Situated in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, Kangar Valley National Park has derived its name from the Kangar River, which flows in length. Also known as Kangar Ghati National Park, the Government of India declared it a national park in 1982. This place is a friendly combination of mountains, deep valleys, giant trees, and different wildlife species. It is one of India’s densest forests and is widely known for its biodiversity, landscapes, waterfalls, and other geographical attractions. It is a popular destination for bikers, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts. This park is filled with humid deciduous forests, with abundant trees such as Sal, Teak, Saugaun, and Bamboo. The most popular species of this area is the Hill maina, known as Bastar Maina, and the forest is home to migrant and resident birds.
Places of attraction while visiting the park
A person visiting the park should take the guidance and assistance of the local people, as most places do not have proper signages.
• Tirathgarh waterfalls: The water falling from the rocky slopes is white, which gives an impression like milk is falling, and hence it is also considered as “Milky falls”. It is one of the most visited waterfalls in Chhattisgarh, located around 38 km from Jagdalpur in the eco-tourism site.
• Kotumsar Caves: Located near the banks of the Kanger River, Kotumsar cave is a subterranean limestone cave. They are underground caves, and hence, pitch-darkness is inside them. This cave has the distinction of being India’s first most biologically explored cave.
• Kailash Caves: these caves are located in the area near Mikulwada. It offers stunning sights featuring stalactite and stalagmite formations. They attract people with the huge stalagmite formation in the form of a Shivlinga at the end of the cave.
• Bhainsa Darha: Located at a distance of 65km from Jagdalpur, Bhainsa Dhara lake has many crocodiles and tortoises. Dahra means water pools have very hygienic water quality and are surrounded by mountains with thick greenery.
• Kanger Dhara: It is located inside the Kanger National Park, a picnic spot where people visit with their families. The Kanger Dhara waterfall is formed due to the presence of undulating rocks present there.
Other national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Chhattisgarh are:
India is rich with many floras and faunas, and various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are being established to preserve them and give them importance. Some of the parks and sanctuaries of Chhattisgarh are as follows:
• Indravati National Park
• Guru Ghasidas National Park
• Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary
• Barwapara Sanctuary
• Pameda Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
• Virgin Kurschel Valley Sanctuary
• Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary
