Kanger Valley National Park, Chhattisgarh – This beautiful park is a haven for the wildlife enthusiasts

Located amidst the 34 km long and scenic Kanger Valley, a Biosphere Reserve, Kanger Valley National Park 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). The park spreads over an area of approximately 200 sq km comprising mainly of hilly terrain, and derives its name from the Kanger River, which flows throughout its length. Known for its scenic beauty and the unique and rich biodiversity, Kanger Valley attained the status of a National Park in 1982. The Park also has a good amount of tribal population. It is an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, researchers, anthropologists and for anyone who wants to discover the very best of Chhattisgarh wildlife and unique tribes of the region.

Flora and Fauna – Kanger Valley National Park

The flora in the park chiefly comprises of mixed moist deciduous type of forests with predominance of Sal, Teak and Bamboo trees. In fact, the Kanger Valley is the only region in the Peninsular India where one of the last pockets of

virgin and untouched forests still left. Major Wildlife of the Kanger Valley National Park are the Tigers, Leopards, Mouse Deer, Wild Cat, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Jackals, Langurs, Rhesus Macaque, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrel, Wild Boar, Striped Hyena, Rabbits, Pythons, Cobra, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards and Snakes to name a few. The avian fauna at the Park includes Hill Myna, Spotted Owlet, Red Jungle Fowls, Racket-tailed Drongos, Peacocks, Parrots, Steppe Eagles, Red Spur Fall, Phakta, Bhura Teeter, Tree Pie and Heron among many others.

Places to see in Kanger Valley National Park: Apart from the avid wildlife, the park also has some mesmerizing sight seeing spots. These include:

Tirathgarh Waterfalls

Tirathgarh Waterfalls can be termed as “Milky Fall” because of the white colour of the water as it descends down the rocky slope giving an impression as if milk is falling. The scenic Tirathgarh Falls is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Chhattisgarh. It is located just opposite to Tirathgarh Waterfalls. Water cascading from the beautiful hills surrounding the falls provides splendid views. Splashing streams of water comes down at an incredible speed from a height of more than 100 feet on the river Mugabahar which originates in a lake not very far away from this point. The area surrounding the fall features lush green forests that enhance the beauty of the falls.

Kailash Caves

Kailash Caves are located in the Kanger Valley National Park area near Mikulwada. Discovered recently in 1993, the caves are around 250 meters long and are situated at an altitude of 40 meters above the ground level. It features stalactite and stalagmite formations that offer stunning sight. Access to the cave is through a narrow opening and at the end of the cave is a huge stalagmite formation in the shape of Shivlinga. The hollow walls of the cave, when struck by hand, make incredible musical sounds.

Kanger Dhara

Kanger Dhara is located inside the Kanger Valley National Park. It is a very good picnic spot where individuals and families alike can spend time and have lot of fun. Nice small cascading falls, give one enough space to take a bath and enjoy. The location also presents a beautiful scene of Kanger River going through the forest.

Things to do in Kanger Valley National Park: Sight seeing is one of the best activities here worth enjoying.

Best time to Visit – Kanger Valley National Park: The best season to visit the Kanger Valley is November – June.

How to go ?

By Air

The nearest Domestic Airport from Kanger valley national park is Swami Vivekananda Airport, located in Raipur, roughly five and a half hrs drive from the location. It is very well connected to major cities of country like Delhi, Mumbai, Mangalore, Hyderabad, Vishakapatnam, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Bangalore and Ahmedabad.

By Train

The nearest Railway Station is Jagdalpur Railway Station. It is well connected with the cities like Raipur, Bilaspur, Delhi, Puri and Visakhapatnam. There are no direct trains between Kolkata and Jagdalpur. You have to halt at any of the three places: Vishakhapatnam, Bhubaneshwar or capital city Raipur. Cars are available on hire from Jagdalpur to national park.

By Road

You have to reach Jagdalpur first so as to reach the national park. There are many ways to reach Jagdalpur. It is 15 Kms from Madpal, 21 Kms from Dhanpunji, 36 Kms from Kotpad, 62 Kms from Boriguma, 114 Kms from Dabugaon, 129 Kms from Ambapani, 133 Kms from Raighar and 290 Kms from Raipur. Chhattisgarh State Road Transport Corporation (CSRTC) and some private bus operators provide good bus service between these areas.

Where to stay ?

There are as such no hotels or resorts near the national park. You have to stay at Jagdalpur, located at a distance of 19km from the location.

Tourist Rest House (Chhattisgarh Tourism) : www.chhattisgarhtourism.net
Royal Bastar Farm: 91 9406358172, 9406356302 Website:www.royalbastarfarm.com
Hotel Akanksha: +91- 7782 225335, 225336, 222349 Website: www.hotelakanksha.com
Chetak Hotel: +91-099935 09500

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.