Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra, India

Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Western Ghats that surrounds the Koyna Dam reservoir with elevations ranging from 600 to 1100 meters. The landscape shifts between densely forested slopes, open grasslands, and water bodies, where tropical deciduous forests meet grassy patches and rocky outcrops.

Koyna was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985 in Satara district, Maharashtra. It later became the northern portion of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, with Chandoli National Park forming the southern part. Deep in its forests stands Vasota Fort at 1,120 m, which legend credits to Malwa king Raja Bhoja in 1170.

Vasota Fort, deep in the forest at 1,120 m, is the sanctuary's main historic structure; legend credits its construction to Malwa king Raja Bhoja in 1170. The sanctuary's dense forests are divided into three sections named Vasota, Maharkhor and Indavli Met, so the fort's name also labels a tract of forest.

The best time for wildlife watching is between October and January when the weather is dry and cool. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as parts of the terrain are rocky and it takes time to move between viewing spots.

A toad species called Bufo koyanansis is found only here and nowhere else on Earth. This frog is important to scientists because it shows how the wildlife in this region has adapted to its specific environment over a long time.