Wildlife and Ecotourism in Chattisgarh-Indian state of Chhattisgarh is famous for its enchantingly beautiful natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and unique tribal populations. With over 4% 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 diversit y. The unique combination of rich cultural heritage and biological diversity makes Chhattisgarh an ideal ecotourism destination with immense potentials for the growth ecotourism the region. The Indian Govt. is actively collaborating with the local officialsof 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 ecotourism 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 floraand fauna but also contain about 88 species of medicinal plants. 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.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Badalkhol
Badalkhol sanctuary is located in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh. It lies on the banks of Eib River and Dorki River and spreads over an area of 105 sq km. The sanctuary’s vegetation is dominated by Sal forests. It is home to panther, chital, wild bear, jungle cat, monkey, jackals, hyena, bear, wolf, fox, cobra, kraits, python, red spur fall, bhura teetar, kala teetar, tree pie, green pigeon and rollers.
Sitanadi
The wildlife sanctuary was established in 1974 under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This sanctuary sprawls over an area of 556 sq km It is named after Sitanadi River which originates from this sanctuary and joins Mahanadi River.
Barnawapara
This Wildlife sanctuary, is named after Bar and nawapara forest villages, which are in the heart of the sanctuary, Raipur district. The well stocked forests of the Sanctuary Classified as Teak, sal and mixed forests. This sanctuary is famous for the frequent sighting of the Indian bison (Gaur) Cheetal, Sambhar, Neelgai, Wild boar are commonly seen.Bar-Nawapara boosts of over 150 species Birds.
Tamor Pingla
Main wildlife attraction is Nilgai, Chital, Sambar, Chinkara, deerwild boars, foxes. The Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary which is located in the Surjuga District is so called because of the 2 prominent features of this piece of land the Tamor Hill and the Pingla Nalla (stream).
Bairamgarh
One of the prime attractions at Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is the wild buffalo. Hill Hynas can also be seen. The tigers and leopards are also available in this santuary; however, they are less in number. Chinkaras can be easily sighted so are the Indian Gazelle and Chital.
Bhoramdeo
This Wildlife Sanctuary also known as Bhoramdeo is located in Kabirdham district at a distance of 140 km from Raipur and is named after the famous Bhoramdeo temples.
Gomarda
Wildlife Sanctuary (GWS) is one of the Wildlife Sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh and it is located near Sarangarh town in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. A variety of exotic wildlife can be witnessed if one arrives at the Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary. Wild animals found in the sanctuary include leopard, wild dog, jackal, fox, bedi or predators such as wild cat, gaur, nilgai, Sambar, chital, kotri.
The Pamed
Wildlife Sanctuary is an important wildlife reserve in Chhattisgarh. With an area of 262 sq km, it is placed in the Dantewada district in southern part of Chhattisgarh and the Sanctuary is close to the sate border with Andhra Pradesh. Pamed Wildlife Sanctuary has some precious trees like Sal and teak. There are mixed forests creating a different aura about the place.
National Parks and biosphere Reserve
Kanger Valley National Park
It 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.
Guru Ghasidas National Park
It is marked as one of the most unique of all the protected areas in Chhattisgarh. If you are considering a Tour to Chhattisgarh try to include this park in your travel itinerary. The diverse vegetation of the region consists of a wide variety of mammal population. Tigers, Leopards, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Jackals, Sambar, Four-horned Antelopes, Jungle Cat, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Monkey, Bison, Striped Hyena, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs are some of the common species found in this region. It is also an ideal place to watch migratory birds. The best time to visit this place is during November to June.
Tiger Reserve
Indravati National Park
It is the finest and most famous wildlife parks of Chhattisgarh. 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.
Achanakmar Tiger Reserve
It is in Chhattisgarh is a tropical moist deciduous and tropical dry deciduous forest. The reserve is also a part of the much larger Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. Sal, bija, saja, haldu, teak, tinsa, dhawara, lendia, khamar and bamboo flourish here along with over 600 species of medicinal plants. The winding Maniyari river that flows right through the heart of the reserve is its lifeline. Wild fauna found here includes the tiger, leopard, bison, flying squirrel, Indian giant squirrel, chinkara, wild dog, hyena, sambar, chital and over 150 species of birds. Even a short trek through this park easily reveals its extraordinary beauty and biodiversity.