Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary, Wildlife sanctuary in Aurangabad district, India
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is a large protected area in the Western Ghats region with tropical dry forests, grasslands, and numerous waterfalls throughout. The landscape also contains several lakes and streams that provide water sources year-round.
This sanctuary was established in 1986 to protect the natural environment of the region. The name comes from a nearby village and refers to the Hindu sage Gautam Rishi, a figure found in ancient Indian texts.
The Pitalkhora caves within this sanctuary represent some of India's earliest rock-cut Buddhist temples. Visitors can walk through these ancient religious spaces and see the carved chambers where monks once lived and worshipped.
Guest accommodations are available at Bhambarwadi and Puranvadi within the sanctuary for those planning overnight stays. The area is accessible from Aurangabad by flying to the local airport or traveling by train to Chalisgaon station.
This protected area supports a wide range of wildlife with more than 50 mammal species living here, including leopards and sloth bears. Birdwatchers can spot over 200 different bird species, along with many reptile varieties throughout the landscape.
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