Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary

Location :Mungeli district of Chhattisgarh
Coverage area : 557.55 sq.km.
Main attraction : Leopard, Gaur, Chital, Wild Bear, Tiger Panthera
Best time to visit :
Nearby excursions : Teerthraj and Amarkantak
Nearby cities :Mungeli

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most prominent wild tourist hubs in Chhattisgarh, the greenest state of India. Linked by the corridor of Kahna-Achanakmar to Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, it was established in 1975 under the provisions of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 to declare it as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 2009 to preserve the genetic

linkages.
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the forest tract which forms the Central Indian tiger heartland and protects about 26 tigers in the sanctuary. For the convenience of visitors, five watchtowers are setup inside the sanctuary to watch the wildlife from close. Nestled in the Lamni range at 1039m, TangliPather and Diya Barr catch the most beautiful and breathtaking views.

Location of Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mungeli district of Chhattisgarh, and forms a part of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary is spread across an area of 557.55 sq km within the forest and extends over Kota Taluk, Bilaspur district. The altitude of the sanctuary ranges between 200m and 1000m above sea level and accounts for its hilly topography.

Climatic conditions

The region of the sanctuary experiences a sub-tropical, continental, semi arid, monsoon type of climate. It results in hot summers, cold winters and short monsoons. Summers are dry and hot with the maximum temperature exceeding upto 45 degree Celsius and with frequent dust cyclones. The south west monsoon arrives in July and stays till September causing heavy rainfall before winter commences. Western disturbances during winters also cause some rainfall.

Best time to visitAchanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary remains closed during monsoons due to heavy rainfall resulting in bad road conditions. The best time to explore the sanctuary is between November and June, when the region is at its peak of pleasant and favorable weather, and reveals its extraordinary beauty and biodiversity.

Animals that inhabit the sanctuary

The wildlife sanctuary is mainly known for being the home to Bengal tiger preserving at least 26 tigers. Other animals include Indian leopard, gaur, chital, striped hyena, Indian jackal, sloth bear, Ussuri dhole, sambar, nilgai, Indian giant squirrel, porcupine, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, chinkara, blackbuck, Indian muntjac and wild boar, four varieties of monkeys among other species. Different species of butterflies and migratory birds also inhabit the place including the rare species of male black-capped Black bird reportedly spotted near Sambhar-dhasan village. Avifauna is huge with over 150 species of birds found here.

Different types of reptiles found in the sanctuary include Indian rattle, python and crocodile found in the Sihawalsagar area.

The flora of the region is mainly thick dense lush green forest with plantation of sal, dhawara, bamboo, saja, lendia, tinsa, bija, khamar, haldu and teak. The flora and vegetation changes and becomes thicker as you climb up in the altitude.

Distance of Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary from major cities:

Korba, 154 km
Raipur, 170 km
Jabalpur, 254 km
Nagpur, 421 km
Allahabad, 436 km
Bhopal, 569 km
Amravati, 593 km
Kolkata, 903 km
Hyderabad, 931 km
Jaipur, 1052 km
Delhi, 1080 km
Mumbai, 1263 km
Bangalore, 1520 km
Chennai, 1560 km

How to reach the National park ?

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Airways

The nearest airport is located 172 km away at Raipur, capital of Chhattisgarh, which is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bangalore, Vishakhapatnam and Chennai.

Railways

The nearest railway station is at Belgahna, located 54.7 km from the sanctuary.
Bilaspur railway station, at 82 km, is also near and the connectivity with other cities is better.
Cabs and rental cars are available from both the stations to reach the destination directly.

Roadways

Amarkantak is 21 km away, Bilaspur is 55 km away, Bandhavgarh is 225 km away and Kanha, Mukki Gate is 230 km away from Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Private taxi operators are available for hire from these places to take you to the sanctuary.

Accommodation facilities

One can avail the accommodation facilities at forest cottages and rest houses built during the British rule inside the sanctuary with all the basic amenities. These cottages and rest houses are connected to the lanes of the forest. Panther cottage in Malhaar is a great option to stay amidst the stone carving of temple ruins.

Things to do

Explore the wildlife from the watchtowers

There are five watchtowers built inside the reserve to discover the wildlife from close. TangliPather and Diya Barr are two of the worth mentioning watchtowers nestled in the Lamni region at 1039 m. You can catch the exotic nature and wildlife from these places in the best possible way.

Know the different tribes

The region is the abode to local tribes like Gond and Baiga. Get closer to them and learn about their living style, culture and food habits.

Temples for pilgrimage

Malakal hills, Shiva temple at Pali village, pilgrim towns of Teerthraj and Amarkantak are among the major tourist attractions for people who come to visit Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Conclusion

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most exotic escapes amidst the luxurious greens of Chattisgarh ? a must visit for the ones who want to treat their eyes with nature at the most plush way.