The Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary is one of the most perfect places to visit in Ahmednagar for those who are fond of nature. Spread over an area of 2.17 square km, this vast sanctuary was established in 1980 and is presently a safe ecosystem for rare varieties of flora and fauna. The most striking of them is of course a herd of 400 magnificent Blackbucks or the Indian Antelopes.
They are also known as “Kalvit” in Maharashtra. This sanctuary also houses some rare species of birds, making it a wonderful place for bird-watchers to catch a few rare breeds. The sanctuary offers walking tours and photography tours that you can sign up for.
The Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary is one of the most perfect places to visit in Ahmednagar for those who are fond of nature. Spread over an area of 2.17 square km, this vast sanctuary was established in 1980 and is presently a safe ecosystem for rare varieties of flora and fauna. The most striking of them is of course a herd of 400 magnificent Blackbucks or the Indian Antelopes.
They are also known as “Kalvit” in Maharashtra. This sanctuary also houses some rare species of birds, making it a wonderful place for bird-watchers to catch a few rare breeds. The sanctuary offers walking tours and photography tours that you can sign up for.
Blackbucks, also known as Indian antelope, is famous all over India for of its unique jump and being the sole extant member of the genus Antilope. In India, only four picturesque wildlife sanctuaries were made to preserve the number of blackbucks and the most beautiful amongst them with the highest chances of spotting them (blackbuck) is Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary. In Maharashtra, blackbucks are seen only in Rehekuri Wildlife Sanctuary. Initially, when the wildlife sanctuary was formed, the population of blackbuck was hardly 15. And to one’s astonishment, the current no of blackbucks are 400. Blackbucks in Maharashtra are referred as ‘kalvit’ and the male blackbuck easily stands out from among a group of antelopes for its long spiral horns roaming in the grasslands.
The tradition of protecting the blackbucks has been going on in full swing since the rule of Bishnois of Rajasthan. Though the park is small in size as compared others, hardly 2.17 square kilometers, but it provides interesting exploration trails. Apart from the blackbucks, here one can spot chinkaras, wolves, and the Indian fox too. Trekking is the best way take a stock of the sanctuary. And if tourists have extra time at their disposal, then they should visit Lord Ganesh temple and Rashin Devi temple. All those who have been waiting for so long to see the elusive sight blackbuck, do visit the Rehekuri Wildlife Sanctuary.
Located at some 80 kms away from Ahmednagar city in Karjat Taluka in village Rehkuri. Rehkuri is home to the sanctuary of rare and famous animal ‘Indian Black Bucks’. The sanctuary is known by the name Rehkuri Black Buck Sanctuary.
The entire Rehkuri Black Buck Sanctuary is spread across 2.17 Sq. Km. of land area.The best time to visit this sanctuary is during summer season. This sanctuary is open round the year.
It is estimated that as of today there are some 400 to 500 Indian Black Bucks inside this sanctuary.
The Maharashtra government has declared 217.30 hectares of reserve forest at Rehekuri in District Ahmednagar(Karjat taluka) as a sanctuary for the endangered Blackbuck, locally known as ‘Kalvit’.
The wildlife authorities had initiated a project with a small Blackbuck population (15) in the 1980s; the population has shot up to about 400. The Blackbuck, found only in India, has suffered a serious decline in numbers all over the country in the past few decades. According to a forest range officer of the sanctuary, a population of 40 lakhs in the 19th century has recently receded to 4 lakhs (Editorial note: the basis for these figures, which seem grossly exaggerated, is unclear). He attributes illegal poaching by tribals as one of the reasons for this considerable reduction in the Blackbuck population.
Another threat to the animal was from wolves and dogs which hunt it, taking a heavy toll of fawns.
These factors led the government to take the decision to declare Rehekuri as a sanctuary. Simultaneously Ramling-Ghat in Beed district and an area in Akola district have also been declared as sanctuaries. Protection, food, water and prevention of diseases, research and counting process are some of the major responsibilities of the officials. More than 15 forest guards patrol the sanctuary. The state government has also made accommodation facilities to promote eco-tourism.
Major Flora:
The forest type is dry deciduous scrub forest. The main species are Acacia catechu (Khair), Acacia sp. (Hivar), Dalbergia latifolia (Sisoo), Santalum album (Chandan), Ziziphus mauritiana (Ber), Carissa opaca (Karwand), Alysicarpus bupleurifolius, Cyathocline purpurea, Eriocauion diane, Merremia emarginata, Cucumis melo, Cyperus kyllingia, Striga densiflora, Mareilea minuta.
Major Fauna:
The area is rich in grassland fauna. The main species are Antilope cervicapra Linn (Blackbuck), Gazelia bennetti (Chinkara), Canis lupus (Wolf), Vulpes bengalensis (Indian Fox).
Near Places of Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary:
01 Lord Ganesh temple at Siddhatek (30kms.) :
At Siddhatek Lord Ganesha gave darshan to God Vishnu (Lord Ganesh himself appeared in front of God Vishnu). God Vishnu built a temple over there with installing Ganesha idol. The temple has four big entrances. Later on this temple was destroyed by wear and tear. Years later a cowherd had a divine appearance of God and saw this temple. That cowherd used to wash the idol by the water of river Bhima and used to give offering and used to worship. Soon everyone in the vicinity came to know about the temple. A Brahmin used to maintain the Lord Ganesha and temple. During the Peshwa Rule, the existing temple was built. The idols facing towards North. The nave is about 15 feet by 10 feet. The idol has beautiful gaily-decorated frame, on which sun, moon & eagle were carved. Also snake is decorated at the middle of the frame. Near decorate frame one can see the idols of Jay & Vijay (the dwarpals/watch men). The sleeping room(shej-ghar) of the God is in the nave. At the main entrance there is a Nagar-khana where one can hear the sound of holy drums in the morning and afternoon.
On the greatest mountain Siddhatek which is located on the bank of river Bhima & surrounded by forest and trees. God Vishnu did hard penance when he was in great difficulty. He got a boon from Lord Siddheshwar Ganesh who is a father or creator of `Panchamahabhuta’ (the five elements namely Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Sky) and killed the two demons Madhu & Kaitabha. Oh mighty God my salute to you. Let me offer my humble services to you.
Lord Siddhivinayaka, the third Ganesh of Ashtavinayaka has trunk towards right and has authority to complete the work. At this place God Vishnu got Siddhi (divine illumination). The God is awaked or potent. Sage Moraya Gosavi from Chinchwad and Sage Narayan Maharaj from Kodgaon got siddhi from the Lord Siddhivinayaka at this place. Shri Haripant Phadke a general from Peshwa got back his post when he did penance continuously for 21 days .
02 Rashin Devi temple at Rashin (20kms.) :
Rashin is famous for Temple of Goddess Jagdamba. It is One of the best ancient temples. Dasra is the famous fair festival in Rashin. All of people from 12 wadi’s come for this festival. Rshin is famous for cattle market in ahmednagar Dist.
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