The short answer
Umred Pauni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Good for a short safari close to Nagpur, with Karhandla the easiest gate. Check closed days, which differ by gate, and book through an authorised route because private vehicles are not allowed inside.
History and context
The story behind Umred Pauni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary was established in 2013 and is managed by the Maharashtra Forest Department. It lies across Nagpur and Bhandara districts and is bounded roughly by the Wainganga river and the Gose Khurd dam.
A 2014 count reported around eleven tigers and six leopards, though numbers change and should be checked against current forest department figures.
Useful facts
Umred Pauni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- Umred, Nagpur district; also Bhandara district
- Area
- About 189 sq km
- Established
- 2013
- Gates
- Karhandla, Gothangaon, Pullar and Pauni
- Safari
- Authorised gypsy with local guide
- Wildlife
- Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, nilgai, sambar, deer
Why it matters
Why Umred Pauni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time
Umred Pauni Karhandla was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 2013 and covers about 189 sq km across Nagpur and Bhandara districts, bounded roughly by the Wainganga river and the Gose Khurd dam. It forms part of a forest corridor that has allowed tigers to move between nearby reserves.
It came to wider attention when a tiger known as Jai walked a very long distance from the Nagzira region and settled here. For Nagpur visitors, it offers a closer and less crowded alternative to the bigger parks and a useful reminder that the region's wildlife is being protected well beyond the famous tiger reserves.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Karhandla gate
The nearest gate to Nagpur and the easiest option for most visitors.
- 02
Water-hole viewing in summer
Dry months bring animals to the water points, improving the odds of seeing wildlife.
- 03
Local guides
Trained local villagers accompany each safari, adding useful knowledge of the forest.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Umred is the simplest of Vidarbha's wildlife outings from Nagpur. The Karhandla gate, also called the Umred gate, lies about 55 km from the city and is the usual choice for visitors who are driving themselves to the gate. Other entries, including Gothangaon, Pullar and Pauni, are further away, and a safari must start and end at the same gate.
Book the safari in advance through the Maharashtra forest department's channels or an authorised operator. Only a limited number of vehicles enter per slot, and a local guide travels with you. Safaris run in the early morning and late afternoon, and the timings change with the season, so confirm your slot. The sanctuary is generally open from October to June, with closures on certain weekdays at each gate.
Expect dry mixed forest, open clearings, waterholes and a mix of nilgai, deer, wild boar and, with luck, tiger, leopard or sloth bear. Only part of the sanctuary's road network is open to tourists. Carry water, wear muted clothes and treat any sighting as a bonus.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm which gate is closed on which day
- Book through the forest department or an authorised operator
- Do not plan to drive your own vehicle inside
- Start and end at the same gate
- Carry water and snacks
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Umred, about 55 to 60 km south-east of Nagpur (Karhandla gate)
- Time needed
- Half-day to full day
- Best time
- October to June; summer is hot but good for water-hole sightings
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Safaris are seated, in authorised gypsies on rough tracks, so the ride is bumpy and dusty. The roads from Nagpur are straightforward, and the Karhandla gate is the most convenient, but there are few facilities.
- Tickets and access
- Private vehicles are not allowed inside; safaris use authorised gypsies with local guides. Fees and booking details are not published here, so check with the forest department or an authorised operator. Karhandla and Gothangaon gates have been reported closed on Mondays and Pauni on Tuesdays.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Umred Pauni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Safaris are seated, in authorised gypsies on rough tracks, so the ride is bumpy and dusty. The roads from Nagpur are straightforward, and the Karhandla gate is the most convenient, but there are few facilities.
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 Umred from Nagpur?
The Karhandla gate is about 55 km from Nagpur, roughly an hour by road. Pauni is further, about 85 km.
Which days is it closed?
Operators report Karhandla and Gothangaon closed on Mondays and Pauni on Tuesdays. Confirm before travel.
Can I drive my own car in?
No. Private vehicles are not allowed inside; safaris use authorised gypsies.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
