Indian Wolf is a subspecies of the grey wolf almost similar in structure and size to the Himalayan wolf and the Arabian wolf without the thick and healthy winter coat as it resides in the warmer region of the Indian subcontinent.
Wolf are exotic animals found in the Indian states of Jharkhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. However, nowadays its really hard to spot a wolf roaming freely as most of them are kept in different sanctuaries across the country.
In India, there are almost 11 sanctuaries where you can spot a wild Indian wolf but Mahudanr Wolf Sanctuary in the Indian state of Jharkhand is the lone sanctuary in the country that is specially dedicated to Indian wolves.
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Location
Mahudanr Wolf Sanctuary is located in the village of Mahudanr that lies in Chechari Valley in the district of Latehar in Jharkhand, approx 194 KM from the capital city, Ranchi.
Chechri Valley is surrounded by Netarhat hills in the east, Burha hills on the west, Aksi hills on the north, and Champa hills on the south making it one of the uniquely gorgeous valleys of the state.
Facts
Located at a height of approx 1968.5 feet and spread over an area of 63.256 Square Kilometre, Mahuadanr consists of 25 protected forests that share a common border with the state of Chattishgarh. It is drained by river Burha, which joins river Aski later and finally meets river North Koel near Kujrum.
Mahuadanr was given the status of a sanctuary on 23rd June 1976 by the Government of Bihar and is under the administration of Palmu Tiger Reserve (now Betla National Park).
Other Attractions
Other then wolf some of the different species to be found here are Hares, Mongoose, Deers, Squirrels, Ground Birds. The trees that cover the region are Sal, Bel, Kend, Dhaura, Khair, Piar, Salai etc.
Best Time To Visit
October to June is the best time to visit Mahuadanr wolf sanctuary. The wolfs generally visit the breeding dens built within the forest area of the sanctuary from October to November and February to March every year. The sanctuary remains closed during the monsoon.
Weather
Topical climate prevails in the area with summer ranging from the month of March to June and the temperature varying between 35 to 40-degree centigrades. The month of April and May are the hottest.
The sanctuary receives moderate rainfall during the monsoon months i.e July to August. Winter stretches between the month of November to February with the temperature falling between 10-degree centigrade to 15-degree centigrade. The month of December and January are the coldest.
Nearest Town
The hill station of Netarhat, located at a distance of 60 KM is the nearest town to the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary.
How To Reach
By Train
The nearest railway station to Mahuadanr wolf sanctuary is Barwadih Junction (Station Code: BRWD), located at a distance of 95 KM. The station serves the city of Barwadih and also Netarhat and is well connected with the major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Patna.
Tourists travelling from other major cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore can board a train to Ranchi Junction (Station Code: RNC), located at a distance of 195 KM and also Hatia Railway Station (Station Code: HTE), located at a distance of 193 KM. Both the stations serves the capital city Ranchi and its adjacent town Hatia. After reaching any of the station, book a cab to Mahuadanr wolf sanctuary.
By Air
Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi is the nearest airport located at a distance of 197 KM and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata is the nearest international airport located at a distance of 609 KM. Tourists can book a cab from Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, to Mahuadanr wolf sanctuary.
International travelers, landing at Kolkata, can book another flight to Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, and then continue the journey by road. Also, trains are available from Howrah Junction (Station code: HWH), the railway station serving the city of Kolkata, to Barwadih Junction (Station Code: BRWD), the nearest railway station to Mahudanr wolf sanctuary.
By Road
Bus are available from Ranchi to Latehar bus stand from where cabs are available to the sanctuary. Some of the routes to consider if you are self driving are
- NH 43
- Ghagra Netarhat Road
- Simdega Gumla Road
- Khunti - Simdega Rd
- Tamar - Khunti - Kolebira Rd
Where To Stay
Forest Rest Houses are available at Mahuadanr and Aski. However, staying at Netarhat will be the best choice as it is near to many prime tourists spots in the area.
Also Read,
Beyond The Hills Stay In Swiss Cottage Tents At Netarhat
Is Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary safe for tourists?
Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is located away from the town in an isolated location and therefore following certain tips will ensure a safe visit.
Tips
- Avoid visiting after 4 pm or after sunset.
- Avoid visiting alone, always be in a group.
- The safest time to visit is between 6 am to 4 pm.
- It is much safer to visit during the peak season, i.e December to February.
- Carry water bottles, medicines, snacks, and other refreshments along.
