The short answer
Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Go for a green, cool day out on the Tamhini ghat, ideally from October to December or in the monsoon with care. Expect trails and viewpoints, not a safari; check current access rules and fees with the forest office.
History and context
The story behind Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary
Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Western Ghats about 70 km from Pune. It is reported to have been declared in 2013 from reserved forest compartments of the Pune forest division and the neighbouring Mangaon range, though readers should confirm the official details with the forest department.
In June 2025 the Maharashtra Forest Department announced a one-year restoration project with Microsoft and the Pune NGO CYDA.
Useful facts
Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- Tamhini ghat, about 70 km from Pune
- Experience type
- Forest trails, waterfalls and birdwatching
- Known for
- Monsoon greenery and ghat scenery
- Best months
- October to December; monsoon with care
- Fees and hours
- Not published; confirm with the forest office
Why it matters
Why Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time
Tamhini is one of the Sahyadri forest areas close enough to Pune to visit in a day, and it protects part of the Western Ghats watershed on the edge of the Mulshi catchment. The sanctuary was formed by taking reserved forest compartments from the Pune forest division and the neighbouring Raigad side, reportedly, and it is the subject of a one-year ecosystem restoration project.
For travellers, it offers something the city does not: a patch of the Ghats' forest and waterfall scenery without a long journey. It also shows the pressure on such places, as weekend crowds and plastic waste are what the current restoration work is trying to address. Visit lightly, and it is a good half day of greenery.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The ghat road
About 15 km of winding road through waterfalls, lakes and dense forest.
- 02
Forest trails
Marked trails for walking, hiking and birdwatching.
- 03
Restoration work
Benches, gates, solar lights and sanitation are planned under a 2025 project.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Plan this as a day trip by car on the Tamhini ghat road, which runs through the Western Ghats between the Mulshi side and the Konkan. The ghat itself is about 15 km long and is known for waterfalls, lakes and dense woods. Leave early on a weekday if you can, since weekend monsoon traffic is heavy.
Within the sanctuary, trails are open for hiking, birdwatching and walking, and the monsoon landscape is the main draw. A forest department restoration programme announced in 2025 plans benches, gates, solar lights, drinking water and sanitation facilities, so conditions may improve, but do not assume them yet: carry water and snacks.
This is not a safari park. Do not expect guaranteed animal sightings; the reward is greenery, birdsong and waterfalls. Stay on marked paths, respect any forest staff instructions, avoid plastic waste, and check road and weather conditions in the monsoon, when landslide risk and slippery stretches are real.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm entry rules with the forest office
- Go on a weekday to avoid ghat traffic
- Carry water and take all waste back
- Avoid steep trails after heavy rain
- Do not expect guaranteed wildlife sightings
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Tamhini ghat, Mulshi; about 70 km from Pune
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day, mainly driving and short walks
- Best time
- October to December for clear skies and waterfalls; monsoon is lush but wet and foggy
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Roadside viewpoints are easy, but sanctuary trails are uneven and slippery in the wet, and facilities are limited. The ghat road is winding and heavy with monsoon weekend traffic, so older travellers should travel on weekdays and keep walks short.
- Tickets and access
- Entry fees, opening hours and permit rules are not published; confirm with the Maharashtra Forest Department or the local forest office before travelling. Trails are used for hiking, birdwatching and walking.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Roadside viewpoints are easy, but sanctuary trails are uneven and slippery in the wet, and facilities are limited. The ghat road is winding and heavy with monsoon weekend traffic, so older travellers should travel on weekdays and keep walks short.
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 Tamhini from Pune?
About 70 km, usually two hours or more by road depending on traffic.
Is it a safari park?
No. It is a sanctuary with trails and viewpoints, and no safari booking system is published.
When should I go?
October to December is clearest; the monsoon is greenest but wet and slippery.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
