Weekend getaway from Nagpur · #8 of 10
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
One of Maharashtra's least-crowded forests, wrapped around a scenic lake in Gondia district. Tigers, leopards and sloth bears share dense teak forest with a fraction of Tadoba's visitor numbers.
Escape the Tadoba crowds! Tucked away in Gondia about 130 km from Nagpur, this gorgeous lakeside forest is Maharashtra's best-kept secret. Expect wild tigers, leopards, and sloth bears in quiet teak woods.
Getting there
Our favorite way to go - you'll cruise down a decent state highway before hitting a gorgeous, winding forest road at the end.
Day 1
Hit the road and jump straight into the wild- 19:30 AMDrive
Drive Nagpur to Nagzira
Cruise through Bhandara and Sakoli before trading the highway tarmac for the bumpy, beautiful forest roads leading up to Pitezari gate.
- 212:15 PMFood
Lunch en route in Sakoli
Time for a quick pit stop in Sakoli town. Fuel up on a tasty, simple meal before we leave civilization behind for the deep forest.
- 31:30 PMStay
Check in near the Pitezari gate
Ditch the commercial resort strips of bigger parks. These cozy forest rest houses and eco-lodges near Pitezari offer peaceful, back-to-nature vibes.
📍 Pitezari Gate, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
- 42:30 PMActivity
Afternoon jeep safari, Pitezari zone
Explore the stunning Navegaon lake area. Keep your camera ready for deer, langurs, and a fantastic mix of colorful migratory birds in the canopy.
📍 Pitezari Gate, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
- 56:00 PMSight
Evening at Nagzira Lake
This namesake lake is Vidarbha at its prettiest. Fringed by thick teak forests, it is the perfect spot to watch animals gather at dusk.
📍 Nagzira Lake, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
- 68:00 PMFood
Dinner at the lodge
When you are this deep in the wild, simple is best. Dig into a hearty, home-style set dinner served right at your forest lodge.
Day 2
Chasing tracks in Chorkhamara and heading back- 76:00 AMActivity
Morning jeep safari, Chorkhamara zone
Rise and shine for the park's wildlife hotspot! Chorkhamara is packed with dhole, Indian bison, and sambar, offering great odds for animal sightings.
📍 Chorkhamara Gate, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
Tip · If Pitezari was a bit quiet on day one, definitely book this zone. The landscape is completely different and often yields better sightings.
- 89:30 AMFood
Breakfast at the lodge
Fuel up with a fresh, hot breakfast at your rest house before packing up and checking out.
- 910:30 AMStay
Checkout and pack up
No rush here! Enjoy a slow morning and check out at your own pace before we hit the road.
- 1011:00 AMFood
Stop in Sakoli
Stop off in Sakoli for one last steaming hot cup of chai and a quick bite before hitting the highway stretch.
- 1112:00 PMFood
Lunch in Bhandara
Bhandara is the perfect halfway point to pause, stretch your legs, and grab a delicious lunch on the way back to Nagpur.
- 121:30 PMDrive
Drive back to Nagpur
Enjoy the final, easy cruise back through Bhandara. You will be back in Nagpur by mid-afternoon with plenty of daylight left.
Where to eat
Expect tasty, simple, home-cooked vegetarian or mixed set meals at the lodges. There are not many other options in the deep forest!
Sakoli and Bhandara are your go-to highway stops. Perfect for grabbing a proper meal, hot chai, or quick snacks along the way.
When to go
Perfect weather and prime wildlife viewing - this is the absolute best time to visit!
It gets quite warm, but the park remains open until mid-June. It is a fantastic time to spot animals clustering around waterholes.
Closed for the heavy rains, mirroring the region's other major wildlife reserves.
Good to know
- Book your gate (Pitezari or Chorkhamara) and safari time slots on the official portal way in advance - spots fill up quickly!
- Enjoy having the forest to yourself! Since crowds are a fraction of Tadoba or Pench, you get a wonderfully quiet, intimate safari.
- Stays near the gates are simple, rustic, and very limited. Make sure to book your room before you go instead of just showing up.
- We highly recommend doing one safari in Pitezari and the other in Chorkhamara. The terrains are so different it feels like two distinct trips!
