Navegaon National Park

Navegaon National Park is a famous national park which is situated in Gondia District in the western Indian state of Maharashtra which has been named after a forest resort known as `Navegaon`. The resort is based in Vidarbha and was constructed during the 18th century, existent amongst beautiful hills. Visitors to this national park can enjoy delightful views of rich wildlife and also a deer park from the watch tower of the resort. Over 60 percent of the total bird species of the state of Maharashtra are observed in Navegaon National Park, which also witnesses the arrival of numerable migratory birds during the winter season. These birds are a spectacular sight especially for bird-lovers who throng this region. The term `Navegaon` is obtained from the words `Nave` and `Gaon`. Nave stands for `new` as per the Marathi language and `Gaon` implies `village`. The place is also referred to as `Navegaon Bandh` amongst the regional inhabitants due to the existence of a water-body close to it. The word `Bandh` means dam in English.

Flora of Navegaon National Park
Dry mixed forests and moist forests are present in Navegaon National Park and they are classified as Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests. Mahua, Bhel, Teak, Bhor, Ain, Jamun, Kawat and Haldu are the various types of vegetation found here and these trees are said to possess medicinal properties.

Fauna of Navegaon National Park
Navegaon National Park is home to about 26 species of mammals, over 209 species of birds and nine species of reptiles. The animals include Leopard, Gaur, Chital, Wolf, Panther, Tiger, Indian Bison, Langur, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Palm Civet, Sloth Bear, Nilgai and many others.

Travellers often reside in a unique tree-house when they pay visit to this national park and enjoy safari rides throughout the park area to catch sight of the animals existent here. One might also indulge in activities like riding a sailboat or a powerboat here, which would prove to be a beautiful experience for wildlife lovers. The time between the months of April and May is considered to be ideal for visitors to Navegaon. The other tourist locales which are located within the proximity of Navegaon National Park consist of Pratapgad, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Tibetan Camp, Gothangaon and Itiadoh Dam.