Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary

The Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located within the Yawal Tehsil of the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, India, at the banks of the Anner and Manjar rivers and at the border of Madhya Pradesh. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 176 km2 and is characterized by its extensive dense forest coverage.

The area was officially recognized as protected in 1969. Excessive deforestation and tree smugglin g led to significant habitat degradation starting in the early 2000s. The local government, indigenous groups, and several environmental organizations have worked to reverse the damage. Organizations such as Lok Sangharsh Morcha (LSM), or the People’s Struggle Front, have worked to ensure conservation of the region. The sanctuary is gradually recovering.

Sanctuary Attractions
The Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a significant natural diversity of fauna, most notably the Bengal tiger. Other wild animals include blue bulls, wild dogs, flying squirrels, and leopards. Attractions include the temples of Sri Padmalaya, the Swinging Towers of Farkande, and Unapdev Hot Springs.

Flora
Teak, Salai, orchids, and Anjan trees dominate the forest. Other common plant species include Shisam, Haldu, Jamun, Tendu, Awala/Amla, Bamboo and other long grasses.

Fauna
The sanctuary is home to many fauna including tigers, leopards, sambar deer, chinkara, nilgai, sloth bears, jackals, foxes, wolves, wild boars, barking deer, jungle cats, palm civet, wild dogs, and flying squirrels.

Climate
Heavy rainfall is present, particularly from June to September, often reducing visitation from tourists. The most popular time to visit is during winter; with a temperature range of 20-28°C, the sanctuary's winter is far milder than its summers, which occasionally pass 35°C.

Accommodation
The Government rest house provides facilities for lodging and boarding. The British period rest house is located in Pal, which is located in the Sanctuary.

Transportation
Jalgaon Airport is the nearest airport to the sanctuary, and the nearest railway station is Bhuswal Junction.