The short answer
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Go for a quiet half-day of forest and lake views, not for a big-game safari. Leopards and blackbuck live here but are seldom seen, and facilities are minimal. Visit in winter, in daylight, and confirm access with the Shirpur forest office.
History and context
The story behind Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary was declared on 13 November 1986 and covers about 83 square kilometres. It is managed by the Maharashtra State Forest Department.
Useful facts
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- Shirpur taluka, Dhule district, Maharashtra
- Area
- About 82.94 sq km
- Declared
- 13 November 1986
- Forest type
- Southern moist deciduous, partly degraded
- Wildlife
- Leopard, blackbuck, wolf, barking deer, birds
- Hours
- Sunrise to sunset; confirm locally
Why it matters
Why Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time
The sanctuary protects the catchment of the Aner river above the dam's flood level, which is why it matters for both water and wildlife. In a district that is mostly farmland, it keeps a block of forest connected to the larger Satpura forests next door.
For a traveller based in Shirpur, it is a modest outing rather than a destination in its own right. It suits people who enjoy quiet scenery and are happy with a short, low-key wildlife visit.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Aner Dam
The reservoir is the main viewpoint and the best place for birds.
- 02
Forest edge
Deer and blackbuck are most likely at dawn or dusk.
- 03
Satpura backdrop
The hills form a green wall along the horizon in winter.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary lies in Shirpur taluka on the southwestern side of the Satpura range. Its main attraction is the Aner Dam, and the forest around the reservoir is a mixture of moist deciduous woodland and degraded scrub. The sanctuary borders Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary in Jalgaon district and forest land in Madhya Pradesh, so wildlife can move across a wider area.
Most visitors arrive by car from Shirpur and spend a few hours near the dam, watching birds and looking for deer and other animals. Mammals recorded include leopard, wildcat, blackbuck, jackal, wolf, porcupine and barking deer; birds include peafowl, cranes, storks and Brahminy ducks. Early morning is best.
The Range Forest Officer (Wildlife) at Shirpur manages the sanctuary and is the person to ask about access and conditions. Buses run from Shirpur and the Lasur Road stand, but a hired car is more practical. Bring your own food and water.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm access with the Shirpur forest office
- Go in the cooler months and in daylight
- Carry water and snacks; nothing is sold inside
- Avoid the rainy season, when access is difficult
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- About 15-20 km from Shirpur, Dhule district (distance varies by source)
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time
- November to February; the sanctuary is hard to reach in the rains
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Roads in the sanctuary are rural and can be rough, and there is little shade or seating near the dam. Older visitors should go by car, keep walks short and carry water.
- Tickets and access
- The sanctuary is open from sunrise to sunset. Entry fees are not published in the sources checked, so confirm with the forest office in Shirpur before you go. There is no organised safari programme listed.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Roads in the sanctuary are rural and can be rough, and there is little shade or seating near the dam. Older visitors should go by car, keep walks short and carry water.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Aner Dam open to visitors?
The sanctuary is open from sunrise to sunset, but access can be difficult in the monsoon. Confirm locally.
Is there a safari?
No organised safari is listed. Visits are by car and on foot.
When should I go?
November to February, when the weather is mild and migratory birds are around.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.