Nandur Mahyameshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nasik


Nandur Madhyameshwar's habitat, bird watchers' paradise

Location:
Sanctuary is located in Niphad Tehsil of Nasik district.

Biodiversity:
Nandur Madhyameshwar stone pick up weir was constructed in 1907-13 on the river Godavari just below the confluence of Kodwa and Goadavari rivers. The water released from Gandapur and Darana water reservoirs upstream is stored at Nandur Madhyameshwar and subsequently released from here through canals to further places through canals for irrigation. As such the water level is always fluctuating in Nandur Madhyameshwar lake. Annually lot of silts and organic matter carried away with water flow is accumulated in the lake as such islands and shallow water ponds have been created which has created water ponds, having biological enriched conditions by which aquatic vegetation has been established. These are 23 small lakes. Thus site has turned into good wetland habitat aptly described as 'Bharatpur of Maharashtra.

Flora:

In totality nearly 460 species of plants have been recorded along with 80 species of aquatic plant. The latter includes - Ipomea fistula, Ipomea aquatica, Hygrophila auriculate, Phylanodiflora, Polygonum plebeium, Rumex dentatus, Hydrilla verticulata, Vallisneria spiralis, Eichhornia, Typha angustata etc. Babul, Neem, Tamarind, Jamun, Maharukh, Vilayati chinch, Mango, Pangara Nilgiri etc. The surrounding areas and galphera are intensively cultivated for wheat, Jowar, Sugarcane, Vegetables etc.                 

Fauna:

Nearly 24 species of fishes have been recorded in the reservior including Ompok Maculatus, Puntius Gawa Mullya. So far more than 230 species of birds are recorded from this area out of which 80 species are migratory.

Migratory:  White stork, Glossy ibis, Spoonbills, Flamigo, Goose Brahminy duck, Pintails, Mallard, Wigeon, Gargenery shoveller, Pochardds, Cranes Shanks, Curlews, Pratincole wagtails, Godwits, Weavers etc.

Resident:  Black ibis, spotbills, Teals, little grabe, Cormorants, Egrets, Herons, Stork, Kites, Vultures, Buzzards, Harriers, Osprey, quails, Patridges, Eagles, waterhens, Sandpipe, Swifts, Grey hornbill, Peafowl etc.

Animals:  Ottar, Palm civet, Fishing cat, Jackal, Mangoose, Wolves and many species of snakes etc are available.

Tourist Information:
The area has many temples in the vicinity, the water reservoir when filled in with water gives panoramic scenic view of the surrounding and its fascinating fauna attracts the visitors through out the year. 

Best time to visit:  December to February

Nearest Airport:  Aurangabad (180 Kms.), (Mumbai 225 Kms.)

By Rail:  Niphad is small station on Mumbai-Bhusaval railway line. Niphad to Khangaon Thadi 12 Kms.

By Road:  From Nasik - Chandoriphata - Saikheda - Khangaon Thadi - 40 Kms.

Accommodations:
There are two suite rest house at Khangaon Thadi for which reservation is to be done in advance from Executive engineer, Irrigation, Nasik district, Nasik. For wooden boats, guides etc. Asst. Conservator of forest RFO Nandur Madhyameshwar sanctuary has to be contacted either at Nasik or Khangaon Thadi.

Address & Phone Number:
ACF (WL) Nandur Madhmeshwar,
"Kale  Bhuvan" plot No. 71514 
opposite H.P.T.College, College Road, Nasik, 432005,
Maharashtra, India.

91-253-2317114 & 91-253-2317115

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