The State of Chhattisgarh is one of the greenest in India and the forests of Chhattisgarh are not only known for their diverse flora and fauna. Chhattisgarh is also unique in its wildlife population and has National Parks and 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 ofthe region.
The green state has launched an eco-tourism project covering three potential tourist tracks - Raipur-Turtiria-Sirpur, Bilaspur-Achanakmar and Jagdalpur-Kanger Valley National Park. With so many initiatives, Chhattisgarh is destined to become the most favourite eco-tourism destinations in India.
Read on to know more about the ecotourism spots in Chhattisgarh, the staying options and how to reach informations for travellers visiting Chhattisgarh.
Kanger Valley National Park
It is a major ecotourism spot in Chhattisgarh and attracts many tourists all round the year. Besides wildlife and plants, there are many tourist attractions inside the park such as the Kutamsar Caves, Kailash Caves, Dandak Caves and Tiratgarh Waterfalls. Kanger Dhara and Bhaimsa Dhara are the two beautiful and exotic picnic spots inside the park.
Best Time to Visit
The best season for tourists to visit the Kanger Valley is from November to June.
How to Reach the Park
Kanger Valley is well approachable from Jagdalpur, district head quarter of Bastar. It is at a distance of about 27 km from Jagdalpur on the Jagdalpur - Konta road. You can also approach the park via Jagdalpur - Sargipal - Jatam - Nianar - Bodal road. Raipur (330 km) is the nearest airport and Jagdalpur (27 km) is the nearest railhead and bus stand from the Kanger Valley National Park.
Nandan Van: A Nature Centre
The Nature Centre is located about 16 km away from Raipur and regular bus services and tourists vehicles are available from Raipur. The center was established to provide shelter to stray animals. Now the center is an important biological park and houses common forestry plants. For staying options, there are many luxury and budget hotels for travellers to choose from.
Barnawapara Sanctuary
The Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest and important wildlife sanctuaries in the region and a major ecotourism spot in Chhattisgarh. The wild species and plants adds to the flora and fauna of the sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to June.
How to Reach the Park
The nearest airport from the sanctuary is Raipur which is 85 km. Mahasamund Railway Station (60 km) is the nearest railhead from the Barnawapara Sanctuary. The place is easily approachable through the forest road, which connects Barnawapara with Raipur via Patewa and with Pithora on NH 6.
Where to Stay
Forest Guest House located close to the sanctuary is the only staying option available to the guests.
Sitanadi Sanctuary
Located in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh, Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most famous and important ecotourism spots in Chhattisgarh.
How to Reach the Park
The sanctuary is at a distance of about 173 km from state capital Raipur which is also the nearest airport. Dhamtari Railway Station (95km) is the nearest railhead from Sitanadi Sanctuary. The place is easily approachable through the Raipur-Deobhog State Highway.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is from November to June.
Where to Stay
Forest Guest Houses and Forest Cottages are available to the tourists and these guest houses and cottages are located in proximity to the sanctuary.
Indravati National Park
Indravati National Park is located in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. A series of beautiful hill ranges with lush green vegetation and unique and varied wildlife make Indravati National Park a must visit for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit
The best season to visit the park is from December to June.
How to Reach the Park
Indravati National Park is easily approachable from Jagdalpur. The village Kutrue, the main entry point of the park, is situated at the distance of 22 km north of Jagdalpur- Bhopalpattanam road. The Kutrue link road is at the distance of 145 km from Jagdalpur. Raipur (486 km) is the nearest airport and Jagdalpur (168 km) is the nearest railhead from the Indravati National Park.
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary is located in Bilaspur district and is one of the most famous and important ecotourism spots in Chhattisgarh. November to June is the ideal time for tourists visiting the sanctuary. Pandra Road (25 km) and Bilaspur (40 km) are the nearest railhead. For accommodation, Forest Guest Houses and Forest Cottages are the ideal staying options for tourists visiting the sanctuary.