The home of the ‘mini Niagara Falls’, Chitrakote Falls, forests cover 44% of Chhattisgarh state, India. Part of central India, the state is visited not only by nature and wildlife lovers but also by historians and archeologists for it is home to the ninth century city of Raipur. With the main attraction of Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, Raipur is the capital city of Chhattisgarh. Nature’s bounty and heritage culture make Chhattisgarh now the most sought-after tourist destination in India. With so much history and forests, Chhattisgarh does not lack any modern facilities either. Raipur has airport reach from almost every part of the world and has some of the best hotels in India. This forested state has many wildlife sanctuaries, with rich flora and fauna, along with rivers to enjoy nature at its best. Check out these top wildlife sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh, India.
1. Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are in Chhattisgarh, one place not to miss is Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. It has easy accessibility not only from Raipur but also from the neighboring state of Madhya Pradesh. Spread out over 139 sq. km. (54 sq. mi.), it offers a rewarding experience to nature lovers. Spot hill hyenas, tigers, leopards, wild buffalo, jackals, barking deer, wild boar, gaur, and many more animals here. And for the bird lovers, keep an eye out for green pigeons, peacocks, jungle fowls, woodpeckers, darters, parrots, stocks, and more. The sanctuary even has artificial arrangements for migratory birds. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to June, for spotting rare animals and migratory birds.
Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: NH 16, Bhairamgarh, Chhattisgarh 494450
Website: Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 24 hours (closed from Mon - Fri)
2. Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary
Head to Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary for a beautiful encounter with nature. ‘Achanakmar’ means sudden attack and this wildlife sanctuary is spread over a vast area of 557 sq. km. (215 sq. mi.). It is more of a tiger reserve now. Many believe that even pregnant tigresses from neighboring forests come to Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary to give birth to tiger cubs. Situated at an altitude of up to 1000 meters (3281 feet) above sea level, this hilly terrain has not only tall trees but also fantastic waterfalls. Classified as northern tropical moist deciduous forest, it is also connected to a famous national park of Madhya Pradesh. Apart from tigers, there are 150 species of birds, wild dogs, squirrels, and other animals. Watching langurs and monkeys playing in the dense forest surrounded by the chirping of many birds is an experience never to be forgotten in life.
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: ATR office, Kawardha Road, Mungeli, Chhattisgarh 495334
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 6am - 5:30pm; Sat - Mon: 6am - 6pm
3. Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are an adventure seeker, then you should not miss out on visiting Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh, the land of forests. One of the richest biodiversity areas spread out over 275 sq. km. (106 sq. mi.), it’s a natural habitat that is home to a variety of rare species. Seeing herds of wild buffaloes moving around the forest will become a cherished memory for you. If you are lucky, you may even spot a tiger, along with other animals like Chausinkara, barking deers, sambars, and gaurs. Migratory birds also visit this wildlife sanctuary and make for an incredible sight. Situated in Raigarh district, its easy accessibility from Raipur makes it a convenient place to visit.
Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Chhattisgarh 496445, India
Website: Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, with the beautiful Sitanadi river originating from the center of it, should be a top destination for all wildlife lovers. Situated in Dhamtari district, it is best visited between October and March. The green flora along with rich and unique fauna spread out over its vast 556 sq. km. (215 sq. mi.) area is the best in Chhattisgarh. Enjoy beautiful crimson breasted barbet, edgers, herons, bulbul, pheasant, peafowl, parrot, and other rare birds chirping around in the sanctuary. Other significant wildlife to enthrall you includes flying squirrels, tigers, striped hyena, sloth bear, blackbuck, barking deer, antelopes, chinkara, and more. The fantastic flora includes teak, bamboo, and moist peninsular Sal forests. Some essential plants that make this sanctuary beautiful include mahua, semal, harra, ber, tendu, among others.
Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Beladula Road, Deogaon, Chhattisgarh 493778
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
5. Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve
At Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, if you are lucky, you could spot the rare black panther. By installing 200 cameras, from December 2016 to 2017, the forest authorities have been able to gather photographic evidence of the presence of black panthers. Until then, there was no scientific proof of its existence here, even though for several decades, many people claimed to have seen it. But if you have not been able to spot the black panther, do not despair for many other animals inhabit Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve that is spread out over a vast area of 1842 sq. km. (711 sq. mi.) With so much forest area, it is home to many species of rare fauna and flora like the endangered wild buffalo. The 25 ha. (62 ac.) Wild Buffalo Rescue Center at the reserve now safely houses one female buffalo, a female baby buffalo, and nine other buffaloes.
Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve
Address: Udanti, Chhattisgarh 493888
Website: Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
6. Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary Jashpur
Located in Jashpur district, the beautiful Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary Jashpur is easily accessible as it is only 160 km (99 mi) from Raigarh. Situated on the Eib and Dorki river banks, it is a natural retreat for nature and wildlife lovers. Though enjoyable round the year, the best time to visit is from November to June. Its evergreen Sal forests are spread over 105 sq. km. (40 sq. mi.), a relatively small forest area but rich in fauna and flora. It is home to panther, wild bear, jungle cat, chital, bear, wolf, fox and other dangerous reptiles like cobra and python. Bird lovers, too, can enjoy watching tree pie, green pigeons, rollers, kala teetar, red spur fall, among others.
Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary Jashpur
Address: Jashpur Nagar, Chhattisgarh 496225
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
7. Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary
Located within 140 km (87 mi) of Raipur, Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary offers you a chance to spot tigresses freely roaming around with their cubs. With Sakri River flowing through the dense forest, it is a scenic spot for nature and wildlife lovers. It is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in not only Chhattisgarh but also the whole of India. The flora is dense with sal, saja, kara, teinsu, and haldu species. The fauna is full of fox, hyena, leopard, chital, nilgai, bear, wild buffalo, and more. Located in Kawardha and between Kanha National Park and Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, it offers the best of nature in the two states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Kawardha, Chhattisgarh 491995, India
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Discover the wildlife sanctuaries of Chhattisgarh
The diverse flora and fauna of Chhattisgarh entice local as well as international travelers to the state. The state has several wildlife sanctuaries that preserve native species of plants and animals in their natural habitat. A visit to one of these wildlife sanctuaries is a must if you want to explore nature at its best.
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