NATIONAL PARKS OF INDIA

Gugamal National Park is spread over a sprawling area of about 1673.93 square kilometers. The park is the last remaining abode of the Indian tigers in the state of Maharashtra.

About the park
The park is nestled in the Satpura Hills in the Dharni Tehsils and Chikhaldara of Amaravati District in Maharashtra. It was created in 1974. It is the core part of Maharashtra's well-known Melghat Tiger Reserve.

Fauna
The important wild animals that are found in this park include Tigers, Sloth Bear, Panther, Wild Dog, Chausinga, Jackal, Gaur, Hyena, Barking Deer, Sambar, Flying squirrel, Ratel, Nilgai, Cheetal, Wild Boar, Macaque and Rhesus Monkey.

Crocodiles were re-introduced in Siddu Kund in Gadga river near Dhakna in 1990 and in Hathikund in the Dolar river in 1991. The national park is also home to numerous types of butterflies and around 25 varieties of fish species.

Flora
Gugamal National Park is mostly covered with Southern arid deciduous forest. The prime floras of the area are Ain, Tectona grandis, Aola, Dhawada, Kusum, Tiwas, Lendia and several medical plants. Strobilanthes and certain orchids are found in the upper ranges of the park. Bamboo is quite prominent in the region.
 
Accommodation
Visitors can find certain rest houses in Dhargad, Dhakna, Ranguveli, Raipur, Kolkaz, Makhalara, Jarida, Hatru, Chunkhadi and Chaurakund.

Getting there
The closest railway station is located at Badnera in Amravati which is about 110 km from the park. From Badnera one has to drive to Semadoh to reach the park (about 3 hours drive). The nearby airport is at Nagpur which is approximately 225 km away from the park.

Tourist information
Best time to visit: Between October to June
Visiting hours: 7.00 am - 6.00 pm
Phone: Amravati - 444602 91-721-2662792