Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Wildlife & National Parks

Chhattisgarh is a wildlife lover’s paradise, home to dense forests, rich biodiversity, and diverse ecosystems. With three tiger reserves, several national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries, the state is an offbeat but rewarding destination for wildlife safaris, birdwatching, and nature exploration.

Here are the best places to explore Chhattisgarh’s wildlife:

 1. Achanakmar Tiger Reserve – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

✅ Why Visit?

• A dense jungle with rich wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and bison.
• Part of the UNESCO-listed Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.
• Offers jeep safaris, jungle camping, and birdwatching tours.

✅ Wildlife to Spot:

• Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Indian Bison, and Wild Boars.
• Over 150 bird species, including hornbills, peacocks, and kingfishers.

 Location: Bilaspur District
 Best Time to Visit: October – June
 Safari Booking: Available at the Forest Department Office in Bilaspur.

Highlight: One of the best places in India to spot wild tigers in their natural habitat.

 2. Kanger Valley National Park – The Land of Caves & Forests

✅ Why Visit?

• Known for its limestone caves, waterfalls, and dense sal forests.
• Offers a unique mix of wildlife, trekking, and cave exploration.

✅ Wildlife to Spot:

• Leopards, Jackals, Wild Boars, Sloth Bears, and Hill Mynas (State Bird of Chhattisgarh).
• Rare reptiles and over 100 butterfly species.

✅ Best Attractions in Kanger Valley:

• Kotumsar Cave – A mysterious limestone cave with stalactites & stalagmites.
• Dandak Cave – A prehistoric cave, deep inside the forest.
• Tirathgarh Waterfall – One of India’s most stunning multi-tiered waterfalls.

 Location: Bastar District (Near Jagdalpur)
 Best Time to Visit: October – March
 Entry Permits: Available at the park’s gate.

Highlight: A perfect mix of wildlife, adventure, and stunning landscapes!

 3. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary – A Hidden Safari Gem

✅ Why Visit?

• A less crowded wildlife sanctuary, offering a peaceful and thrilling jungle safari experience.
• Famous for barasingha (swamp deer), leopards, and wild elephants.

✅ Wildlife to Spot:

• Leopards, Sloth Bears, Nilgai, Barking Deer, and Wild Boars.
• Over 150 bird species, including peafowls and parakeets.

 Location: Mahasamund District (Near Raipur)
 Best Time to Visit: October – March
 Safari Booking: Available at the Forest Office in Barnawapara.

Highlight: A great alternative to busier tiger reserves, ideal for wildlife photography and birdwatching.

 4. Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve – Home to the Endangered Wild Buffalo

✅ Why Visit?

• A beautiful tiger reserve with grasslands, dense forests, and rivers.
• Home to the endangered Wild Buffalo, one of the last remaining herds in India.

✅ Wildlife to Spot:

• Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Wild Buffalo, Gaur (Indian Bison), and Deer.
• Migratory birds and rare butterflies.

 Location: Gariaband District
 Best Time to Visit: October – June
 Safari Booking: Available at the Forest Office in Raipur or Gariaband.

Highlight: The only place in India where you can see the rare Wild Buffalo in its natural habitat.

 5. Indravati Tiger Reserve – The Wildest Jungle of Chhattisgarh

✅ Why Visit?

• Chhattisgarh’s largest tiger reserve, located near the Maharashtra border.
• One of the few places in India where you can see wild elephants & tigers together.

✅ Wildlife to Spot:

• Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs (Dholes), Elephants, and Sloth Bears.
• Rare migratory birds like Malabar Pied Hornbill and Hill Mynas.

 Location: Bijapur District
 Best Time to Visit: November – May
 Safari Booking: Available at the Forest Office in Bijapur.

Highlight: A truly wild, untouched forest, ideal for hardcore wildlife enthusiasts.

 6. Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

✅ Why Visit?

• A lesser-known sanctuary, offering a rich variety of bird species.
• Great for eco-tourism, nature walks, and offbeat jungle experiences.

✅ Wildlife to Spot:

• Indian Bison, Blackbucks, Chinkaras, and Barking Deer.
• Over 200 species of birds, including migratory storks and hornbills.

 Location: Surguja District
 Best Time to Visit: November – March
 Permits: Available from Forest Department Offices.

Highlight: One of the best places for birdwatching and peaceful jungle stays.