The Wan Sanctuary
The district of Amravati is partly plain and partly on the Satpura range. This rugged and hilly tract of the district is mostly covered by dense forest with rich biological diversity. This part is known as the Vidharbha region of Maharashtra. Wan Sanctuary is a part of this Vidharbha region of Amravati district. It is adjacent to Melghat and is at the south eastern part of the Reserve forest. This sanctuary is mainly populated with the tropical dry deciduous trees and is a delight for the nature lovers and shutterbugs.
The Wan Sanctuary is placed at a height of 1118 meters above the mean sea level and is at a peak adjacent to a natural valley. As per local myth, this sanctuary is located exactly at a place which is believed to be the battle ground for Bheema and Keechaka of Mahabharata. Story further goes as Bheema fought and defeated Keechaka on the hill top and threw him deep into this valley. This valley came to be known as the Keechakadhara. The Chikaldhara region which is also an extension of this valley is believed to be named after Keechakadhara.
This sanctuary is an amazing place with serene nature, fabulous waterfalls and amazing greenery. This region is also popular for Coffee plantation. Within the Wan sanctuary flows the huge Chilka Lake, which is the main source of water supply for the animals. Early morning visit to this lake can be exciting for tourists with loads of animal sightings. This sanctuary is the abode of varied flora and fauna. Sloth Bear, Hyena, Bison, Barking Deer, Sambhar, Panther, Leopard, Wild Dogs and Wild Boar are commonly seen on a jungle safari. Teak, Air, Tiwas, Dhawda, Kusum, Moha Bamboos, Tectona Grandis, Aola and Lendia are the main trees found in the forest. Some of the parts are heavily crowded with Bamboo trees as well and the area is also rich in medicinal plants.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and February when the weather is cool and pleasant. During this time animal sightings can be less. People on adventure tourism to this place can come between April and June to view maximum number of animals. Within the sanctuary there is no rest house and the sanctuary closes at 6 pm everyday. The nearest rest house is at Dhargad, which is in the Melghat Tiger Reserve. A road trip to this place is most enjoyed. Roads are pretty decent and private vehicles are allowed even within the park. Various tour packages are available covering this place and tourist bus can take you for a one day trip to the Wan Sanctuary. Akola is the nearest junction, which is about 45 kilometers from here. Local buses and auto are available from Akola.