The short answer
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj: what visitors should know first
Go only for grassland birding and a rare chance at a bustard, and accept you may see none. Visits need permission from the local forest office, there are no tourist facilities to speak of, and the walk is exposed. Plan an early morning outing from Solapur between November and February.
History and context
The story behind Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj
The great Indian bustard was first recorded at Nannaj and nearby Karmala in 1972, and the Government of Maharashtra declared the sanctuary in 1979. From 1980 the Forest Department selected Nannaj and Karmala for special conservation measures.
The area notified was later reduced after a Supreme Court decision in 2011, and the Forest Department has been removing trees from the grassland plots where plantations harmed the habitat. The Karmala population has nearly disappeared, while Nannaj's birds continue to be monitored.
Useful facts
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj facts at a glance
- Location
- Nannaj, about 20 km north of Solapur
- Experience type
- Grassland birding from a watch tower
- Known for
- The critically endangered great Indian bustard
- Established
- Declared as a sanctuary in 1979
- Time or schedule
- Permission required; confirm timings with the forest office
Why it matters
Why Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj is worth your time
The great Indian bustard is one of the world's rarest large birds, and Nannaj is among the few places in Maharashtra where it has been protected. The bird was first recorded here in 1972 and the sanctuary was declared in 1979. Its fate is a barometer for India's open grasslands, which are often written off as wasteland even though they support species that exist nowhere else.
The sanctuary's story is also a story of trade-offs. Farmers wanted canal water, the Supreme Court cleared a reduction of the notified area, and tree plantations meant for drought relief turned out to harm bustard grassland. Visiting responsibly, with permission and without pressure for a sighting, supports the case for protecting what remains.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Watch tower and hut
A short walk from the gate leads to a tower and hut overlooking protected grassland plots.
- 02
Grassland birds
Larks, lapwings, shrikes and raptors make a visit worthwhile even without a bustard.
- 03
Wolves and blackbuck
The site also holds a resident pack of Indian grey wolves, with blackbuck and Indian fox in the wider area.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Start the day at the forest office to arrange entry, then drive to the sanctuary gate at Nannaj. Vehicles are left outside, and visitors walk to the watch tower and the observation hut, where you scan the grassland plots protected by the Forest Department. Go at first light, when birds are most active and the plain is cooler.
The great Indian bustard itself is extremely scarce here. A census in 2009 counted 21 birds, and sightings today cannot be promised. Go with the aim of enjoying the open habitat: larks, lapwings, shrikes, falcons and other grassland birds are the usual rewards, and the wider area has recorded harriers, painted storks, spoonbills and an occasional lesser florican. A resident pack of Indian grey wolves and blackbuck are among other mammals reported at the site.
Bring binoculars, a spotting scope if you have one, and your own water and food. Stay on foot paths, keep quiet and do not leave the permitted area; the birds are shy, and disturbance is one of the threats.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Arrange permission at the Solapur forest office before you go
- Start at first light and carry water, a hat and binoculars
- Do not expect a bustard; a sighting is a bonus
- Walk only on permitted paths and keep voices low
- Carry food; there are no tourist facilities nearby
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Nannaj village, about 20 km north of Solapur
- Time needed
- Half a day with travel
- Best time
- Early morning, November to February; the monsoon is the breeding season, July to October
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Vehicles stop outside the gate, and a short walk leads to the watch tower and observation hut. There is little shade and no tourist amenities, so older visitors should carry water and a hat and may prefer to stay near the entrance.
- Tickets and access
- Permission from the local forest department is needed to enter, and the forest office is a short drive from the Nannaj bus stand. Entry fees, safari options and timings are not published; confirm with the Solapur forest office before you go.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Vehicles stop outside the gate, and a short walk leads to the watch tower and observation hut. There is little shade and no tourist amenities, so older visitors should carry water and a hat and may prefer to stay near the entrance.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Will I see a great Indian bustard?
It is unlikely. The population is very small, so treat the visit as grassland birding with a small chance of a sighting.
Do I need permission?
Yes. Visitors are reported to need permission from the local forest department, whose office is near the Nannaj bus stand.
Are there safaris?
None are published. Confirm access, fees and any vehicle rules with the forest office.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
