Gautala Outram Ghat Sanctuary
Gautala Sanctuary in Chalisgaon Taluka of Jalgaon District and Kannad Taluka of Aurangabad District is about 260 Sq. that I. is spread over the area.
Establishment
Gautala Sanctuary was established in 1986. This sanctuary is located in Kannad taluka of Aurangabad district is spread over about 260 sq. km.. The forest area of 17 villages in Kannad taluka is included in this sanctuary.
Location
The sanctuary is 15 km from Kannad village and 20 km from Chalisgaon village. The distance from Aurangabad to Kannad is 60 km. The same road goes further to Chalisgaon. After 2 km from Kannad, a fissure breaks. Through this fork we directly reach the entrance of Gautala Sanctuary. After registering at the checkpoint there and paying the entry fees one gets entry. The sanctuary can be visited by vehicle or on foot.
History
After entering through the entrance near Kannad, many types of trees and flowers are seen. After going further we see a stream flowing through the sandalwood forest called Chandan Nala. Colorful birds like peacocks and parrots can be seen on its banks. Similarly Satbhai, Sugran, Dayal, Bulbul, Kotwal and Chandol birds are seen. A dense forest starts after this stream. Next is a temple of Maruti. Gautala Lake is in front of this temple. The entire area of this lake is grassy. Herdsmen used to live in this place. Their cows used to graze in this area. From that the lake got the name Gautala and the same name was later given to the sanctuary.
About the Sanctuary
There are bamboo, palas, ranpimpal, ranashevaga, kadulimb, tamarind trees around the Gautala pond. Divers, waterfowl and other birds can be seen in the pond. There is an observation tower next to the pond. From this tower one can see the nature of Gautala area.
Source of the river
Nagad river originates from this mountain which is visible on the left side of Gautala lake. It lands in the right-hand valley. Nagad Lake is built on the river there. Manjarmal hill can be seen beyond Satmalaya. All water bodies in the forest dry up in summer, but water in Nagad lake, Garada and Nirbhor water bodies survives. Wildlife come here to quench their thirst in summer.
Legendary Significance
There is a high hill next to the Gautala lake. There is a thicket of various trees on this hill. There is a cave on this hill. It has a water tank. There is a stone idol of Gautama Rishi in the cave. It is believed that sage Gautama performed penance in this cave. From this, it is understood that this hill got its name as Gautama hill.
Features
After going down Gautam Hill, a dense forest is encountered. After walking for 5-7 km from there, there is a crossroads; The road on the left goes through the ghat to Chalisgaon. Outram Ghat is on the Kannada-Chalisgaon road. The forests of this ghat are included in the Gautala Sanctuary, hence the sanctuary is also known as the Gautala Outram Ghat Sanctuary.
Prosperity
Gautala sanctuary has animals like leopards, wolves, chitals, taras, foxes, antelopes, wild boars, sambars, cows, sheep. Gautala Sanctuary is rich in animals, birds, trees and herbs.
Government Rest Houses
There are Forest Rest Houses at Puranwadi and Patandevi.
Contact Address -:
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Aurangabad Forest Department
Station Road , Aurangabad.
or
Conservator of Forests
Gautala-Outram Ghat Sanctuary
Kannada, District Aurangabad.
