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National
Park and Sanctuary |
Ecotourism
Places in Chhattisgarh
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Chhattisgarh, the 26th state of the Indian Union, is located in
the central part of India. The newly formed Indian state of
Chhattisgarh is famous for its enchantingly beautiful natural
landscapes, rich cultural heritage and unique tribal
populations. With over 44% of its total area under forests,
Chhattisgarh is also amongst the greenest states of India. The
Chhattisgarh region is known as a great repository of biological
diversity. The unique combination of rich cultural heritage and
biological diversity makes Chhattisgarh an ideal eco-tourism
destination with immense potentials for the growth eco-tourism
the region. The Indian Govt. is actively collaborating with the
local officials of the state to realize the full potential of
eco tourism growth of the region in order to make Chhattisgarh
as one of the most important eco-tourism destinations in India.
Chhattisgarh is one of the greenest states of India with over 44
% of its total area under lush forests. The forests of
Chhattisgarh are not only known for their diverse flora and
fauna but also contain about 88 species of medicinal plants. In
addition, Chhattisgarh has also formulated several ecological
plans and working in the direction to become the country's first
bio-fuel self-reliant state by 2015. And to achieve this goal
the green state has devised a plan to plant over 100 million
saplings of Jatropa Carcus. Chhattisgarh is also unique in its
wildlife population and has 3 National Parks and 11 Wildlife
Sanctuaries, housing some of the rare wildlife and bird species.
With so much of variety for eco tourism, Chhattisgarh promises
to be an ideal holiday destination for nature lovers, wildlife
enthusiasts and also for those who want to discover the unique
tribal life of the region.
Chhattisgarh has identified some regions with a very high
potentiality for eco-tourism. The green state has launched an
eco-tourism project covering three potential tourist tracks -
Raipur-Turtiria-Sirpur, Bilaspur-Achanakmar and Jagdalpur-Kanger
Valley National Park. In addition, a number of herbal gardens
and natural health resorts have been created with increased
local participation. The use of ethno-medicine, which has been
practiced by aboriginal tribes since centuries, predating even
Ayurveda, is also being promoted in Chhattisgarh. The major
eco-tourism attractions, which are getting prime attention in
Chhattisgarh, include the protection and development of the
wildlife areas, camping grounds and trekking facilities. With so
many initiatives, Chhattisgarh is destined to become the most
favorite eco-tourism destination in India and few among best in
the world.
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Chhattisgarh
offers a wide spectrum of opportunities for nature tourism .
Realizing this, the Forest Department has launched three
important nature tourism circuits. They are:
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Raipur-Turturia |
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Bilaspur-Achanakmar |
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Jagdalpur-Kanger Valley |
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In
these tour, tourists are taken to protected area, forests and
cultural heritage sites on every weekend. The exercise of
conducting nature tourism is more of community driven in nature.
People from the Joint Forest Management (JFM) committees are
conducting the nature tourism operation, with the active support
of forest department. |
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basic objective of this initiative is not only to enable the
local people but also to motivate visitors to learn about the
local environment and culture. This process will create
employment, improve standards of living, through stimulating the
local economy and provide incentive for conservation. |
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Kanger Ghati,
Bastar |
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| Rajiv
Smriti Van: Showcasing nature conservation |
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Rajeev
Smriti Van is an unique ex-situ conservation site 12 km from
Raipur city. The center has been developed in memory of Late
Rajeev Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. It covers an
area of 14 acres. Previously, it was
barren site, now the site has been developed as an ex-situ
conservation center . The center shall
cater to the visitors who are keen to understand the dynamics of
tree , nature and environment .It will build public awareness
towards the conservation of nature. |
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Way to Rajiv
Smriti Van |
Rajiv Smriti Van |
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| Nandan
Van : A Nature Center |
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Nandan Van is a nature center located at
16 km away from the city of Raipur. It is spread in an
are of about 10-hectare. It was established to provide shelter
to stray wild animals .It is also a
biological park which houses common forestry
plants. It also consists of small zoo . The center has
now proved to be a
important tool to
create awareness among the urbanites. |
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Panthers
at play |
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| Barnawapara
Sanctuary |
Located
in northern part of Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh,
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest and
important wildlife sanctuaries in the region. Established
in 1976 under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the
sanctuary is relatively a small one covering an area of
only 245 sq km. the topography of the region comprises of
flat and hilly terrain with altitudes ranging between
265-400 mts. The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is known
for its lush green vegetations and unique wildlife.
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Wild Gaur |
Flora and Fauna - Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
The flora of Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary chiefly
comprises of tropical dry deciduous forest with Teak, Sal,
Bamboo and Terminalia being the prominent trees. Other
major plants found in the sanctuary include Semal, Mahua,
Ber and Tendu. The rich and lush vegetation cover supports
a wide variety of wildlife in the sanctuary. The major
wildlife of the Barnawapara Sanctuary include Tigers,
Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrels, Jackals, Four-horned
Antelopes, Leopards, Chinkara, Black Buck, Jungle Cat,
Barking Deer, Porcupine, Monkey, Bison, Striped Hyena,
Wild Dogs, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, Muntjac, Wild
Boar, Cobra, Python to name a few. The sanctuary also has
a sizable bird population with prominent being the
Parrots, Bulbul, White-rumped Vultures, Green Avadavat,
Lesser Kestrels, Peafowl, Wood Peckers, Racket-tailed
Drongos, Egrets, and Herons to name few. Barnawapara
wildlife sanctuary tour promises to be an exciting and
rewarding experience for all wildlife enthusiasts, bird
lovers and nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit - Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
is November-June.
How to Reach - Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
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The nearest airport from the sanctuary is Raipur (85
km). Mahasamund Railway Station (60 km) is the nearest
railhead from the Barnawapara Sanctuary. The place is
easily approachable through the PWD forest road, which
connects Barnawapara with Raipur via Patewa and with
Pithora on NH 6.
Barnawapara Wildlife Count: Tiger - 08, Leopard
-50, Gaur - 563, Sambar - 207, Wild boar - 286, Sloth bear
- 132, Nilgai - 158, Chital - 4,287.
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Tourist Cottage, Bar Village |
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| Sitanadi
Sacntuary |
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Located
in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh, Sitanadi Wildlife
Sanctuary is one of the most famous and important wildlife
sanctuaries in central India. Established in 1974 under
Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the sanctuary covers an
area of approximately 556 sq km, comprising of highly
undulating and hilly terrain with altitudes ranging
between 327-736 mts. The beautiful sanctuary derives its
name from the Sitanadi River that originates in the middle
of sanctuary and joins Mahanadi River near Deokhut.
Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its lush green
flora and rich and unique and diverse fauna and has great
potential to emerge as one of the finest wildlife
destinations in central India.
Flora
and Fauna - Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
The
flora in Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary chiefly comprises of
moist peninsular Sal, Teak and Bamboo forests. Other major
plants in the sanctuary include Semal, Mahua, Harra, Ber
and Tendu. The rich and lush vegetation cover supports a
wide variety of wildlife in the sanctuary. The major
wildlife found in Sitanadi Sanctuary include Tigers,
Leopards, Flying Squirrels, Jackals, Four-horned
Antelopes, Chinkara, Black Buck, Jungle Cat, Barking Deer,
Porcupine, Monkey, Bison, Striped Hyena, Sloth Bear, Wild
Dogs, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, Muntjac, Wild Boar,
Cobra, Python among many others. The sanctuary also has a
sizable bird population with prominent being the Parrots,
Bulbul, Peafowl, Pheasant, Crimson Breasted Barbet, Teetar,
Tree Pie, Racket-tailed Drongos, Egrets, and Herons to
name few. Sitanadi Sanctuary is also being prepared to
develop it as an important tiger sanctuary in the region.
A visit to Sitanadi sanctuary promises to be an exciting
and unforgettable experience for all wildlife enthusiasts
and nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit - Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit the Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is
November-June.
How
to Reach - Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
The
sanctuary is at a distance of about 173 km from state
capital Raipur which is also the nearest airport. Dhamtari
Railway Station (95km) is the nearest railhead from
Sitanadi Sanctuary. The place is easily approachable
through the Raipur-Deobhog State Highway.
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| Udanti
Sanctuary |
Located
in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh, Udanti Wildlife
Sanctuary is a small but an important wildlife sanctuary
in the region. Established in 1983 under Wildlife
Protection Act of 1972, the sanctuary covers an area of
approximately 232 sq km. the topography of the sanctuary
comprises of broken mass of land traversed by innumerable
hill ranges intercepted by stripes of plains. The
beautiful sanctuary derives its name from the Udanti River
flowing from the west to east covering major part of the
sanctuary. Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its
population of the endangered Wild Buffalos. For
their survival and growth many steps have been taken by
the forest department officials. A large number of
man-made tanks have been constructed all across the width
and length of the sanctuary. On Udanti Wildlife Tour you
can see this amazing animal among a wide variety of
animals and birds.
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Cheetal |
Flora and Fauna - Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary
The flora in Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary chiefly
comprises of Tropical Dry Peninsular Sal forests and
Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Mixed Forests. Major flora
in the sanctuary comprises of Teak, Sal, Salai, Bamboo,
Mahul, Semal, Mahua, Aonwla, Tendu, Harra and Ber among
others. The wildlife found in Udanti Sanctuary include
Wild Buffalos, Panthers, Tigers, Chital, Four-horned
Antelopes, Chinkara, Black Buck, Sambar, Nilgai, Jungle
cat, Barking Deer, Sloth bear, Gaur, Wild dog, Porcupine,
Monkey, Jackals, Bison, Striped Hyena, Fox, Cobras,
Pythons etc. The sanctuary also has a sizable population
of birds with prominent being the Parrots, Bulbul,
Peafowl, Racket-tailed Drongos, Egrets, Heron, Magpie
robin, Lesser whistling Teal, Pintail, Rollers and Herons
to name few. A visit to Udanti sanctuary promises to be an
exciting and unforgettable experience for all wildlife
enthusiasts, bird watchers and nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit - Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary is
November-June.
How to Reach - Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is at a distance of about 160 km from
state capital Raipur which is also the nearest airport.
Rajim (115 Kms) is the nearest railhead and the nearest
bus stand from the Udanti Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is
easily approachable through the
Raipur-Rajim-Gariaband-Mainpur-Deobhog PWD all weather
road.
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| Kanger
Ghati
National Park |
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Located
amidst the 34 km long and scenic Kanger Valley, a
Biosphere Reserve, Kanger Valley National Park is one of
the most beautiful and picturesque national parks of
India. The beautiful park is located on the banks of
Kholaba River at a distance of about 27 km from Jagdalpur
(headquarter of Bastar). Spread over an area of
approximately 200 sq km comprising mainly of hilly
terrain, the Park derives its name from the Kanger River,
which flows throughout its length.
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Known for its scenic beauty and the unique and rich
biodiversity, Kanger Valley attained the status of a
National Park in 1982. Besides wildlife and plants, there
are many tourist attractions inside the park such as the
Kutamsar Caves, Kailash Caves, Dandak Caves and Tiratgarh
Waterfalls. Kanger Dhara and Bhaimsa Dhara (a Crocodile
Park) are the two beautiful and exotic picnic resorts in
the Park. The Park also has a sizable tribal population
and can be an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts,
nature lovers, researchers, anthropologists and for anyone
who wants to discover the very best of Chhattisgarh
wildlife and unique tribes of the region.
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Kanger Valley National Park |
Flora and Fauna - Kanger Valley National Park
The flora in the park chiefly comprises of mixed moist
deciduous type of forests with predominance of Sal, Teak
and Bamboo trees. In fact, the Kanger Valley is the only
region in the Peninsular India where one of the last
pockets of virgin and untouched forests still left. Major
Wildlife of the Kanger Valley National Park are the
Tigers, Leopards, Mouse Deer, Wild Cat, Chital, Sambar,
Barking Deer, Jackals, Langurs, Rhesus Macaque, Sloth
Bear, Flying Squirrel, Wild Boar, Striped Hyena, Rabbits,
Pythons, Cobra, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards and Snakes to
name a few. The avian fauna at the Park includes Hill
Myna, Spotted Owlet, Red Jungle Fowls, Racket-tailed
Drongos, Peacocks, Parrots, Steppe Eagles, Red Spur Fall,
Phakta, Bhura Teeter, Tree Pie and Heron among many
others.
Best Season to Visit - Kanger Valley National Park
The best season to visit the Kanger Valley is November -
June
How to Reach - Kanger Valley National Park
Kanger Valley is well approachable from Jagdalpur,
district head quarter of Bastar. It is at a distance of
about 27 km from Jagdalpur on the Jagdalpur - Konta road.
You can also approach the park via Jagdalpur - Sargipal -
Jatam - Nianar - Bodal road. Raipur (330 km) is the
nearest airport and Jagdalpur (27 km) is the nearest
railhead and bus stand from the Kanger Valley National
Park.
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| Indravati
National Park |
Indravati
National Park is the finest and most famous wildlife parks
of Chhattisgarh. Also the only Tiger Reserve in the state,
Indravati National Park is located in Dantewada district
of Chhattisgarh. The Park derives its name from the
Indravati River, which flows from east to west and forms
the northern boundary of the reserve with the Indian state
of Maharashtra. With a total area of approximately 2799.08
sq km, Indravati attained the status of a National Park in
1981 and a Tiger Reserve in 1983 under the famous Project
Tiger of India to become one of the most famous tiger
reserves of India. |
Leopard |
The
topography of the Park mainly comprises of undulating
hilly terrain with altitude ranging between 177 to 599 m
above the sea level. The Park is famous for its unique and
diverse wildlife and bird species including some of the
most endangered species such as Wild Buffalos and Hill
Mynas. A series of beautiful hill ranges with lush green
vegetation and unique and varied wildlife make Indravati
National Park a must visit for wildlife enthusiasts and
nature lovers.
Flora
and Fauna - Indravati National Park
The
flora in the Indravati National Park is mainly comprises
of tropical moist and dry deciduous type with predominance
of the Sal, Teak and Bamboo trees. There are also rich
patches of excellent grasslands providing much required
fodder to Wild buffalos, Chital, Barking Deer, Nilgai,
Gaurs and other herbivores of the park. The most commonly
found trees in the park are Teak, Lendia, Salai, Mahua,
Tendu, Semal, Haldu, Ber and Jamun. The major wildlife in
Indravati National Park include the endangered Wild
Buffalos, Barasinghas, Tigers, Leopards, Gaurs (Indian
Bison), Nilgai, Sambar, Chausingha (four-horned Antelope),
Sloth Bear, Dhole (Wild Dog), Striped Hyena, Muntjac, Wild
Boar, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Pangolins, Monkeys and
Langurs among many others. The commonly found reptiles in
the park are Freshwater Crocodile, Monitor Lizard, Indian
Chameleon, Common Krait, Indian Rock Python, Cobra and
Russell's Viper to name a few. The Park also gives shelter
to the large variety of birds of which Hill Maina is the
most important species here.
Best Season to Visit - Indravati National Park
The best season to visit the Park is from 15th December to
15th June.
How
to Reach - Indravati National Park
Indravati
National Park is easily approachable from Jagdalpur, the
district head quarter of Bastar. The village Kutrue, the
main entry point of the park, is situated at the distance
of 22.4 km north of Jagdalpur- Bhopalpattanam road. The
Kutrue link road is at the distance of 145.6 km from
Jagdalpur. Raipur (486 km) is the nearest airport and
Jagdalpur (168 km) is the nearest railhead from the
Indravati National Park.
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| Achanakmar
Wildlife Sanctuary |
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The
Achanakmar wildlife sanctuary was constituted in the year
1975 it comprises of 557.55 Sq.km. North west forest block
of Bilaspur forest division . forest vegetation mainly
comprises of sal , saja, tinsa, bija , bamboo.the
sanctuary is close to
Amarkantak which
is the origin of river
Narmada and serves as an ideal
habitat for
a variety of
wild animals like Tiger, panther.
gaur, chital ,
barking deer,
wild bou, bear etc.
General
Information
Best
time to visit :
November – June
Accommodation
:
Forest cottages, Forest Rest
Houses.
How
to reach :
Rail – Pandra Road (25 km), Bilaspur
40 km
, Air Raipur (176 km) |
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| Bhoramdeo
Sanctuary |
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Bhoramdeo
wild life sanctuary is one of the eleven
wild life sanctuaries of
Chhattisgarh state. It
is located at kabirdham district . It is named
after famous Bhoramdeo temples. The 163.80 sq. km.
Bhoramdeo wildlife sanctuary encompasses
mixed vegetation comprising
normally of sal, saja, teinsa, kara,
haldu species
. Drained by river sakari which also serves as source
of drinking water to
wild animals . Its open forest serves as habitat
of a number of
wild animals like leopard, hyena ,fox, bear, cheetal,
wild buffalo,
nilgai etc, Tigers are often
seen here as it is very close to Kanha National
Park.
General
Information :
Best
time to visit :
November to March.
Accommodation
: Rest house at kawardha,
Inspection hut at chilf
Nearest
town :
Kawardha
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How
to reach
:
By
road Raipur
(140 km), Air Raipur (140
km.)
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Madav Mahal |
Bhoramdeo Temple |
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