Overview
About Melghat Tiger Reserve
Melghat — the name means “meeting of the ghats” — is one of the nine original tiger reserves declared under Project Tiger in 1973. It spreads across the rugged Satpura ranges in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, a landscape of steep forested hills, deep valleys and the Tapti river system.
It is one of the wilder, less-crowded reserves in the country. The dense forest and difficult terrain make sightings feel genuinely earned, and the biodiversity here is rich — this is serious tiger country, not a manicured park.
The wildlife
What you might see
Tigers & leopards
The reserve's flagship predators. Melghat's terrain makes sightings a matter of patience and luck — part of the appeal for serious wildlife lovers.
Sloth bears & wild dogs
Sloth bears and packs of dhole (Indian wild dogs) are among the other large mammals that roam these forests.
330+ bird species
A paradise for birdwatchers, with hundreds of recorded species — from hornbills and forest owlets to raptors riding the valley thermals.
Deer, gaur & more
Sambar, spotted deer, barking deer and the massive Indian gaur make up much of the prey base that sustains the predators.
Plan your safari
Safari information
Safari ranges
Jeep safaris typically run through the Sipna and Semadoh ranges, the main gateways into the core forest.
Best season
October to February offers the most comfortable conditions and the best chance of sightings. The reserve usually closes during the heavy monsoon.
How to book
Safaris are run by the forest department with limited daily permits — it's best to plan ahead. We can point you in the right direction when you stay with us.
Note: safari timings, permits and availability are managed by the forest department and can change seasonally. We'll share the latest guidance when you book your stay.
Getting there
How to reach Melghat from Chikhaldara
Chikhaldara is the natural launch point for a Melghat trip — the reserve essentially surrounds the hill station. The Semadoh entry and safari ranges are an easy drive from town, which makes it simple to head out for an early-morning safari and be back for lunch.
Reaching Chikhaldara itself: it's about 100 km from Amravati and around 230 km from Nagpur, with the nearest railheads at Badnera and Amravati. See our Chikhaldara travel guide for full directions.
Where to stay
Your base for Melghat
For an early safari you want to be close, rested and well looked after. Navin's Resortsits up in Chikhaldara's cool hill air, a short drive from the safari ranges — a quiet, family-run property of under fifteen rooms that makes an ideal base for exploring the reserve.
Stay with us, head out for a safari at first light, and come back to the calm of the hills. Booking directly means our best rate and a bit of local help planning your days.
Base yourself at Navin's Resort for Melghat
The closest comfort to the forest, with hospitality from the family who run the place. Book direct for the best rates.