Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of Chattisgarh

Chhattisgarh Wildlife Sanctuaries has made it an important destination on the tourism map of India. Chhattisgarh has 3 National Parks and 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries gifted with their unparalleled natural beauty and diverse and rich flora and fauna.

Indravati National Park is the most famous wildlife sanctuary of the state of Chhattisgarh. It has several wildlife sanctuaries in secure areas such as Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamor Pingla, Kanger Ghati National Park, Pamed, Sanjay National Park, Semarsot, Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary, Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Badalkhol, Bhairamgarh, Gomarda wildlife sanctuaries etc.

Chhattisgarh located in central India is among the states which has the maximum land under forest area, encompassing an area of nearly 1,35,133 Sq. km. 44% of the total area of Chhattisgarh comes under forests, which contributes to the 12% of the of India's total forests. The state has immense possibility for wildlife and eco-tourism because of its rich bio-diversity. Chhattisgarh is blessed with some of the most endangered and rare wildlife species are found here. For wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers Chhattisgarh is a perfect destination.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh are inhabited by the the endangered Wild Buffalos and Hill Myna, the State Animal and State Bird of Chhattisgarh respectively. The other animals and birds which you can see in these sanctuaries are the Wild Boar, Indian Gazelle, Chital or Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Sloth Bear, Sambars, Gaurs, Barking Deer, Bison, Chausingha or Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara, Muntjac, Dhole or Wild Dog, Jackal, Striped Hyena, and Porcupine etc. The birds which you can spot in this region are Parrots,Green Pigeons, Storks, Darters, Wood Peckers, Jungle Fowls, Quails, Peacocks, Gray-partridges, etc.

Among the various wildlife sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh, some of the important ones need special mention, click on the following links to know about them in detail:

Barnawapara Sanctuary

Chhattisgarh wildlife sanctuaries attract many tourists to this Indian state. Barnawapara Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary situated in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh. The sanctuary has a total area of 245 sq km.

Though this wildlife sanctuary of Chhattisgarh does not occupy a huge area like the other Chhattisgarh Wildlife Sanctuaries yet it is an important tourist spot in Chhattisgarh. After the passing of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, Barnawapara Sanctuary was established in 1976. The altitude of this region ranges from 265 to 400 m.

The wildlife species in the Barnawapara Sanctuary is varied. The animal lovers can see Tigers, Leopards, Hyenas, Antelopes, Porcupine, Bison, Python and many other species. There are a variety of bird species in this wildlife sanctuary. One can see the Herons, Bulbul, Parrots, Egrets and several rare species. The forest of Barnawapara Sanctuary consists of the trees like Sal, Teak, Bamboo and other Tropical Dry Deciduous trees. There are several other varieties of trees growing in this forest. They include Mahua, Tendu, Ber and Seemal trees.

Sita Nadi Sanctuary

Sita Nadi Sanctuary is situated in the district of Dhamtari in Chhattisgarh. After the passing of Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, Sita Nadi Sanctuary was established in 1974. The average altitude of this place is 327 m to 736 m. The sanctuary has a total area of about 556 sq km. River Sitanadi flows across the sanctuary and thus this sanctuary of Dhamtari has derived its name. The river Sitanadi flows to meet river Mahanadi in Deokhut. The tourists on a tour to the Chhattisgarh wildlife sanctuaries, should not miss a visit to Sita Nadi Sanctuary. November to June are the ideal time to visit Sita Nadi Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh.

The sanctuary is known for its rich vegetation. The forest consists of trees like Mahua, Tendu, Harra and the moist peninsular trees like Sal, Bamboo and Teak. Besides supporting a rich variety of flora, the sanctuary is also a haven for the different species of animals and birds. The nature lovers in Sita Nadi Sanctuary can not afford to miss to see the animals like Leopards, Antelopes, Black Buck, Monkey, Nilgai and many other rare species of animals. A tourist will also be able to see Egrets, Parrots, Bulbul, Tree Pie birds in the sanctuary. A project has been undertaken to develop Sita Nadi Sanctuary into a sanctuary for preservation of Tigers.

Udanti Sanctuary

Udanti Sanctuary was established in 1983 after the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was passed. The sanctuary is a major tourist attraction of Raipur in Chhattisgarh.

The total area covered by the wildlife sanctuary is about 232 sq km. The name Udanti has derived from the river Udanti that flows through this region. The topography of the region is mainly hilly and some parts are plain land. The Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its efforts to preserve the endangered species of wild buffalo.

Chhattisgarh tourism is never complete without taking a day out to the Chhattisgarh wildlife sanctuaries. The tourists can see the wild buffaloes which are the most important species of animal in Udanti Sanctuary. The other animals that are conserved in this sanctuary of Chhattisgarh are Tigers, Antelopes, Black Buck, Jackals, fox, Bison, Barking Deer, Wild Dog, Hyena, and Cobras. The birds that are found in this wildlife sanctuary are Magpie Robin, Heron, Parrots, Egrets, Pea fowl etc. Udanti Sanctuary is a favorite haunt of the nature lovers. They love to spend their time in the natural surroundings among the wild animal and birds.

Indravati National Park

Indravati National Park has been named after the Indravati river that drains in the northern part of the national park. The national park is situated in the district of Dantewada in the Chhattisgarh state of India. Indravati National Park is one of the most popular national park in India. It extends for an area of about 2799.08 sq km. In 1981, the wildlife reserve was recognized as a National Park. From 1983 it came to be known as a Tiger Reserve. The authorities have undertaken measure to conserve this species of animal.

Indravati National Park can be reached by the tourists from outside Chhattisgarh by availing the airplanes from other metropolis of India. They can reach Raipur, which is the nearby airport from the national park. From the district of Bastar, the park can be reached at ease. The park can be reached from Kutrue which serves as the entry point to the Indravati National Park. The park is linked with other parts of the district by link roads. The tourists on a Chhattisgarh tourism can visit the national park and the Chhattisgarh wildlife sanctuaries during the months of December to June.

Last Updated on : 05 April 2013