Fascinated by wolves, are you? So let’s take you to this wolf sanctuary in India that will help you understand Wildlife in Jharkhand better.
The Indian Wolf is a subspecies of the grey wolf that is essentially identical in form and size to the Himalayan and Arabian wolves but lacks the thick and robust winter coat that the Himalayan and Arabian wolves have since it lives in a warmer location of the Indian subcontinent.
Jharkhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh are among the Indian states where wolves can be found. However, because the majority of wolves are currently confined in various sanctuaries across the country, it is quite difficult to see one roaming freely.
Finding a Wolf Sanctuary in India
Mahudanr Wolf Sanctuary is located in Mahudanr hamlet, Chechari Valley, Latehar district, Jharkhand, approximately 194 kilometers from Ranchi, the state capital.
Netarhat hills in the east, Burha hills in the west, Aksi hills in the north, and Champa hills in the south surround Chechri Valley, making it one of the state’s most beautiful valleys.
Things to keep in mind
Mahuadanr consists of 25 protected forests that share a shared boundary with the state of Chattishgarh. This infamous wolf sanctuary in India is located at an elevation of approximately 1968.5 feet and covers an area of 63.256 square kilometers. It is drained by the Burha River, which eventually joins the Aski River and enters the North Koel River at Kujrum.
The Government of Bihar designated Mahuadanr as a sanctuary on June 23, 1976, and it is administered by the Palmu Tiger Reserve (now Betla National Park).
Attractions in and around
Hares, Mongoose, Deers, Squirrels, and Ground Birds are some of the other species that can be found here in addition to wolves. Sal, Bel, Kend, Dhaura, Khair, Piar, Salai, and other trees cover the area.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is from October to June. Every year, the wolves visit the breeding dens created within the sanctuary’s forest area from October to November and February to March. During the monsoon, the sanctuary is closed.
How’s the weather?
The area has a tropical environment, with summer months extending from March to June with temperatures ranging from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius. April and May are the hottest months.
During the monsoon season, from July to August, the sanctuary receives modest rainfall. The winter season lasts from November through February, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. The coldest months are December and January.
How to reach?
By Train
Barwadih Junction (Station Code: BRWD) is the nearest railway station to Mahuadanr wolf sanctuary, which is 95 kilometers away. The station is well connected to major cities including Delhi, Kolkata, and Patna, and serves the cities of Barwadih and Netarhat.
Tourists traveling from other major cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore can take a train to Ranchi Junction (Station Code: RNC) and Hatia Railway Station (Station Code: HTE), both of which are approximately 195 kilometers apart. Both stations serve Ranchi, the state capital, and Hatia, a nearby village. Book a cab to Mahuadanr wolf refuge after arriving at any of the stations.
By Air
The nearest airport to this Wolf sanctuary in India is Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, which is 197 kilometers away, while the nearest international airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, which is 609 kilometers away. Tourists can order a cab to Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary from Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport.
International passengers arriving in Kolkata can take a flight to Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport and then continue by vehicle. There are also trains running from Howrah Junction (Station code: HWH), the railway station serving Kolkata, to Barwadih Junction (Station code: BRWD), the nearest railway station to the Mahudanr wolf sanctuary in India.
By road
Buses go from Ranchi to Latehar bus station, from whence cabs can be hired to take you to the sanctuary. If you’re self-driving, here are several options to consider-
- NH 43
- Ghagra Netarhat Road
- Simdega Gumla Road
- Khunti – Simdega Rd
- Tamar – Khunti – Kolebira Rd
Places to stay
Mahuadanr and Aski both have Forest Rest Houses. However, staying in Netarhat is the ideal option because it is close to several of the area’s most popular tourist wolf sanctuaries in India.
Final Tips
- After 4 p.m. or after dusk, avoid going.
- Always visit in a group and avoid visiting alone.
- The best time to visit is between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Visiting during the peak season, from December to February, is safer.
- Water bottles, medications, snacks, and other refreshments should be brought along.
