Koka Wildlife Sanctuary

Koka has a healthy population of tigers and leopards, along with herbivores like gaur, chital and sambar. It is a safe haven for animals that wander out of Nagzira and New Nagzira in search of new territory, which makes it an important link in the tiger corridor of eastern Vidarbha.

The forest here was declared a reserved forest as far back as 1879. As a result there are no villages inside the sanctuary and no private rights over its land. Some of the trees are more than 100 years old, and the undisturbed forest is one of Koka's biggest attractions.

Wildlife at Koka

On a Koka jungle safari you can look for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian wild dogs (dhole), gaur, sambar, chital (spotted deer), nilgai, barking deer and wild boar. Koka is also rewarding for birdwatchers. In winter, migratory birds from as far away as Siberia visit the lake inside the sanctuary, joining resident species such as eagles, hornbills, kingfishers and peafowl.

Why Choose Koka for a Safari?

• Less crowded: Koka gets fewer vehicles than the big-name reserves, so sightings feel more personal.
• Close to Bhandara and Nagpur: It is an easy weekend trip from Nagpur.
• Old, undisturbed forest: There are no villages inside and the trees are around a century old.
• Part of NNTR: You can combine it with safaris in Nagzira and Navegaon on the same trip.

Koka Safari Timings

Safaris are closed on Thursdays and during the monsoon. Timings are set by the Forest Department and may change, so please confirm with us when you book.

How to Reach Koka

• By road: Koka is about 20 km east of Bhandara town. Buses leave Bhandara bus stand about every 30 minutes between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and taxis are also available.
• By train: Bhandara Road is the nearest station. Nagpur is the nearest major railway junction.
• By air: Nagpur airport is the nearest airport.
• Stay: There are several hotels and resorts around Bhandara town.