Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is around 140 kms from Mumbai and is supposed to have the densest population of wildlife around Mumbai. Phansad is famous for a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It was the hunting ground for the former princely state of Murud-Janjira. It has a good combination of forest, wetlands and grasslands. For me, its USP is that you can go on foot for the safaris. All vehicles are banned within the sanctuary. To experience the wilderness on foot was a very enjoyable experience.
The entrance to the sanctuary is at Supegaon which is around 10kms from Kashid. We booked our stay at Friends and Family Restaurant which is a budget hotel very near to Prakruti Resort in Kashid. [This is a budget hotel and the rooms are clean. Meal options were limited but the quality was good.] Tent accommodation is available within the sanctuary and is very reasonably priced. There is a small eatery at the entrance of the Sanctuary which is operated by the local Mahila Bachat Sanghatana. The food served here is divine (and cheap as well). In case you intend to have your meals here, inform them in advance.
There are a number of watering holes in the sanctuary which act as good spots for wildlife. We went to Chikhalgan and Savratgan. The trail to each of these watering holes is around 6 kms from the ticket window. The ticket window for the park opens at 6:00 in the morning. We went into the sanctuary at 6:00 and took the Chikhalgan trail. From here we came back by around 1:00 pm. Had delicious lunch and then took the Savratgan trail. Both the trails are well marked. Ensure that you carry sufficient water, caps and a torch in case you are likely to get late.
On the Chikhalgan trail we were able to get sightings of the Green Vine Snake, Grey Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, Yellow Footed Green Pigeon, Black, Ashy and White Bellied Drongo, Golden Fronted Leaf Bird, Jungle Owlet and White Throated Kingfisher. During the evening trail to Savratgan, we were lucky with sightings of Indian Giant Squirrel, Jungle Fowl, Rufous Treepie and another sighting of the Paradise Flycatcher.
Use the link below to see more photos from that trip.
On the Chikhalgan trail we were able to get sightings of the Green Vine Snake, Grey Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, Yellow Footed Green Pigeon, Black, Ashy and White Bellied Drongo, Golden Fronted Leaf Bird, Jungle Owlet and White Throated Kingfisher. During the evening trail to Savratgan, we were lucky with sightings of Indian Giant Squirrel, Jungle Fowl, Rufous Treepie and another sighting of the Paradise Flycatcher.
Use the link below to see more photos from that trip.
Post by Travel Tips.
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