Nawegaon National Park, covering 133.78 square kilometers in the Gondia district of eastern Maharashtra, is one of Vidarbha's most picturesque wildlife sanctuaries. Built around the historic 11 km² Nawegaon lake created in the early 18th century by Kolu Patel Kohli, the park was notified as a National Park in November 1975. In December 2013, it was amalgamated with Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary to form the Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR). Celebrated by renowned ornithologist Dr. Sálim Ali as an essential avian destination, Nawegaon combines rich teak-bamboo forests with thousands of wintering migratory waterbirds and a growing tiger population.
Location & Geography
The park lies on the eastern edge of Maharashtra, near the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The terrain features gentle, undulating forested hills surrounding the sprawling Nawegaon Bandh reservoir. The lake has an intricate shoreline with natural islands (such as Maldonger), sandy inlets, and shallow marshy coves. Elevations range from 250 meters along the water to 450 meters on the surrounding hillocks.
Geographic & Topographic Parameters
Coordinates: 20°55' N, 80°10' E
Elevation Range: 250 m to 450 m above sea level
Terrain & Landscape: Undulating forested hills, 11 km² historic Nawegaon lake, dry deciduous woodlands, and marshy meadows
Area & Establishment
Constructed in 1720 AD by local Gond and Kohli engineers, the lake was historically managed as a community irrigation and fishery resource. Recognizing its exceptional wetland and forest biodiversity, the Government of Maharashtra declared 133.78 square kilometers as Nawegaon National Park on November 22, 1975. On December 12, 2013, it was officially designated as Maharashtra's fifth Project Tiger reserve (Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve).
Significance
Nawegaon occupies a strategic position in the central Indian tiger landscape. It acts as an indispensable corridor connecting Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to the south with Pench and Kanha to the north, facilitating natural tiger dispersal. As an Important Bird Area (IBA), the lake shelters more than half of the bird species recorded in Maharashtra.
Wildlife
Mammals in Nawegaon include the Royal Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, dhole (Asiatic wild dog), jungle cat, and small Indian civet. Herbivores are plentiful, including chital (spotted deer), sambar, gaur (Indian bison), nilgai, barking deer, four-horned antelope (chausingha), and wild boar.
Flagship Species: Bengal Tiger & Winter Migratory Waterfowl
The Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris) and the Wintering Waterfowl are the signature attractions of Nawegaon. Dispersing tigers from Tadoba and Pench have established breeding territories in the protected hills surrounding the lake. During winter, the lake surface is carpeted with thousands of migratory birds, while tigers and leopards are regularly photographed by camera traps patrolling the shoreline at dusk.
Avian diversity boasts over 210 species, including the sarus crane, painted stork, black-necked stork, Osprey, bar-headed goose, and cotton pygmy-goose. The lake waters harbor fresh-water turtles, marsh mugger crocodiles, and abundant indigenous fish species.
Flora & Vegetation
Vegetation represents Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous forest. Dominant trees include teak (Tectona grandis), haldu, tendu, dhaora, mahua, and jamun. The understory features thick bamboo brakes (Dendrocalamus strictus), while the lake margins support lush aquatic reeds and water lilies.
Safari & Visiting
Safaris operate through open 4x4 gypsies entering via the Nawegaon gate. Drives weave through dense teak forests and scenic lake viewpoints. Visitors can climb the watchtower on the island of Maldonger, visit the Dr. Sálim Ali Bird Interpretation Centre, and stay in comfortable lakeside rest houses and tree-top huts operated by the Forest Department.
Safari Operational Protocols & Best Zones
Primary Gates & Sectors: Nawegaon Lake Circuit, Kolu Pahadi Range, Dongargaon Safari Trail
Shift Timings: Morning: 06:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Afternoon: 02:30 PM – 05:30 PM
Booking Mechanism: Maharashtra Eco-Tourism Portal (mahaecotourism.gov.in) and NNTR Forest Office
Best Time to Visit
The optimal period to explore Nawegaon is from October to April. Winter months (November to February) offer pleasant, cool weather (12°C to 26°C) and peak migratory bird numbers. March and April provide excellent predator tracking as animals visit the lake. The park is closed to safari drives during the monsoon season from July 1 to September 30.
How to Reach
Nawegaon is located 65 km south of Gondia and 140 km east of Nagpur. Gondia Junction is a major railway hub on the Mumbai-Howrah line. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur (145 km) connects nationwide. NH-53 connects Nagpur and Bhandara to Sakoli, from where a smooth state highway leads 30 km to the park gate.
Transit Connectivity Metrics
Nearest City & Gateway: Gondia (65 km) / Bhandara (75 km) / Nagpur (140 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Gondia Junction (G, 65 km) / Deori (35 km)
Nearest Airport: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (NAG, 145 km)
Road Arteries: NH-53 connecting Nagpur, Bhandara, Sakoli, and Gondia
Permits & Rules
Safari permits should be booked online via the Maharashtra Eco-Tourism portal or obtained at the Nawegaon entry gate. An authorized forest guide must accompany each vehicle. Speeding, alighting near water margins, and carrying single-use plastics are strictly prohibited.
Nearby Attractions
Nawegaon Lake & Maldonger Island (Inside Park)
Historical 18th-century reservoir featuring scenic walking bunds, watchtowers, and tree-top rest houses.
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km North)
Famous sister sanctuary in the tiger reserve known for high leopard densities and picturesque forest tanks.
Itiadoh Dam & Fish Sanctuary (25 km)
Impressive earthen dam and scenic reservoir famous for giant freshwater prawns (catla) and forested hills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Nawegaon lake?
Nawegaon lake was constructed in 1720 AD by Kolu Patel Kohli, a local chieftain whose stone statue is still revered atop the lake bund.
Is Nawegaon part of a Tiger Reserve?
Yes, Nawegaon National Park was amalgamated with Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary in December 2013 to form the Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR).
What is the famous tree-top house in Nawegaon?
The Forest Department operates a charming wooden tree-top machan rest house overlooking the lake, popular among birdwatchers and nature lovers.
How far is Nawegaon from Nagpur?
Nawegaon National Park is located approximately 140 km east of Nagpur, accessible in about 3 hours via NH-53 through Sakoli.
Sources
- Maharashtra Forest Department: Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve Master Management Plan.
- National Tiger Conservation Authority: Tiger Status in India: Central Indian Landscape Assessment.
- Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS): Important Bird Areas of Maharashtra: Nawegaon Lake Complex.