are visible at a distance rather than in dense forest. Walk or drive slowly on the tracks and keep quiet. Early morning gives the best chance of chinkara, and the cooler months from October to February suit bird-watching, when migratory European rollers and Montagu's harriers can be seen.
Carry water, binoculars and snacks, since there are no cafes inside. Accommodation is available in Supe outside the sanctuary, and the forest department also keeps tents on site. Do not plan to see a particular animal; treat the visit as a quiet day in open country.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Call or visit the forest office to confirm permits and entry timings
- Go in the early morning between October and February
- Carry water, binoculars and snacks; there are no cafes inside
- Wear a hat and closed shoes, as there is little shade
- Keep voices low and do not leave marked tracks
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Supe, Baramati taluka, Pune district; about 74 km from Pune, a separate outing from Jejuri
- Time needed
- Half day, including the drive
- Best time
- October to February, early morning; summers are hot
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Little shade and no seating beyond the forest office. Walks are on flat but uneven scrub tracks, and facilities are basic. Older visitors can enjoy a short drive-and-look visit near the entrance.
- Tickets and access
- Entry is via the forest office, which issues permits. Fees and timings are not published; confirm with the forest department before you go. Wikipedia mentions two forest-department tents; book ahead and check rules.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Supe
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Little shade and no seating beyond the forest office. Walks are on flat but uneven scrub tracks, and facilities are basic. Older visitors can enjoy a short drive-and-look visit near the entrance.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is there a safari in Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary?
There is no organised safari that Wikipedia mentions. Visitors drive or walk inside with forest permission, so ask the forest office about current rules.
What animals can I see?
Chinkara, Indian wolf, striped hyena, jackal, fox and black-naped hare are recorded, along with eagles, kites, rollers and lapwings. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Can I stay at the sanctuary?
The forest department has two tents on site, and rooms are available in Supe outside the sanctuary. Check availability with the department.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
