Friday, May 25, 2012

Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

http://www.mahaforest.nic.in/Images/SagareshwarTemple.jpg

The Sagareshwar wildlife Sanctuary is a significant endeavor in conservation in that it is almost entirely a man made sanctuary, created through a planned afforestation programme, with the unreserved co-operation of the local population of three tehsils of Sangli district.

The sanctuary covers a land area of about 10.87 sq.km and is forested with grassy hill slopes. It is home to roughly 52 species of animals such as Deer, jackals, rabbits, peacocks, wild goats, wild cows, cheetal, sambar, blackbuck, and barking deer, hyena, fox and porcupine apart from a large number of insects, birds and reptiles.

The Sagareshwar sanctuary has much religious, cultural and archaeological significance. The sanctuary derives its name from an ancient famous Shiva temple that attracts a large number of devotees. It actually consists of one large temple and a complex of 51 small temples, all from the Satvahana period. You will find the Kamal Bhairao temple, partially hewn from hard Basalt rock perched on the edge of a steep cliff. The entrance to the temple is through a narrow tunnel.

The best months to come here are between the months of August to February. Hike up to the top of a hill and look down at the ethereal sight of the Krishna River as it weaves its way through swaying fields of sugarcane and grape vineyards.

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