Satmalia Wildlife Sanctuary

Location

The wildlife sanctuary lies in the Forest Division of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu region of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

History

Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act to conserve native wildlife corridors, watersheds, and forest ecosystems in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

Covering an exact area of 285.00 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Tropical dry deciduous forest, acacia thorn scrub, granite hillocks, and river catchments.

Flora

Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Teak (Tectona grandis), Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia tomentosa, Boswellia serrata, Acacia catechu, Bamboo brakes..

Fauna

The sanctuary harbors a diverse array of mammalian, reptilian, and avian wildlife:

• Primary Mammals: Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer (Chital), Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Porcupine.
• Predators & Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena.
• Herbivores & Ungulates: Sambar Deer, Chital, Barking Deer, Four-horned Antelope (Chousingha), Wild Boar.
• Reptiles & Amphibians: Indian Rock Python, Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Monitor Lizard, Star Tortoise.

Other Wild Animals & Avifauna

• Resident Woodland Birds: Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Grey Hornbill, Indian Peafowl, Red Junglefowl, Paradise Flycatcher, Blue-throated Barbet.
• Raptors & Owls: Crested Hawk-Eagle, Black Kite, Spotted Owlet, Eurasian Eagle-Owl.
• Migratory Species: Pintail Duck, Cotton Teal, Common Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Little Egret.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The lifeline of Satmalia Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Kaveri River, Vaigai River, Thamirabarani River, Moyar River, Bhavani River.

Other Attractions

Major nearby tourist attractions and historic viewpoints include: Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty, Meenakshi Temple Madurai, Brihadeeswarar Temple Tanjore.

Weather & Climate

Subtropical climate with pleasant winters (12°C to 26°C) and warm summers (24°C to 38°C).

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA) / Coimbatore (CJB) / Madurai (IXM) – 30 to 80 km
• Nearest Railway Station: Chennai Central (MAS) / Coimbatore Junction (CBE) / Madurai Junction (MDU) – 15 to 45 km
• Road Connectivity: Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal season for visiting Satmalia Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April.

Accommodation

Forest Rest Houses and State Tourism eco-lodges near Forest Division of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.. Advance booking through official portals is recommended.

Conservation Highlights

Key conservation zone protecting native wildlife corridors and forest watersheds in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

Visitor Tips

Obtain necessary entry permits from the local forest division office prior to visiting.

Did You Know?

• Official protected Wildlife Sanctuary in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu notified under Indian wildlife conservation acts.
• Preserves key wildlife species including Indian Leopard and native avifauna.
• Covers an exact area of 285.00 sq km along the Kaveri River watershed.