Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary is also covered in our Yawal guide, which is the main page for it: Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary in the Yawal guide.
The short answer
Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Go if you want a bigger forest than Aner Dam and can arrange a car and permission locally. It is a separate outing across the district border, with basic facilities. Winter is best, and sightings of big animals are rare.
History and context
The story behind Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary
Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1969.
Useful facts
Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- Jalgaon district, near the Madhya Pradesh border
- Area
- About 176 sq km
- Established
- 1969
- Wildlife
- Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, sambar, nilgai, dhole
- Stay
- Government rest house; British-era rest house at Pal
Why it matters
Why Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time
Yawal is one of the older protected areas in this part of the Satpuras, declared in 1969, and the forest here links to Aner Dam and to Madhya Pradesh. That connection is what lets large animals move across the borderlands.
For a traveller, it offers the one place near Shirpur where the forest feels deep rather than scrubby. It is a long day, but a rewarding one for people who enjoy quiet woodland and birds more than ticking off big cats.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Dense forest
The sanctuary has some of the deepest forest in the region.
- 02
Rivers
The Anner and Manjar rivers run through the sanctuary.
- 03
Nearby sights
The Padmalaya temples and the Unapdev hot springs are within reach.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the banks of the Anner and Manjar rivers near the Madhya Pradesh border, in Jalgaon district. It covers about 176 square kilometres of dense forest and is much bigger than Aner Dam, which adjoins it on the Shirpur side.
Most people visit by car, with a local guide arranged through the forest office. Tigers, leopards and sloth bears are recorded, along with nilgai, sambar, wild boar and dholes, though sightings are never promised. Birds, langurs and spotted owlets are easier to see.
A government rest house offers lodging and meals, and a British-era rest house stands at Pal inside the sanctuary. Nearby attractions include the Padmalaya temples, the swinging towers of Farkande and the Unapdev hot springs. Carry water and plan to be out before dark.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Arrange entry through the forest office
- Carry water and food
- Start early and leave before dark
- Stay in the vehicle in the forest
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Jalgaon district, adjoining Aner Dam; a separate outing from Shirpur
- Time needed
- Full day
- Best time
- November to February
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Rough forest roads, long drives and basic facilities make this tiring for older visitors. Stay in the vehicle and use the rest house for breaks.
- Tickets and access
- Entry and rest-house bookings are arranged through the forest department; fees and timings are not published here, so confirm with the forest office before you go.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Rough forest roads, long drives and basic facilities make this tiring for older visitors. Stay in the vehicle and use the rest house for breaks.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Yawal close to Shirpur?
It adjoins the Aner Dam area but lies in Jalgaon district; allow a long drive and check the route locally.
Can I see a tiger?
Tigers are recorded but sightings are rare; plan for birds and deer.
Where can I stay?
A government rest house offers lodging and meals; confirm availability with the forest office.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
