Kanger Valley National Park Chattisgarh – Timings
Kanger Valley National Park: The state of Chhattisgarh with its rich natural resources, boasts abundant forests and wildlife, covering an impressive 44% of its land. This makes it the third-largest state in India in terms of forest cover. Situated in the Deccan bio-geographical zone, Chhattisgarh is a haven for diverse ecosystems.
Among the many Protected Areas (PA) in the country, the Kanger Valley National Park stands out as one of the most beautiful and densest national parks, located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. The park is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, magnificent waterfalls, and unique subterranean limestone caves, which are home to the Bastar Hill myna, the state bird of Chhattisgarh.
The Kanger Valley National Park boasts a highly varied topography, ranging from low flat areas to steep slopes, plateaus, valleys, and winding streams. This diversity creates an ideal environment for a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a biodiversity hotspot in Central India.
Located about 24 km southeast of Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar district, the Kanger Valley National Park gets its name from the Kanger River, which flows centrally from the northwest to the southeast.
The park was established on 22nd July 1982, as per the Government of Madhya Pradesh Gazette, and it was carved out from the Kanger, Darbha, and Machkote ranges of the Central Bastar Forest Division. It falls under the jurisdiction of Jagdalpur Wildlife Circle and comprises two ranges: Kotumsar and Koleng.
Covering a total area of 200 sq. km, the Kanger Valley National Park stretches about 33.5 km from the Tirathgarh waterfalls to the Kolab River, which marks the boundary with the state of Orissa. The average width of the park is approximately 6 km, offering a vast and diverse expanse for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers to explore.
Explore the Enchanting Kotumsar Cave in Bastar
Kotumsar Cave, nestled deep within the breathtaking landscapes of Kanger Valley National Park, is truly a marvel of nature. Located approximately 3 km from Kotumsar village, this limestone cave is renowned for its stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, which leave visitors in awe of its beauty. Professor Shankar Tiwari discovered this captivating cave in 1958. Stretching an impressive 330 meters in length and descending 40 meters deep, it lies near the serene basin of the Kanger River.
Approaching the entrance of Kotumsar Cave is a thrilling experience in itself. An imposing narrow vertical fissure, carved into the hillside, beckons visitors into a mysterious tunnel. To aid in entering the cave, stairs have been constructed, but it’s important to note that the entrance is relatively narrow, and at certain points, visitors may have to crawl to venture further inside. Unlike the broad entrances of Baratang Cave in the Andamans or the Siju Caves in Meghalaya, Kotumsar Cave’s entrance offers a more adventurous and immersive exploration.
Once inside, the natural beauty of Kotumsar Cave unfolds in all its splendor. The play of light and shadows on the intricate formations creates a mesmerizing spectacle that leaves visitors enchanted. As you venture deeper into the heart of the cave, you’ll witness nature’s artwork, shaped over millennia, which makes Kotumsar Cave a must-visit destination for cave enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Explore the Tranquil Beauty of Kanger Dhara or Kanger Waterfall
Kanger Dhara, nestled within the pristine surroundings of Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. While it may not boast the grandeur of Tirathgarh Waterfall, its unique charm lies in its peace and simplicity.
Situated inside the Kanger Valley National Park, Kanger Dhara owes its existence to the Kanger River, gracefully flowing through rocky structures before cascading from a height of 30 feet, creating a picturesque waterfall. The gentle stream formed by the waterfall flows harmoniously through the rocks, adding to the tranquility of the setting.
Kanger Dhara is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature’s embrace. The harmony of the surroundings and the captivating waterfall makes it an ideal spot to unwind and connect with the natural beauty. A visit to Kanger Dhara promises moments of tranquility and an opportunity to create cherished memories in the lap of nature.
Enjoy an Adventurous Gypsy Safari at Kanger Valley National Park
To venture deep into the heart of the forest at Kanger Valley National Park, hop on a thrilling gypsy safari from the park entrance. These safaris offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the wilderness and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. You can choose between a 3 to 4 hours safari in either the morning or the afternoon. The morning safari operates from 6 am to 11 am, while the afternoon one runs from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Your safari experience is made even more special by the local forest guides, who belong to the tribal communities and are well-trained to assist and lead tourists on this exciting journey. They possess invaluable knowledge of the park’s flora and fauna, ensuring an enriching and informative trip.
The cost of the gypsy safari at Kanger Valley National Park is quite reasonable. If you are a group of up to six people, the safari charges amount to Rs 1500. However, solo adventurers need not worry, as you can still embark on this thrilling experience at the cost of Rs 1100 per vehicle.
Entry fees
Before you set out on your safari, make sure to take note of the entry fees. For Indian visitors, the entry fee to the park is INR 25, while foreign tourists are charged INR 150. Additionally, an INR 150 guide fee is required to ensure you have the best possible experience, fully guided and enriched by the expertise of the local guides.
So, don’t miss out on the chance to go on a gypsy safari and discover the natural wonders of Kanger Valley National Park. The safari promises an adventure like no other, where you can create unforgettable memories while immersing yourself in the beauty of the wilderness.
How to Reach Kanger Valley, National Park
To reach Kanger Ghati National Park, your first destination should be Jagdalpur.
By Air: Jagdalpur has an airport, but it offers limited civilian flights, mainly connecting to Raipur and Hyderabad. The airport is not fully operational for commercial flights. From Jagdalpur, Kanger Valley National Park is just about 25 km away, and it takes approximately an hour to reach there.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Kanger Valley National Park is Jagdalpur Railway Station. Jagdalpur is connected by railways to Howrah, Vishakapatnam, and a few other places.
From Raipur: If you are coming from Raipur, you have two options. The Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur is about 310 km away from Jagdalpur. You can either take a quick one-hour flight to Jagdalpur or choose to travel by road, which takes around 6 to 7 hours.
Local buses are also available from Raipur to Jagdalpur if you prefer a budget-friendly mode of transportation.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to explore Kanger Valley National Park is between October and March. During these months, the weather is cooler, providing a pleasant experience. However, nights can be cold and chilly.
Avoid the summer months from April to June, as they can be scorching hot in the region.
Monsoons (July to September) bring out the beauty of the place with lush greenery and roaring waterfalls. However, keep in mind that heavy rainfall might lead to the park’s closure for safety reasons.
Accommodation:
For accommodation, you have options in Jagdalpur town, with several hotels catering to various budgets.
However, staying at the homestays near the national park for a unique experience of Bastar’s rural life. Consider Aamcho Laadi Homestay in Manjhipal village, Bastar Tribal Homestay at Bodal and Gudiapadar villages, or Dhurwa Dera at Dhudmaras. These homestays offer excellent hospitality and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle.
So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the mesmerizing beauty of Kanger Valley National Park while enjoying the warm hospitality of the local homestays!
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