Kolhapur, also known as Kollapuram, is a city in Maharashtra and one of the most popular destinations in India. The city is known for its religious and cultural significance, as it is the home of the Mahalakshmi Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas (sacred sites of Goddess). Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary famous places in Kolhapur, visit during Kolhapur sightseeing.
The city is also known for its rich history and heritage, as it was the capital of the Maratha kingdom of Kolhapur from 1700 to 1949. The city has several monuments and landmarks that reflect its royal and historical glory. One of the most natural and biodiverse among them is the Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary.
Location of Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary
The Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Radhanagari taluka of the city, near the Radhanagari Dam. It is easily accessible by public transport, such as buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. The nearest railway station is Kolhapur Railway Station, which is about 50 km away from the sanctuary. The nearest airport is Kolhapur Airport, which is about 55 km away from the sanctuary.
Timing/Entry Fees Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is open to visitors from 7 am to 6 pm on all days of the week. The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 30 per person, while for foreign nationals it is Rs. 150 per person. The fee includes a guide service that provides information about the flora and fauna of the sanctuary.
How to Reach Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary can be reached by various modes of transport from different parts of the city. Here are some of the options:
- By Bus: There are several buses that ply to and from the sanctuary from various bus stops in the city. Some of the bus numbers are 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H, and 5J.
- By Auto-Rickshaw/Taxi: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available in the city and can be hired to reach the sanctuary. The fare may vary depending on the distance and traffic conditions.
- By Car: The sanctuary has a parking facility for visitors who come by their own vehicles. The parking fee is Rs. 40 for two-wheelers and Rs. 80 for four-wheelers.
Things to Do/Must See Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is a natural and biodiverse center that showcases the beauty and diversity of nature. It is one of the oldest and largest wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra and one of the most important conservation areas in India. The sanctuary was established in 1958 by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Shivaji’s grandson and successor, as a game reserve for hunting. The sanctuary covers an area of about 350 sq km and has various types of habitats, such as evergreen forests, grasslands, wetlands, and rivers.
Some of the things to do and must see in the sanctuary are:
- Admire the flora and fauna of the sanctuary, which has more than 400 species of plants and more than 300 species of animals. Some of the plants that can be seen in the sanctuary are teak, bamboo, jamun, mango, banyan, etc. Some of the animals that can be seen in the sanctuary are bison, deer, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, monkey, peacock, hornbill, kingfisher, etc.
- Explore the history and significance of the sanctuary through its various attractions and landmarks that are related to its past and present. Some of them are:
- Radhanagari Dam: This dam was built by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj in 1907 as a source of irrigation and hydroelectricity for Kolhapur. It is one of the oldest dams in India and one of the largest earthen dams in Asia. It has a height of 42 meters and a length of 1034 meters. It creates a reservoir that covers an area of about 11 sq km.
- Dajipur Bison Sanctuary: This sanctuary was established in 1985 as a separate zone within the Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary for protecting and breeding bison (also known as gaur), which are endangered animals native to India. It covers an area of about 20 sq km and has more than 500 bison.
- Visit the nature interpretation center in the sanctuary that provides information about the ecology and conservation of the sanctuary through various exhibits and displays. The center also organizes various activities and programs for visitors such as nature trails, bird watching, wildlife photography, etc.
Significance of Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is not only a natural and biodiverse center, but also a educational and awareness center of the city. The sanctuary hosts various events and functions throughout the year, such as workshops, seminars, camps, competitions, etc. The sanctuary also serves as a venue for research and study for various students and scholars.
The sanctuary aims to preserve and promote the rich and diverse heritage of nature and to inspire and educate the present and future generations about the values and virtues of nature. The sanctuary also aims to spread the message of harmony and coexistence among all living beings and to contribute to the development of the society and the nation.
FAQ’s
Q: How old is the Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary?
A: The sanctuary was established in 1958 by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj as a game reserve for hunting.
Q: What are the timings of the guide service in the Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary?
A: The guide service is available in the sanctuary from 7 am to 6 pm on all days of the week. The guide service provides information about the flora and fauna of the sanctuary
Conclusion
The Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit attraction for anyone who wants to experience the natural and biodiverse sanctuary in Kolhapur. The sanctuary offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of nature through various plants and animals. The sanctuary is a place where you can discover the past, enjoy the present, and imagine the future.🌿
