Nestled along the southern edges of the Sahyadri hills in the Western Ghats, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary is the first wildlife sanctuary constituted in Maharashtra in the year 1958. Also, referred to as Bison Sanctuary, it is situated in the Radhanagari Taluka in the district of Kolhapur. The sanctuary has several populations of rare and endangered bird species. As such it has been declared as a crucial Bird Area by the Bird Life International.

Flora
Vegetation covers: southern moist mixed deciduous forest, southern evergreen forest and southern semi evergreen forest.
Trees: Jambul, Chandala, Karvi, Garambi, banana, Tamalpati, Kadipatta, Vagati, sacred groves, etc.

Fauna
Flagship species: Indian Bison (approximately 500)
Other species: Leopard, Sloth bear, Giant Squirrel, Barking deer, Mouse deer, etc.
As per the tiger census of 2007-08, 6 to 12 tigers have been seen in the Dajipur forest area.

Avian fauna
Threatened species: Nilgiri wood-pigeon, yellow-browed bulbul, Ceylon frogmouth, etc. Other species: Malabar grey hornbill, Indian blue robin, vultures, Nightjars, Bee-eater, Sunbirds, Sandpipers and many more.

Getting There
The closest airport is located 85 km away at Kolhapur. The nearest bus terminal and railway station are at Karad about 35-40km away. The bus terminal is located on the Pune-Banglore highway. State Highway 116 passes through the middle of Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tourist Information
The tourists can avail accommodation at Dak Bungalow, Dormitory or at Forest Rest House with prior reservations with the Deputy Conservator of Forests.
The Shiva temple and the Kamal Bhairao temple, located inside the sanctuary, are important pilgrim centres and popular tourist spots.

Additional Information
Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, Bindu Chowk, Ganji Galli, Kolhapur, Maharashtra--416 002
Area: approximately 351.16 sq km
Best visiting time: August to February
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