Chhattisgarh is known for its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. The state is home to 3 national parks, each with its unique flora and fauna.
1. Guru Ghasidas National Park
- Guru Ghasidas National Park is located in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh, India.
- It is situated between two significant tiger reserves, namely Palamau in Jharkhand and Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh.
- In 1983, it was established as the Sanjay National Park.
- In 2000, Guru Ghasidas National Park was formed from Sanjay National Park when Chhattisgarh was bifurcated from Madhya Pradesh.
- In 2007, the park was renamed as Guru Ghasidas National Park. It is named after Guru Ghasidas, a revered spiritual leader and social reformer from the Satnami community.
- In 2022, the combined areas of the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary were declared a Tiger Reserve.
- Area: It spread over an area of 1,500 km2 (580 sq mi).
- River: Some of the prominent rivers flowing through the park:
- Banas River
- Bijaur Nala
- Hasdeo River
- Tribe: Some of the tribes that can be found near the park:
- Cherva
- Pando
- Gond
- Khairwar
- Agaria
- Flora: Sal, teak, mahua, tendu, bamboo, aloe vera, malabar nut, rauwolfia serpentina, bamboo, Indian trumpet flower, Indian gooseberry etc.
- Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Spotted Deer, Chinkara, Chousingha (Four Horns Antelope), Sambar, Porcupine, Striped Hyena, Bison, Sloth Bear, Indian Pitta, Red-Headed Vulture, Monitor lizard etc.
- This park was the last known habitat of the Asiatic Cheetah in India.
2. Indravati National Park
- Indravati National Park is located in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh state in India.
- The park is situated in the Eastern Ghats hill range.
- It is also known as Kutru National Park.
- This park is home to one of the last remaining populations of the endangered wild water buffalo.
- In 1981, it was declared a national park.
- In 1983, it was declared a tiger reserve.
- Area: It is spread across an area of approximately 2799.08 square kilometers.
- River: This park is named after the Indravati River, which flows from east to west and forms the northern boundary of the park with the Maharashtra state.
- Flora: Sal, Teak, Terminalia, Mahua , Ain, Semal, Bamboo, Axlewood, Haldu, Bamboo, Amla, Harra, Bhilawa etc.
- Fauna: Tiger, Wild Water Buffalo, Leopard, Barking Deer, Chital, Barasingha, Sambar, Gaur, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Flying Squirrel, Pangolins, Spotted Owlet, Hill Myna, Red Jungle Fowls, Monitor Lizard, Crocodile, Indian Rock Python, Russell’s Viper etc.
3. Kanger Valley National Park
- Kanger Valley National Park is located in the Bastar district of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.
- It is situated in the Kanger Valley, which is part of the Eastern Ghats mountain range.
- The park is also known as Kanger Ghati National Park.
- In 1982, The Kanger Valley National Park was established as a protected area.
- Area: It spans an approximate area of 200 square kilometers (77 square miles).
- Hills: the park comprises two main ranges:
- Kotamsar Range in the west,
- Koleng Range in the east.
- River: The name of the park is derived from the Kangar river, which flows through the park. It is a tributary of the Mahanadi River.
- Waterfall: Park is blessed with several beautiful waterfalls:
- Tirathgarh Waterfall
- Mandawa Waterfall
- Kanger Dhara Fall
- Limestone Caves: The park is known for its limestone caves. It is known for their stalactite and stalagmite formations. Some of the notable caves within or near the park are:
- Kutumsar/Kotamsar Caves
- Kailash Caves
- Dandak Caves
- Flora: Sal, Bamboo, Terminalia, Mahua, Teak, Indian Gooseberry etc.
- Fauna: Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrel, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Striped Hyena, Bastar Hill Maina, Spotted Owlet, Red Jungle Fowl, Steppe Eagles, Red Spurfowl, Pythons, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards etc.
- The park is famous for the Bastar hill myna, the state bird of Chhattisgarh.