Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, in Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad district, Maharashtra, is a patch of Konkan coastal woodland and sacred groves that sits just inland from the beach belt around Murud and Kashid. It is a quiet place for slow walks, birding and a look at a forest type that is otherwise disappearing along this coast. This guide pulls together what is verified from official and primary sources, and flags what you must reconfirm before you go.
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is a 69.79 sq km (6,979 hectare) protected forest in Raigad district, Maharashtra, declared on 25 February 1986. It protects semi-evergreen Western Ghats coastal woodland, grasslands called maals and sacred groves, and shelters leopard, Indian giant squirrel and over 200 bird species.
Key takeaways
- Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary covers 69.79 sq km in Raigad district, Maharashtra, and was declared a sanctuary on 25 February 1986 (Government of Maharashtra notification).
- The main entrance is the Supegaon gate on the Murud–Roha road; the nearest railhead is Roha and the sanctuary lies about 140 km from Mumbai.
- November to March is the comfortable season for walking and birding; migratory birds arrive roughly November to January.
- The forest holds a small Indian (Malabar) giant squirrel population, leopard, barking deer and sambar, plus birds such as the Malabar pied hornbill and Sri Lanka frogmouth.
- An eco-sensitive zone of 10.96 sq km surrounds the sanctuary (central notification S.O. 1603(E), 17 May 2017), so drones and construction are regulated nearby.
- There is no confirmed online booking portal; arrange entry and a guide at the Supegaon gate and reconfirm fees and timings with the forest office before you travel.
About Phansad and quick facts
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is a coastal woodland reserve of 69.79 sq km (6,979 hectares) in the Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad district, Maharashtra. It should not be confused with any inland Western Ghats park; Phansad sits close to the Arabian Sea, roughly between Murud-Janjira and Roha. Before independence the forest was the private hunting reserve of the Siddi Nawab of Janjira; it was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 25 February 1986 under the Government of Maharashtra.
The sanctuary is managed by the Maharashtra Forest Department and classed as IUCN Category IV (a habitat and species management area). A management plan for 2016–17 to 2025–26 was approved on 21 December 2017. The landscape mixes semi-evergreen and moist-deciduous forest with open grassland pockets called maals (hilltop meadows) and natural waterholes called gaan. Botanical surveys cited in the sanctuary record list roughly 710 plant species. The forest is named for the phansada tree (Garcinia talbotii), a sub-canopy evergreen endemic to the Western Ghats.
| State / district | Maharashtra / Raigad (Murud and Roha talukas) |
|---|---|
| Area | 69.79 sq km (6,979 ha) |
| Declared sanctuary | 25 February 1986 |
| Main gate | Supegaon, on the Murud–Roha road |
| Nearest railhead | Roha (about 140 km from Mumbai) |
| Habitat | Coastal semi-evergreen woodland, grassland (maals), waterholes (gaan), sacred groves |
| Managed by | Maharashtra Forest Department (IUCN Category IV) |
Best time to visit
The comfortable window is November to March, when the Konkan coast is cool and dry and the forest trails are easy to walk. The post-monsoon months bring the greenest forest, and migratory birds are reported from roughly November to January. Summer (April to early June) is hot and humid near the coast, and the southwest monsoon (June to September) makes trails slippery and leech-prone; some forest access can be restricted in the rains, so always check before planning a monsoon visit.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Cool, dry | Nov–Feb | Best for walking and birding; migratory birds; pleasant mornings |
| Late dry | Mar | Still walkable; warming up; good wildlife activity near waterholes |
| Hot | Apr–early Jun | Hot and humid; early starts essential; carry plenty of water |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Lush but slippery; leeches; possible access limits—reconfirm with the forest office |
How to reach Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is reached by road, and most visitors come through the Supegaon gate on the Murud–Roha road. From Mumbai the sanctuary is about 140 km; a common route is Panvel–Pen–Alibag or Panvel–Roha, then on towards Murud. Self-drive or a hired taxi is the most flexible way in, because the gate is rural and public transport is limited.
By air: The nearest major airport is in Mumbai, from where you continue by road. There is no airport near the sanctuary itself.
By rail: The nearest railhead is Roha, the northern terminus of the Konkan Railway and the end of the Central Railway suburban link from the Mumbai side. From Roha you take a taxi or local bus towards Murud. Alibag has no railway station of its own.
By road: State and private buses run to Murud and Roha; from either town a local bus or taxi reaches Supegaon. Murud is roughly 15 km from the sanctuary. If you are building a longer Konkan trip, see our Maharashtra travel guide for how Phansad fits with the coast and the Ghats.
| From | Approx. distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | ~140 km | Via Panvel–Pen–Alibag or Panvel–Roha |
| Roha railway station | Nearest railhead | Konkan Railway terminus; continue by road |
| Murud (nearest town) | ~15 km | Local bus or taxi to Supegaon |
| Kashid beach | ~12 km | Popular base for the sanctuary |
| Pune | ~200 km | Via the Ghats towards Roha/Murud |
If you are travelling from the east, our Pune travel guide covers approaches to the Konkan from that side.
Top things to see and do
The main activity at Phansad is walking its forest trails on foot with a guide; there is no jeep safari circuit here. Four main trails run past the principal waterholes, and the open maals and the sacred grove give variety within a short distance. Early morning and late afternoon are best for wildlife.
- Birding and mammal watching: The sanctuary records over 200 bird species, including the Malabar pied hornbill, Sri Lanka frogmouth and spot-bellied eagle-owl, plus the critically endangered white-rumped vulture. Mammals include a small Indian (Malabar) giant squirrel population, leopard, barking deer, sambar, mouse deer and pangolin.
- The sacred grove (devrai) near Supegaon: An old-growth patch protected by local custom, good for shade-loving birds and large trees.
- Waterhole trails: Phansadgaan and Chikhalgaan are reliable spots to sit quietly and watch for wildlife coming to drink.
- Ghunyacha Maal: A grassland-to-forest walk that shows the maal habitat well.
| Spot | Type | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Supegaon gate & sacred grove | Entrance, old-growth grove | Starting point, large trees, birds |
| Phansadgaan | Waterhole trail | Mammals, giant squirrel, quiet watching |
| Chikhalgaan | Waterhole trail | Birding |
| Ghunyacha Maal | Grassland (maal) | Open-country birds, scenery |
Trail lengths and the number of hours needed are not published officially, so plan your walk with the gate guide. Carry water; there are no shops or reliable facilities inside.
A suggested two-day itinerary
Phansad works well as a one- or two-day add-on to a Murud or Kashid beach trip. A short, realistic plan:
- Day 1: Reach your base at Kashid or Murud by afternoon. Settle in, then drive to the Supegaon gate area to confirm the next morning’s entry, timing and guide. Evening on the beach or at Murud-Janjira jetty.
- Day 2: Early start at the Supegaon gate (dawn is best). Walk one or two trails with a guide—typically the sacred grove and a waterhole trail—over the morning. Return to base by midday for lunch, then visit Murud-Janjira fort or Kashid beach in the afternoon before heading home.
Keen birders can add a second morning walk and skip the fort. Because entry and guiding are arranged locally, build in buffer time rather than fixed slots.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay at Kashid (about 12 km) or Alibag and drive in for an early walk, because lodging options at the gate itself are limited. Inside and around the sanctuary there are basic forest and PWD rest houses and occasional tent stays; these are limited and should be confirmed in advance with the Maharashtra Forest Department. The figures below are indicative planning estimates (reconfirm; rates rise sharply on weekends and in peak season):
- Budget: Homestays and small lodges in Murud or Alibag, roughly ₹1,200–₹2,500 a night (planning estimate as of October 2026, reconfirm).
- Mid-range: Beach hotels and resorts at Kashid or Alibag, roughly ₹3,000–₹6,000 a night (planning estimate, reconfirm).
- Government / forest: Forest or PWD rest houses near the sanctuary—basic, few in number; enquire directly with the forest office and book ahead.
Book ahead for weekends and for the November–February season, when the Konkan coast is busy.
Food to try
The food here is Konkani coastal cooking, easiest to find in Murud, Kashid and Alibag rather than at the gate. Carry your own food and water for the forest walk. Dishes worth trying:
- Sol kadhi (a pink drink of kokum and coconut milk, served after a meal).
- Bhakri (flatbread of rice or millet flour), usually eaten with a curry.
- Fresh coastal seafood such as pomfret or prawns in Konkani masala, widely available in Murud.
- Vegetarian Konkani thali for those who prefer it, common in local eateries.
Honey from the area’s beekeeping programme (see below) is sometimes sold locally; ask about provenance.
Budget breakdown
A two-day trip from Mumbai, staying near the coast, is modest by Indian wildlife-travel standards because there is no expensive safari booking. The table is a per-person planning estimate for two days and one night, assuming two people sharing a room and a shared taxi; your costs will vary with group size and season.
| Item | Estimate (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (1 night, shared) | 1,000–3,000 | Budget homestay to mid-range hotel |
| Local transport (shared taxi) | 1,000–2,000 | From Roha/Alibag, two days |
| Forest entry & guide | Reconfirm at gate | No official published figure found—confirm locally |
| Food (2 days) | 600–1,200 | Local eateries |
| Approx. total | 2,600–6,200+ | Excludes long-distance travel to the region and guide fee |
Permits, fees and rules
No special permit such as an inner-line or protected-area permit applies at Phansad; it is an ordinary state wildlife sanctuary open to Indian and foreign visitors. Entry and guiding are arranged at the Supegaon gate. We could not verify an official entry-fee figure or an online booking portal from primary sources, so treat any fee you see online as unconfirmed and reconfirm the current amount, timings and the weekly position directly with the Maharashtra Forest Department or the Raigad forest office before you travel.
The sanctuary is wrapped by an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of 10.96 sq km, notified by the central government (S.O. 1603(E), dated 17 May 2017), extending from 100 m to 2.75 km from the boundary across villages in Murud and Roha talukas. Within an ESZ, activities such as new commercial construction and certain land-use changes are regulated, and flying drones over or near a protected area generally needs prior permission. Standard sanctuary rules apply: stay on trails with your guide, do not feed or disturb animals, carry out all litter, avoid plastic, and keep noise down. Do not treat the sacred grove or local villages as attractions—respect residents and their customs.
Practical tips
- Guide and timing: Walks are on foot and best at dawn; a local guide is recommended and arranged at the gate. Confirm opening timing a day ahead.
- Network and cash: Mobile signal is weak in parts of the forest. Carry cash; UPI and ATMs are reliable in Murud and Alibag but not at the gate.
- Water and food: There are no shops inside—bring water, snacks and a filled bottle.
- Health and safety: The nearest well-equipped hospitals are in Alibag and Murud; the gate area is remote, so carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medicines.
- Solo women travellers: The coastal towns are generally relaxed; as anywhere, prefer daytime travel, a known guide and a pre-booked stay, and share your plan with someone.
- Packing: For the cool season, light layers, closed walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. In the monsoon add a raincoat, quick-dry clothes and leech protection.
Nearby places
Phansad pairs naturally with the Murud–Kashid beach belt and the Janjira sea fort, which makes a weekend from Mumbai or Pune easy to plan.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Murud-Janjira fort | ~30-minute drive | Sea fort reached by boat from Rajapuri; views of the Arabian Sea |
| Kashid beach | ~12 km | Quiet white-sand beach with casuarina groves |
| Murud town | ~15 km | Nearest town, seafood and services |
| Alibag | Nearest city | Beaches, Kolaba fort, more lodging and transport links |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary located?
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad district, Maharashtra, close to the Konkan coast near Murud-Janjira. It covers 69.79 sq km of coastal woodland and sits about 140 km from Mumbai, with its main entrance at the Supegaon gate on the Murud–Roha road.
What is the best time to visit Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary?
The best time to visit Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is November to March, when the Konkan coast is cool and dry and trails are easy to walk. Migratory birds are reported from roughly November to January. Avoid the hot April–June period and the slippery, leech-prone monsoon from June to September.
How do I reach Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary?
Reach Phansad by road through the Supegaon gate on the Murud–Roha road. From Mumbai it is about 140 km via Panvel, Pen and Alibag or via Roha. The nearest railhead is Roha on the Konkan Railway; from there continue by taxi or bus towards Murud, about 15 km from the sanctuary.
Is there an entry fee or permit for Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary?
No special permit is needed to visit Phansad; it is a regular state wildlife sanctuary. Entry and a guide are arranged at the Supegaon gate. We could not confirm an official entry-fee figure from primary sources, so reconfirm the current fee and timings with the Maharashtra Forest Department or the Raigad forest office before you go.
What wildlife can I see at Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary?
Phansad records over 200 bird species and around 16 mammals. You may see the Indian (Malabar) giant squirrel, barking deer, sambar and, with luck, leopard, plus birds such as the Malabar pied hornbill, Sri Lanka frogmouth and the critically endangered white-rumped vulture. Early mornings at the waterhole trails give the best chances.
Can I do a jeep safari at Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary?
No. Phansad has no jeep safari circuit; it is explored on foot along four main forest trails with a local guide. Walks start from the Supegaon gate and pass waterholes such as Phansadgaan and Chikhalgaan, the grassland maals and the sacred grove near Supegaon.
Last updated and sources
Phansad suits quiet, slow travellers—birders, walkers and anyone who prefers a forest on foot to a crowded safari—ideally as a two-day trip from the Murud or Kashid coast. Go between November and March, start at dawn, and treat the forest and its villages gently.
Last updated: 24 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change—reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, eco-sensitive zone notification S.O. 1603(E) dated 17 May 2017 (moef.gov.in); Maharashtra Forest Department references on sanctuary declaration and management plan via Wikipedia; Drishti IAS, “Project Sustainable Phansad” (drishtiias.com); Outlook Traveller, “Into the Wild: A Journey Through Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary” (outlooktraveller.com); Konkan Railway (Roha station). Accessed October 2026.
