Planning a wildlife getaway but tired of the queues and crowds in the country’s most popular national parks? We hear you. Off the beaten path, Tipeshwar offers all the excitement and diversity of Tadoba without the safari jams.
And yes, it’s among India’s best places to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger — and much more. Located right next to the sanctuary’s buffer zone, Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries is the perfect outpost for your sojourn into this unexplored wilderness.
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary: The where, the what and the why
Tucked away in the quieter pockets of Yavatmal district in Maharashtra’s forest belt, Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife enthusiast’s delight — untouched, rich in biodiversity and refreshingly wild. Named after Goddess Tipai, whose temple stands within the forest, the sanctuary spans an area of 148.63 sq. km across the hills of Pandharkawada.
Its undulating landscape is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. While it is the Royal Bengal Tiger that draws tourists in the know here every season, Tipeshwar is home to mammals like pangolins, panthers, nilgai and over 180 species of birds and 26 species of reptiles.
Four rivers meander through this landscape: Purna, Krishna, Bhima and Tapti with scenic waterfalls that make for great picnic spots.
Situated in the southern tip of Maharashtra, Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary links Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana’s Adilabad District to the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. It is about 10 km from the bridge over river Penganga that connects Telangana and Maharashtra.
It is this strategic location that makes Tipeshwar a great place for tiger sightings throughout the year.
In recent years, there have been many calls to declare the forest a tiger reserve — this will help not just in the conservation of our national animal, but also in preserving the diversity of plant, animal and avian life this compact yet dense forest houses.
Unlike the well-trodden national parks of Central India like Pench, Panna, Kanha and Tadoba, Tipeshwar is relatively less developed, which is what makes it a unique experience for true wildlife enthusiasts.
What it lacks in infrastructure, it more than makes up for in an authentic rural wildlife experience. You will seldom be stuck in a traffic jam of safari jeeps here! The sanctuary is surrounded by villages inhabited by Pardhan, Gond, Kolam, Navbuddha and Kunbi tribes. There are hardly any hotels near Tipeshwar.
Accommodation for tourists include a few home stays, basic lodges and just one luxury resort with Wildlife Luxuries establishing its first destination here.
Tipai is the only luxury resort and one of its kind here, built and managed with guiding values of sustainable luxury and responsible tourism at its core. Local folk constitute 80% of its staff, bringing home to each of them the benefits of ecotourism and a stake in protecting the forests they call home.
Fast facts
Name: Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Yavatmal District, Maharashtra Closest Rail Head: Adilabad and Yavatmal
Closest Airport: Nagpur
Area: 148.63 sq km
Topography: Hilly basalt scrub forest with grassy patches
Rivers: Purna, Krishna, Bhima and Tapti
Why Tipeshwar?
Off the beaten path
Untouched wilderness
Rich wildlife diversity
Best place to see tigers in the wild
1. The flora and fauna of Tipeshwar
Teeming with an incredible variety of mammals, birds, insects and reptiles along with varied vegetation, Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a naturalist’s treasure. A majority of the landscape is dominated by basalt rich soil, a result of a century-old lava explosion. From dense forests to open grasslands, the diverse landscape makes it a suitable habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna.
2. Plant life and botanical diversity
Tipeshwar is primarily categorised as a Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest. It is this deciduous nature that makes for dramatically different scenery in every season. While a palette of brown and rust sweeps though the summers, monsoons paint the landscape a lush green.
The plant life of Tipeshwar includes both deciduous and evergreen trees with a wide variety of grasses like Kunda, Kadmod, Guhar, Gokru, among others.
Tipeshwar is known for its bamboo groves that include 250 species like Tulda, Kalal and Nana. A history of monoculture by the British has resulted in teak (Tectonic grades) being a dominant species. Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), among the most expensive sandalwood varieties in India, covers 15% of the sanctuary.
Other trees include Achar (Cordia myxa), Lendia (Lagerstroemia parviflora) and Bhirra Tiwas (Ougeinia oojeinense). One of the most treasured trees in the region is Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) — the tribes of Central India use its flowers for their medicinal properties, as a sweetener and the main ingredient for the local brew.
Come spring, Tipeshwar forest is painted a beautiful red by Palash trees; the blossoming of the Flame of the Forest is a particularly delightful time of the year to enjoy Tipeshwar.
3. Birds, bees and other winged residents
With over 180 bird species belonging to 46 families of 16 different orders, Tipeshwar is the birder’s favourite perch. Ten different migratory birds visit through the year.
Summers bring the Indian Cuckoo, Asian Brown Flycatcher and Indian Nuthatch while the monsoons play host to the Fork-tailed Drongo, Jacobin's Cuckoo and Eurasian Cuckoo. As temperatures drop, our winter guests include Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Black Redstart, Common Rosefinch and Northern Pintail.
The climes of Tipeshwar suit a clutch of threatened species such as Painted Stork, Asian Wooly-necked Stork, Black-headed Ibis and Oriental Darter. Tipeshwar is one of the few places in the world where you can still spot the critically-endangered Indian Vulture.
A variety of plant species and seasonal variation in flora attract an incredible range of butterflies. The dry deciduous forest is visited by 97 species of butterflies belonging to 64
genera of five families. As the monsoon gives way to the winter, there is an abundance of butterflies, making October to January the best time to visit for those interested in smaller fauna.
4. The animal kingdom: Tipeshwar’s wildlife
The Royal Bengal Tiger is inarguably Tipeshwar’s biggest draw. In fact, the contiguous forested tracts of central India that include Pench, Kanha, Satpura, Tadoba and Tipeshwar support 16% of the total number of tigers found in India.
Currently there are around 14 tigers who call this home. The last decade has seen a significant increase in the sanctuary’s tiger population. In fact, with the smaller size of the sanctuary, no zoning, and almost all of it being open to safari, the chances of tiger spotting in Tipeshwar are much higher than many other parks.
It’s not uncommon to see a majestic mother tigress with her cubs enjoying a drink of water from the many natural streams or cooling off right in the middle of the dirt roads we drive on.
Besides the tiger, tourists may spot a host of other mammals on safari — from herbivores like Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Chital (Spotted Deer), Chousingha (Four Horned Antelope) and Gaur (Indian Bison) to carnivores like Dhole (Wild Dog), Leopard Cat and Panther and scavengers like Striped Hyena.
It is home to significant populations of Sloth Bear, Black Buck, Sambar, Jackal, Wild boar and a host of primates. Tipeshwar’s felid residents include Jungle cats, Leopards and Rusty Spotted Cat. Black-naped hare, Honeybadgers and Indian Palm Civets are among the smaller mammals that are found here.
The nilgai’s preference for areas with short bushes and scattered trees in scrub forests and grassy plains makes Tipeshwar an ideal habitat. Endemic to the Indian subcontinent, nilgai is Asia’s largest antelope.
There are around 26 reptile species within the sanctuary, including the near threatened Indian Rock Python and Red Sand Boa . The extremely rare Indian Egg Eater (Elachistodon Westermanni)— a semi-arboreal reptile named for its penchant for making a meal out of eggs from bird nests — was recently spotted. Other snakes of interest include the Indian Cobra, Indian Rock Python, Russel’s Viper, and Checkered Keelback.
Tipeshwar may be small, but with a wide variety of animals, birds, insects and vegetation, it is listed among the best wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra by the serious wildlife traveller.
5. Tigers of Tipeshwar: Meet the big cats 😍
Before the park closed for the monsoon season in July 2023, with the help of trackers, safari sightings and camera traps, at least 14 tigers have been identified at Tipeshwar.
Early in February, Tigress T1, fondly called Talaowali caused a stir when she stopped by at Tipai for a drink of water. She’s one of Tipeshwar’s four resident adults along with Archie (T7), Mark (T4) and Zanjeer(T8). While Talaowali recently gave birth to three healthy cubs, Archie had a second litter — both litters were sired by Zanjeer.
Zanjeer, born of Pilkhanwali and Star, currently reigns supreme at Tipeshwar. After a duel between father and son, the defeated Star and Pilkhanwali left Tipeshwar for quieter pastures.
Veer, named for the distinct V on his forehead, returned to Tipeshwar where his mother Talaowali still lives, after an absence of two years. In June 2021, Veer ventured beyond the boundaries of the sanctuary. While the Forest Department tried hard to locate him, all efforts were in vain, barring a chance sighting in Pusad. In June 2023, tourist photographs of a tiger with a V on his forehead indicated that Veer had returned to the forest he was born in, testament to a tiger’s homing instincts.
Things to do in Tipeshwar. Go on a safari
Top on every wildlife buff’s list is a game drive or jungle safari. Accompanied by trained guides and naturalists, the safari experience in Tipeshwar can be as exciting as it is informative.
Driving into the forest in open top jeeps, listening for the sounds of the wild — the bark of a deer, the rustling of leaves, the warning calls of birds — before you can spot them; the anticipation of seeing wildlife in action is what makes a safari exciting, irrespective of how many animals you actually sight.
Our guides have extensive knowledge about the sanctuary's ecosystem, wildlife behaviour, and conservation efforts. Spot the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Jungle Cat, Wild Dogs and Golden Jackal who form the apex predators of the local ecosystem, supported by large herbivore herds of Spotted Deer, Sambar, Barking Deer, Four- Horned Antelopes, Indian Gazelle and the Black Buck.
1. Birdwatching in the wild
With 180 species of birds and a host of migratory species that visit in different seasons, Tipeshwar should be on the list of every birder worth his salt. The wetlands and water bodies within the sanctuary attract numerous wading birds, while the forested areas are home to various species of bee eaters, drongos, parakeets, buntings, finches and larks. Rare birds include Woolly-necked and Painted storks as well as Black-headed Ibis and Oriental Darter and the critically-endangered Indian Vulture.
2. Wildlife photography
Whether you are a researcher documenting a rare species, a professional wildlife photographer covering the wilds of the world or an amateur birder, Tipeshwar has something for you.
Forest guards and guides, as well as trackers from the local community are more than happy to assist you on your sojourns inside the park, with their in-depth knowledge of animal calls and routes. While you are not allowed to explore the sanctuary on foot for safety reasons, open top jeeps give you 360° views.
3. Nature trails
While trekking is not allowed within the sanctuary limits, buffer zones and the territorial division of Pandharkawda around Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary can be explored on foot. Caps, comfortable shoes and clothing in earth tones, along with a good pair of binoculars
are indispensable. If you are staying at Tipai, rest assured of a safe trek exploring birds, butterflies and plants with our able guides.
4. Picnic in the woods
Scenic spots abound in the periphery of the sanctuary. The team at Tipai have a secret list of safe picnic spots with the best views. There’s nothing like a leisurely meal in the lap of nature in your own pocket of the wild, while you spot rare birds while enjoying the sunset.
5. Visiting local villages
There are three villages within the vicinity of the sanctuary, where people from the Pardhan, Gond and Kolam tribes live. A visit to the village is a great way to get to know the people and local culture of Tipeshwar. Primarily subsistence farmers, the tribes of Tipeshwar have lived in harmony with nature since time immemorial.
Wildlife experiences at Tipai: The safari and beyond
At Tipai, we believe that Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is more than just the safari. Discover its biodiversity with our nature guides while exploring local culture through a range of customised Tipai experiences.
1. Tipai safari experience
Head out at sunrise or late afternoon on a private jeep for your custom safari with our trained and experienced naturalists. Mindful of your comfort, we provide a curated Safari Kit that has powerful binoculars, skin care and other safari essentials. Our culinary team will whip up a picnic breakfast and on-the-go snacks for you to enjoy on your mid-safari break. Speak to your personal concierge to reserve your safari.
Timings:
Morning: 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM / Evening: 2:30 AM to 6:30 PM
2. Nature walks
Take a guided nature walk through our pristine Tipai habitat with your naturalist. Stroll through rustic village roads winding through the scrub bushes and farmlands, while exchanging a greeting with the local residents and taking in the scenic beauty of the Gondwakdi lake.
Timings:
Morning: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM / Evening: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
3. Food forest and orchard visit
Indulge in a spot of gardening, or pick your own salad leaves and fruits for your meal from our food forest and orchard. Experience our efforts towards being self-sufficient and living off the land based on the values of permaculture. We grow many varieties of herbs, salad leaves, seasonal vegetables and have numerous fruit trees including mango, papaya, water apple, custard apple, lemon, fig and more. To ensure we give you a healthy farm to table experience, we only use organic manure and neem-based natural pest control methods.
4. Camera trap trail
Try this citizen science activity, especially if you are travelling with children, to learn about the nocturnal wildlife of the region. We set up our cameras around dusk and the next morning transfer the data to our database which helps build a record of the wildlife of the region.
Timings
Evening : 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
5. Birding and village visit
This is a guided cultural and ecological exploration of three local villages and lakes, each with their own characteristics. We begin with a visit to the Gondwakdi village and lake to observe migratory birds where you can also try your hand at line fishing. Next, visit the famous Tulja Bhavani Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, built in the 12th century at the village of Kelapur. Enjoy the beauty of the Sunna and Jam lakes while ending your tour at the village of Mathani which is rich in birdlife.
Timings
4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
6. Fishing
Slow down, switch off and become one with nature as you. Relax by our rain-fed fish pond that has almost 2,000 fish of different breeds and species. Our naturalist will assist you in learning fishing techniques and share knowledge about fish ecology. Take a picnic basket along with your favourite book and let the magic of Tipai take over.
7. Stargazing
Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, nights in the forest are dark and mysterious. In seasons where the night skies are clear, thousands of stars glitter across a vast, velvety expanse. Guided by our passionate naturalist, use our powerful Celestron telescope to discover constellations, spot a shooting star or a distant planet. A meditative experience, feel connected to the cosmos while the forest glimmers with the light of fireflies all around you.
Timings
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
8. Learn with nature
Our naturalists have curated an exciting range of wildlife-themed activities that help you learn about nature and share life skills. Great for engaging kids while the adults relax or as a group activity for fun with family, friends and colleagues. Speak to your personal concierge for more information and to plan your activities.
1. Wildlife Games: Play a variety of wildlife games or create your own with the help of our naturalists.
2. Jr Naturalist Program: A naturalist led program for kids where they learn to identify trees, bird calls, pug marks, butterflies and plants through engaging and playful activities.
3. Playbox: We also have a variety of indoor and outdoor games for sunlit afternoons and rainy evenings for some fun and laughter with friends and family.
Places to Visit Near Tipeshwar: Around Town
1. Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary:
An easy hour and a half drive from Tipeshwar lies Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary, another biodiversity hotspot. Spanning 325 sqkm, the protected area lies on both sides of the Painganga river. It is home to a significant population of herbivores like pangolins, chinkara, chital, four-horned antelope (chausinga), nilgai, Indian muntjac. Visitors can spot striped hyenas, jungle cats, sloth bears and wild dogs as well as larger carnivores like leopards.
2. Kuntala Waterfall:
At 150 metres, Kuntala is the highest waterfall in Telangana, a part of the Kadam river. It is a good two hour drive from Tipeshwar, perfect for a day trip. A 400- step descent into the natural pool created by the waterfall isn’t for the fainthearted. The months between July-December offer the best views when the waterfall is at its fullest.
3. Lakes and Reservoirs:
Scenic waterbodies dot the periphery of Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and make for excellent birding spots. Enjoy a sundowner by the lake while you listen to birdcalls in spots selected exclusively for you by your concierge at Tipai. Our favourite spots include Sai Kheda Dam (25 km), Jam Lake (15km) and Gondwakdi Lake (2km).
4. Kelapur:
Devotees from far and near come to Kelapur or Pandharkawda to visit the Jagadamba Bhavani Mata Temple. It is the oldest in this region.
Travel Tips For Visitors: What to pack for your Tipeshwar trip
1. Safari Wear:
Earth toned clothes like brown and green are recommended for safaris. Carry a cap, because the sun can be harsh in open top jeeps. A pair of dark glasses (polarised goggles recommended) and comfortable shoes are essential. We recommend trail boots or hiking shoes in the outdoors to avoid injury from broken glass, thorns, scorpion stings and snake bites.
2. Wildlife Gear:
While avid birders are known to bring their own binoculars, your resort will most likely send a pair along on safari. Guests of Tipai have access to state-of-the-art Solognac binoculars, but it’s never a bad idea to get your favourite pair along. While phone cameras are great for selfies and a quick click, a good point and shoot camera with a powerful optical zoom will make your memories even clearer. Amateur and professional photographers need no tips for gear (don’t forget your telephoto lens)!
4. Health and Wellness:
Avoid strong perfumes on safari and nature walks, and definitely wear sunscreen. A citronella spray goes a long way in keeping mosquitoes and other insects away. Visiting in monsoon? Don’t forget leech repellants. In case you have a history with allergies like pollen or dust, carry an antihistamine. In summers or during tick season, carry Permethrin ointment.
4. Mandatory Permits:
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary allows only 24 safaris per day. It is essential to book your safari and apply for a permit on the the government’s Maha Eco Tourism Website in advance. We take care of all this and more for guests of Tipai, so you are assured of a hassle-free safari when you stay with us.
How to book a safari and other FAQs
While your concierge at Tipai will book all your safaris in advance, here is all the information the independent traveller needs to ensure a seat in what can become the most incredible memory of wildlife sighting.
1. Where can I book my Tipeshwar Safari?
The government-run Maha Eco Tourism website makes Tipeshwar Safari booking easy. It is the only place you can book your safari in advance online. Your hotel can do this for you as well.
2. Do I need a special permit to travel in Tipeshwar?
A Safari Permit is mandatory, which can be obtained on the Maha Eco Tourism website. Please carry a hard copy with you on the day of the safari.
3. Which is the recommended gate for better wildlife sighting?
As Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary covers a relatively small area with almost 90% of the park open to safari, you can choose to enter from either of the two gates, depending on where you are staying. To avoid congestion of safari vehicles, only 24 safaris are permitted per day.
Tipeshwar Safari Gates
12 safaris daily from Sunna Gate: 7 km from Pandharkawada
12 safaris daily from Mathani Gate: 23 km from Pandharkawada
The Sunna gate is the preferred entry point for guests of Tipai as it is a swift 15 minute drive from our grounds.
4. I am not an early riser. Can we go on safari later in the morning?
Safari timings are decided by the forest authorities keeping in mind the needs of the wildlife you are hoping to see, as well as your safety. Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary timings are as follows:
5. Can we visit Tipeshwar Wildlife Safari any day of the week?
While there is lots to do in and around Tipeshwar throughout the week, the wildlife sanctuary and safari routes remain closed on Mondays. At Tipai, Mondays are for guests to wake up at leisure, enjoy the incredible spread of F&B our chefs conjure, and visit waterfalls in the surrounds.
6. What are the best accommodation facilities near Tipeshwar?
Accommodation in Tipeshwar includes a few homestay options, basic lodges and only one resort. Tipai is the only wildlife luxury resort near Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
7. Where is Tipeshwar National Park?
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Yavatmal District of Maharashtra.
8. What are the best places to see the fauna of Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves, of which Tipeshwar is a great place for wildlife sightings.
When to go: Best time to visit Tipeshwar
Winter: November to February
At 24-27°C during the day, winters are perfectly pleasant with a slight nip in the air. A light jacket for the day and warmer pullovers for 15°C nights are recommended. For guests of Tipai, we kit out our safari wheels with blankets for morning sojourns and the campfire crackles on glorious winter evenings.
Summer: March-July
Temperatures soar while the forest turns a golden-brown. The best time to have the forest all to yourself, summer is ripe with the possibilities of amazing sightings through sparse foliage. We advise light cottons, sunscreen (SPF 50++) and an appetite for adventure.
Monsoon: June to October
The rains turn Tipeshwar a lush green. An ideal time to soak in the creature comforts of Tipai, monsoon are magical in our villas. While the national park is closed, our grounds are bathed in romance of the rains with curated experiences for the season. Gum boots and rain gear are essential when outdoors.
How to reach Tipeshwar
Growing frequency of tiger sightings in Tipeshwar has made it a regular on the wildlife traveller’s list. While only serious enthusiasts found their way to the remote sanctuary earlier, better roads and travel infrastructure both from Hyderabad and Nagpur have made the journey much more accessible in the last decade. No matter which route you choose to
take, as you settle down in your sustainably-built private villa at Tipai, you’ll know the journey was worth it.
1. By Air
The closest airport is at Sonegaon, Nagpur, 170 kms from Tipeshwar. Hotel transfers are arranged on request and are the most convenient way to travel. Alternatively, one can book a taxi at the Nagpur airport independently.
2. By Road
Well-connected by national highways, Tipai is a comfortable drive from Nagpur and Hyderabad. For the intrepid traveller, the Pandharkawada Bus Station on National Highway 7 is about 22 km away — but we recommend a private car for a swift and comfortable transit.
3. By rail
There are no direct trains to Tipeshwar making the train journey here a combination of rail and road. The closest railheads are at Amaravati and Badnera, while Adilabad Railway Station and Yavatmal Railway Station have more frequent connections. Those travelling from Hyderabad can disembark at Kinwat, which is about 80km from Tipeshwar.
Quick tip: Wildlife Luxuries recommends flying in to Nagpur with a quick and comfortable transfer to Tipai through our travel desk. For those who enjoy road trips, driving from Hyderabad is a great option.
Conservation initiatives in Tipeshwar
Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1997, Tipeshwar is a part of critical tiger corridors of Central India. It includes the villages of Pitapungari, Maregao and Tipeshwar. As is common in sanctuaries close to densely populated villages, Tipeshwar, too, has had to deal with challenges in wildlife conservation like poaching, illegal mining and encroachment.
To protect the incredible flora and fauna of Maharashtra, several government and non-government organisations have initiated conservation programs. In fact, declaring Tipeshwar a wildlife sanctuary was one of the first moves to limit human activity within the protected area.
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by the Forest Conservator of Pench National Park with the able assistance and guidance of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Nagpur. Instead of focusing only on tiger conservation in Tipeshwar, authorities have taken a more holistic approach. Building awareness and gaining the confidence and support of local communities is key in conservation endeavours. Besides implementation of anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration, initiatives include education programs and encouraging practices that enable community involvement. Eco-tourism has become an important way to not just raise awareness, but to strengthen livelihood opportunities. When the survival of wildlife becomes important to the economy of a region, local communities become more invested in conservation.
Prevention of poaching
Poaching is perhaps the most critical challenge. Since the establishment of the park, forest officials have developed and maintained tracks for movement of guards and patrolling team. Snare traps have been identified and destroyed. Drones and camera trapping has
been used to keep track of animal movement and other activity. The Forest Department has carried out extensive sensitising programs to reduce poaching. The sanctuary's management practices and prey base maintenance have received much adulation and praise in recent times.
Habitat preservation
Encroachment is one of the main challenges for any protected area. The local communities of the three villages around Tipeshwar do depend on the forest for firewood and cattle grazing — but this is within permissible limits set and monitored by the Forest Department. Planned afforestation and regular maintenance goes hand-in-hand with strict vigilance against illegal felling of trees. A wider awareness program on climate change along with programs for alternative livelihood through eco-tourism are playing an important role in preservation of wild habitats.
Ecotourism as an enabler
Still in its nascent stages as a tourist destination, Tipeshwar has the chance to develop in a sustainable way. Its size and relative remoteness make it an ideal experimental ground for responsible ecotourism. Involving the local community in tourism with sensitisation and capacity building programs has resulted in them becoming stakeholders in the protection of the sanctuary. Human-wildlife conflict and illegal activities can be curbed if people associate their own progress with conservation. Such initiatives can succeed with the support of an enthusiastic Forest Department and conscientious private players.
Training nature guides
With multiple villages in close proximity to the sanctuary, Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is no stranger to human-animal conflict. The Maharashtra Forest Department in collaboration with NGOs like Wildlife Trust of India have conducted training programs for the local population, with a special focus on Nature Guides — the youth of the village, who can help not only tourists on safari, but also the forest department in tracking wildlife. The workshops cover issues like safety, conservation, ecology of Tipeshwar as well as technical sessions on animal behaviour.
Creating tiger corridors
Currently there are six tiger reserves in Maharashtra. In 2019, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) green lit a project to fund conservation initiatives in tiger landscapes like the corridor linking Tipeshwar and Kawal Tiger Reserve over a length of about 60 km. This was around the same time a tigress, known as Pilkhanwali, gave birth to her third litter of four cubs in the Pilkhan region. But as the density of tigers is on the rise in the park, the number of leopards has seen a decline due to competition for prey; in the wild only the fittest survive. Up until the last decade, Tipeshwar’s teak forests and patchy grasslands used to be home to Indian Wolves. They, too, have lost their turf to tigers.
Creation of tiger corridors is an essential element of managing diversity: safe passage for apex predators across sanctuaries and national parks reduces competition for prey in isolated forests, allowing for wide and even distribution of predator and prey.
The Wildlife Luxuries promise
Wildlife Luxuries is playing a critical role, as the first and only luxury destination in Tipeshwar. As the first-of-our-kind in this fragile ecosystem, we believe in responsible stewardship. Our approach is ecosystem based and every choice we make is rooted in a conscious effort to conserve natural resources and transform the local communities through economic opportunities. We believe engaging the local community in conservation is essential to the longterm success of the sanctuary, and collaborate closely with the Forest Department in its conservation endeavours.
Responsible Travel: Let’s keep Tipeshwar beautiful together
While eco tourism is an essential part of conserving the rich biodiversity and natural heritage, unplanned tourism in Tipeshwar might do more harm than good. Wildlife Luxuries works closely with the Forest Department and people of Tipeshwar to be a responsible hospitality initiative. Tipai is a sustainably-designed destination that has reinvigorated the land using the principles of permaculture. Our villas are built by the local folk with natural materials that reduce the need for artificial climate control. From harvesting every drop of rain scientifically to organic farming, we intend to give more to the land than we take.
1. Leave no trace:
Our team ensures that no garbage is thrown in and around the forests. We are 100% plastic-free, nipping the problem of trash at source. Littering is strictly not allowed and our team takes extra care to collect any trash that might have unintentionally been dropped in our surroundings.
2. Safari etiquette:
We encourage guests to talk softly while in the forest, to maximise their chances of spotting wildlife who have far sharper hearing than us. If traveling with children, we help them understand the need to stay as quiet as possible, allowing for a peaceful safari for all. Guests are allowed to disembark from vehicles at designated spots.
Safaris and sightings are a good resource for tracking wildlife movement. We encourage guests to report what they saw to the best of their abilities to contribute to a verified database of flora and fauna in Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
3. Photography:
Avoid using the flash as it can disturb wildlife and make them feel threatened. Do not get close to animal for the sake of a good selfie — this is dangerous both for you and them. When in the forest, our roles as guides and guests is that of quiet observers. Calling out to or feeding animals is strictly not allowed.
Tipeshwar awaits your next holiday
Those looking for their next wildlife adventure in India, need look no further. Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary offers that unique combination of unexplored forests, plenty of birds and animals and a good chance of sighting the elusive tiger. Your choice to experience the joys of a jungle in an eco-conscious and responsible way will go a long way in preserving the natural biodiversity of this beautiful forest.