Nawegaon National Park

Nawegaon National Park is a protected area in eastern Maharashtra that covers more than 130 square kilometers of mixed forest, grassland and a large lake. The central lake occupies roughly 11 square kilometers and forms the heart of the landscape, surrounded by wooded hills and open clearings.

The reservoir was built in the 18th century under the direction of Kolu Patel Koli to supply water to the local population. The area was officially declared a national park in 1975 and has since served to protect wildlife and plants in this region.

The name Nawegaon comes from a nearby village, and the reservoir itself bears the name of its builder Kolu Patel Koli, whom local people honor as the deity Kolasur Deo. Visitors today experience a landscape where water and forest meet, and where birdsong marks the start of each morning.

Seven observation cabins and five watch towers spread across the area offer good opportunities to see birds and other animals. The best chances for wildlife sightings usually come in the early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are more comfortable.

An island in the middle of the lake called Maldonger once served as a refuge for villagers during raids by Pindari raiders. Today it can only be reached by boat and remains a quiet spot amid the water.