The short answer
Bor Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve: what visitors should know first
A sensible short safari for families, about 80 km from Nagpur. Book through the official Maharashtra portal, remember it is closed to tourists on Mondays, and keep expectations modest on tiger sightings.
History and context
The story behind Bor Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve
The area was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in the 1970s and became Bor Tiger Reserve in July 2014. The Bor Dam and its reservoir split the protected area into western and eastern sections.
Tiger numbers in and around the reserve have been reported to have risen from about a dozen to roughly fifteen, though counts vary between sources.
Useful facts
Bor Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve facts at a glance
- Location
- Wardha district, near Hingni; about 80 km from Nagpur
- Experience type
- Jeep safari and dam-side eco-tourism
- Gates
- Bordharan and Adegaon
- Closed
- Mondays for tourism
- Status
- Sanctuary from the 1970s; tiger reserve since 2014
- Wildlife
- Tiger, leopard, gaur, sambar, chital, sloth bear
Why it matters
Why Bor Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is worth your time
Bor is one of the smallest tiger reserves in India, protected as a wildlife sanctuary from the 1970s and declared a tiger reserve in 2014. Its size is its advantage for a Nagpur visitor: the forest is close, the permits are limited, and a single safari gives a fair sense of Vidarbha's dry forests without a long trip.
It also shows how wildlife conservation works around reservoirs. The Bor reservoir divides the reserve into western and eastern parts, and the dam area supports a good range of birdlife. For families interested in nature, it is a gentle, lower-pressure alternative to the larger, busier Pench and Tadoba.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Bor reservoir and dam
The dam and reservoir at the heart of the reserve are a pleasant, easy stop between safaris.
- 02
Jeep safari through teak forest
Two gates with small daily quotas keep the forest calm and the traffic light.
- 03
Birdlife
Roughly 160 bird species are recorded, with waterbirds around the reservoir.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Bor works best as a single-day outing from Nagpur. Take the Wardha road (MSH 3), turn north at Seloo towards Hingni, and continue to the visitor centre at Bor Dam. The drive takes a little over an hour and a half, so a morning safari means leaving Nagpur well before dawn unless you stay nearby.
Book the safari online in advance and choose a gate: Bordharan or Adegaon, each with its own small daily vehicle quota. Safaris run in forest-department jeeps with a guide. Entry and exit times change with the season, and the morning slot starts as early as 5.30 am in May, so confirm times on your permit.
On the drive, expect dry deciduous forest of teak, bamboo and tendu, with sambar, chital, gaur, langur and a rich list of birds, and a tiger only if you are lucky. Between safaris, the reservoir and the eco-tourism zone near the dam are pleasant for a quiet walk. Carry plenty of water and snacks, as facilities near the gates are limited.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Book the permit online before you leave
- Do not plan a Monday visit
- Confirm the gate and slot on your permit
- Carry water and food; facilities are limited
- Leave Nagpur early for a morning slot
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Wardha district, about 80 km south-west of Nagpur, near Hingni
- Time needed
- Half-day to full day
- Best time
- April and May are recommended for sightings; winter is cooler for comfort
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Jeep safaris involve rough tracks and bouncing, but the drive from Nagpur is mostly on highway. There is little shade or seating beyond the visitor centre, and heat is severe in April and May.
- Tickets and access
- Safari permits are booked online through the official Maharashtra eco-tourism portal, with separate daily quotas for the Bordharan and Adegaon gates. Fees are not listed here; confirm them on the portal. Tourism is closed on Mondays.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Bor Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Jeep safaris involve rough tracks and bouncing, but the drive from Nagpur is mostly on highway. There is little shade or seating beyond the visitor centre, and heat is severe in April and May.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Bor from Nagpur?
About 78 to 80 km by road, via the Wardha road and the turn at Seloo towards Hingni.
Which day is it closed?
Tourism is closed on Mondays. Confirm any other closures on the portal before booking.
Can I stay near Bor?
An MTDC resort and forest-department eco-tourism accommodation have been reported near the dam, but check current availability directly.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
