Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary
About
The Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary located at a distance of only 10km from Aurangabad in Maharashtra. It lies in the Satmala and Ajantha hill ranges of Sahyadri.
Fauna:
The Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is the shelter for a good number of wildlife species like the mammals, reptiles and birds. The mammals seen here include Panther, Nilgai (Blue Bull),Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Bear, Wild Dog, Wild Cat, Bison, Chital, Peacock, Monkey, etc. There are more than 230 species of birds, including some migrants like Cranes, Spoonbills, Storks. Among the reptiles the Cobra, Krait, Keel black viper, Python, Rat snake are seen.
Transport:
Nearest Airport: Aurangabad (Aurangabad to Kannad 55 Km.), By Rail: Chalisgaon on Mumbai-Nagpur rail line (Chalisgaon to Kannad 55 Km.), By Road : Nearest town is Kannad 3 Kms. and Chalisgaon is 12 Kms. away.
Weather:
Annual temperatures range from 9 to 40 °C, with the most comfortable time to visit in the winter – October to February. The highest maximum temperature ever recorded was 46 °C (114 °F). The lowest recorded temperature was 2 °C. Most of the rainfall occurs in the monsoon season from June to September. Rainfall varies from 9.0 to 693 mm/month. Average annual rainfall is 725 mm.
Best Time To Visit:
August to February
Accommodation:
Several private hotels near aurangabad
Nearby Excursions:
Aurangabad (10kms from Sanctuary) is a must place to visit if you are one among the great history lovers. some to mention are as follows.
1.Bibi Ka Maqbara: Situated about 3 km. from the city is Bibi Ka Maqbara, the burial place of Aurangzeb’s wife,Rabia-ud-Durrani. It is an imitation of the Taj at Agra and due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan. The Maqbara stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal garden with axialponds, fountains, water channels, broad pathways and pavilions. Behind the mausoleum is located a small archaeological museum.
2.Panchakki (water mill): Is a 17th century water mill situated at a distance of 1 km from the city. An intriguing water mill, the Panchakki is famous for its underground water channel, which traverses more than 8 km. to its source away in the mountains. The channel culminates in a mesmerising ‘artificial’ waterfall that powers the mill. The beauty of the mosque housed in the inner enclosure is enhanced by a series of ‘dancing’ water fountains.
Bhadkal Gate built by Malik Ambar in commemoration of his victory against the Mughals.
Gates in aurangabad: One of the things that makes Aurangabad stand out from the several other medieval cities in India are its 52 ‘gates’ each of which have a local history or had individuals linked with them. Not many people are aware of the fact that Aurangabad is also known as the ‘City of Gates’.
Aurangabad Caves: Situated at a distance of 5 km, nestled amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves probably dating back to 3 A.D. Of particular interest are the Tantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves. One is also treated to a panoramic view of the city as well as the imposing Maqbara from this point.
Ellora-Ghrishneshwar Temple: Is half a kilometer away from the Ellora Caves, and 30 km. from Aurangabad. The present structure is an 18th century temple that presents outstanding architecture and carving. This place forms one
