Raipur is a fast developing capital of Chhattisgarh State. Besides the growing commercial and industrial centers in Raipur, wildlife sanctuaries lie on a standstill. It is because of the city’s contribution and conservation of their predominant species.
Raipur is the biggest city situated along the fertile plains of Chhattisgarh District. This district was a part of the Southern Kosal. It is considered under the Mourya Kingdom and the capital of the Haihaya Kings. The city became the center of trade, commerce and the home of wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Raipur district has three wildlife sanctuaries that can be visited during the months of November to June. These sanctuaries offer abundant terrain wooded hills, natural and evergreen forests. Sightseeing of main species like the chinkara, the spotted dear or chital and Sambar are most loved. Other rare animals are the nilgai, barking deer, Kotri, bison, chausingha, sloth bear, four horned antelope, wild dog, hyena, wolf and jackal.
These sanctuaries have an avifauna section which includes pigeons, jungle fowls, peacocks, wood peckers, green pigeons, quails, parrots, storks and gray partridges. Most tourists watch the migratory birds during the summer and winter seasons. This is along the artificial water holes designed to attract them. There are three sanctuaries offering great features of different animals and their habitats.
Barnawapara Sanctuary
Barnawapara is located at the northern part of Mahasamund of Chhattisgarh. The sanctuary is just 85 km away from the Raipur Airport. It was established in the year 1976 and became one of the finest in the region. The 245 square km sanctuary is a protected area under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
The unique and lush vegetation of the area provides tropical dry flora with prominent trees like Sal, Bamboo, Teak, Mahua, Tendu and Terminalia. There is a variety of small animals including the flying squirrels, porcupine, black ducks, monkey and leopards as well as the Gaur, python, cobra, tiger, egrets and many more. Bird lovers will surely become fascinated with birds such as the bulbul, parrot, egret, peafowl, woodpecker and heron, vulture along with lesser kestrels, herons and racket tailed drongos.
The Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary is easily accessible through the PWD forest road via Patewa on National Highway 6 at Pithiora. Forest rest houses at Raven, Devpur and Pakreed are available with its numerous lodges and huts. The place really promises a rewarding knowledge about wildlife.
Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is at the southern most part, with a very big area of 556 square km. It is located along the district of Dhamtari and Chattisgarh. The hilly terrain owes its name to the Sitanadi River.
The sanctuary has a rich flora of moist teak, Semal, Mahua, Ber Tendu, peninsular Sal and bamboo forests. There are many interesting species to see here, like the four horned antelopes, Gaur, Sambar, Chinkara and other birds like the Teetar, Crimson Breasted Barbet and Tree Pie.
The best time to visit is from November to June. It is just 95 km away from the railway station and accessible through the Deobhog State Highway.
Udanti Sanctuary
Undanti Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its wild buffalos. The hill ranges and stripes of plains made this 232 square km sanctuary a favorite amongst tourists. The officials of the forest department had taken steps in its survival. Large man made tanks have been constructed surrounding the sanctuary.
Among the many animals inside are tigers, chitals, black bucks, foxes, cobras and panthers as well as the chinkara, nilgai, porcupine and many others. Flora is made up of dry peninsula Sal forests and tropical dry mixed forests. Many birds come out in the months of November to June. This is the best time to visit and get a chance to see them.
Bhoramdeo Sanctuary
Bhoramdev Sanctuary is one of the eleven wildlife of Chhattisgarh, also known as Bhoramdeo. The place is located at Kabirdham district just 140 km away from Raipur. Bhoramdeo is named after the Bhoramdeo temples.
Flora and animals of rare and wild species comprise the wildlife of Bhoramdeo. Sakari River flows through it becoming the source of drinking water for the animals. The river Sakari which flows through the sanctuary is the source of drinking water for the animals.
Raipur is a big city covering the most of wildlife sanctuaries in India. These sanctuaries help in the growing tourism in Raipur.
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