Kanger Valley National Park

Kanger Valley National Park In Chhattisgarh, India

Kanger Valley National Park, located in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, is one of the most scenic and ecologically diverse national parks in central India. Spread across 200 square kilometers, it was declared a national park in 1982 and is renowned for its dense forests, limestone caves, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity.

The park is named after the Kanger River, which flows through it, shaping its rugged terrain and adding to its natural beauty. The park is also famous for its diverse reptile population, including king cobras, pythons, and various species of lizards and turtles. Birdwatchers can spot over 150 species of birds, including peacocks, parrots, hornbills, eagles, and owls.

The landscape is dominated by tropical moist deciduous forests, featuring sal, teak, bamboo, tendu, and mahua trees, creating an ideal habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Kanger Valley is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, wild boars, Indian gaurs (bison), sloth bears, sambar deer, chital, langurs, and the rare mouse deer (spotted chevrotain).

One of the most fascinating aspects of Kanger Valley is its ancient limestone caves, such as Kutumsar Cave, Kailash Cave, and Dandak Cave, which feature stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. The Tirathgarh Waterfall, a multi-tiered cascade surrounded by lush greenery, is another major attraction within the park.

Tourists can explore the park through jeep safaris, guided trekking tours, and cave expeditions, making it a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The best time to visit Kanger Valley National Park is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. Despite being one of India’s lesser-known national parks, Kanger Valley offers a unique blend of wildlife, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty, making it an underrated gem for eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation.

Flora And Fauna

• Indoreonectes Evezardi