Nawegaon National Park

Nawegaon National Park is a protected area in India.

Nawegaon National Park at a Glance

Location
Central Indian Highlands, India, South Asia
Coordinates
20.959595, 80.184204
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Nawegaon National Park

Nearest airport: Gondia Airport (VAGD), 64 km away.

Nearest international airport: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (NAG), 119 km away.

Big Five in Nawegaon National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Nawegaon National Park

The warmest temperatures in Nawegaon National Park occur in May, averaging 31.1°C (up to 37.2°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 19.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in November with average rainfall of 8.1mm. Average humidity: 63.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 19.9°C (rainfall: 16.1mm)
  • February: 22.1°C (rainfall: 14.5mm)
  • March: 26.4°C (rainfall: 25.1mm)
  • April: 29.6°C (rainfall: 15.7mm)
  • May: 31.1°C (rainfall: 17.3mm)
  • June: 28.8°C (rainfall: 219.0mm)
  • July: 25.8°C (rainfall: 574.1mm)
  • August: 25.5°C (rainfall: 434.2mm)
  • September: 25.6°C (rainfall: 338.7mm)
  • October: 25.3°C (rainfall: 62.3mm)
  • November: 22.3°C (rainfall: 8.1mm)
  • December: 20.1°C (rainfall: 12.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Nawegaon National Park

The best months to visit Nawegaon National Park are February, March, April, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 19.93°C, rainfall 16.1mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 63.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.06°C, rainfall 14.5mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 51.3%
  • March: Great, temperature 26.44°C, rainfall 25.1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 46.8%
  • April: Great, temperature 29.62°C, rainfall 15.7mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 45.1%
  • May: Great, temperature 31.05°C, rainfall 17.3mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 47.9%
  • June: Good, temperature 28.82°C, rainfall 219mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 68.3%
  • July: Good, temperature 25.81°C, rainfall 574.1mm, sunshine 6.5 hrs, humidity 86.2%
  • August: Good, temperature 25.51°C, rainfall 434.2mm, sunshine 7 hrs, humidity 85%
  • September: Good, temperature 25.56°C, rainfall 338.7mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 86.2%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.27°C, rainfall 62.3mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 71.2%
  • November: Great, temperature 22.25°C, rainfall 8.1mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 63.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 20.11°C, rainfall 12.8mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 64%

Wildlife in Nawegaon National Park

Home to 79 recorded species including 31 waterbirds, 18 iconic birds, 18 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds, 2 big herbivores, 2 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Nawegaon National Park

Based on average temperature of 25.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 65%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 25°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Nawegaon National Park

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Central Indian Highlands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Nawegaon National Park FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Nawegaon National Park for optimal wildlife sightings and birdwatching?

The prime time to visit Nawegaon National Park is generally from October to June. During the cooler winter months (October-March), the weather is pleasant for jeep safaris, and many migratory birds flock to Nawegaon Lake, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. The hotter pre-monsoon months (April-June) increase chances of spotting mammals near water sources.

What specific wildlife and bird species make Nawegaon National Park a unique safari destination?

Nawegaon is particularly renowned for its significant population of sloth bears and the elusive Indian wild dog (dhole), offering a chance to see these less common predators. The park's large lake also attracts a remarkable diversity of resident and migratory birds, including various waterfowl, raptors, and waders, making it a birdwatcher's paradise, especially at the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

What are the typical safari options available at Nawegaon National Park, and what should I budget for the experience?

Visitors primarily explore Nawegaon through guided jeep safaris, which are the best way to traverse the park's diverse terrain and spot wildlife. While specific costs can vary, expect to pay for park entry fees, vehicle hire, and a mandatory naturalist guide, making it a relatively accessible safari experience compared to some larger reserves.

Are there any unique safety considerations or park rules specific to visiting Nawegaon National Park?

Beyond general safari safety, visitors to Nawegaon should strictly adhere to the park's regulations, which include staying inside designated safari vehicles and following the instructions of your trained guide. Given the presence of diverse wildlife, maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding loud noises are crucial for both your safety and the animals' well-being.

Besides traditional jeep safaris, what other unique experiences or attractions does Nawegaon National Park offer?

Nawegaon stands out with its prominent Nawegaon Lake, which is central to the park's ecosystem and offers fantastic birdwatching opportunities, particularly at the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Some areas may also offer nature walks or boat rides on the lake, providing a different perspective of the park's serene landscapes and rich avian life.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.