Indravati National Park is a national park located in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh state of India. It derives its name from the nearby Indravati River. It is home to one of the last populations of rare wild buffalo. Indravati National Park is the finest and most famous wildlife park of Chhattisgarh. It is one among the two project tiger sites in Chhattisgarh along with Udanti-Sitanadi, Indravati National Park is located in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. The park derives its name from the Indravati River, which flows from east to west and forms the northern boundary of the reserve with the Indian state of Maharashtra. With a total area of approximately 2799.08 km2, Indravati attained the status of a national park in 1981 and a tiger reserve in 1983 under the famous Project Tiger of India, to become one of the most famous tiger reserves of India.
The Indravati National Park is located in the Chhattisgarh state in central India. The Bijapur district located in the Chhatisgarh state encompasses the National park. The name of the park was derived from the name of Indravati River flowing in that area. The park houses the last populations of the wild buffalo which is found very rarely.
It is one of the well-known and finest national parks in Chhattisgarh. It is the only Tiger reserve in Chhattisgarh. The Indravati River flows from east to west, forming the northern boundary of the tiger reserve separating it from the Maharashtra state. The Indravati National park is spread over an area of 2799.08 square kilometer. In the year 1981, the park got the status of a tiger reserve and in the year 1983, it attained the status of a national park, under the project Tiger.
One of the remarkable tiger reserves in India, the park is having rich flora also. The tropical moist and dry deciduous types of forest are found here. The prevalent species are Teak, Bamboo, and Sal trees. Vast patches of superb grasslands are also found here. These grasslands are rich fodder for the wild buffaloes, Barking deer, Chital, nilgai, Gaurs, and many herbivore animals. The common trees f=grown in this region are India, Teak, Salai, Tendu, Mahua, Semal, Ber, Jamun, and haldu.
Barasinghas, endangered Wild Buffalos, Tigers, Sambar, Gaurs (Indian Bison), Nilgai, Chausingha (four-horned Antelope), Sloth Bear, Leopards, Dhole (Wild Dog), Muntjac, Striped Hyena, Wild Boar, Porcupine, theFlying Squirrel, Pangolins, langurs and monkeys are the main wildlife found in this region. Some species of reptiles are also found. These include Monitor Lizard, Freshwater Crocodile, Indian Chameleon, Indian Rock Python, Common Krait, Cobra, Russell’s Viper etc. Large varieties of birds are also sheltered in the park. The most important one is the Hill Maina.
General Information
| State | Chhattisgarh |
| District(s) | Danewada |
| Established | 1981 |
| Nearest city | Jagdalpur |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+05:30) |
| Area | 2799.08 sq.km |
| Elevation | 599 m |
| Climate | Dry |
| Precipitation | 887.8 – 2416.3 mm |
| Temperature | |
| Summer | 40°C |
| Winter | 11°C |
History
In the year 1981, the Government of Madhya Pradesh established the Indravati National Park. The name of the park was derived from the neighboring river Indravati which borders the park on the northern side. Formerly, the reserve was known as Kutru National Park. In the year 1983, the park was given the status of the Tiger Reserve, being a part of the Tiger Project Network. The park has densely forested lands and the open spaces of the park are shielded with creepers and scrub. Tropical flowers in vibrant colors are also found growing in the park. These include orchids and few other species. The pathways of the jungle are covered with falling leaves and the broken branches. Bird sounds are also heard in the park and the species like gulls, terns, serpent crested eagles, ospreys, wood pigeons etc. can be spotted in the open areas. Rippling hilly terrain is the main topography of the region. The elevation of the land ranges between 177metres to 599 meters above the sea level. Hill Mynas and the wild buffaloes are the wild life species found in the park. The lush green vegetation spread over the hill ranges in the park makes the place very beautiful.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the park is from 15th December to 15th June. The weather is very pleasant during this time and the beauty of park is at its peak.
Distance From National Park
The main entry of the Indravati National park is the Kuture village which is located at a distance of 22.4 kilometer towards the North of Jagdalpur- Bhopalpattanam road. The road linking Kuture is 145.6 kilometers away from Jagdalpur and around 486 kilometers away from Raipurwhich is the nearest airport to the park and the nearest railhead at Jagdalpur is located at a distance of 168 kilometers from the park.
How To Get There
The Park is very easy to approach from Jagdalpur which is the headquarter of the Bastar district.
The main entry of the Indravati National park is the Kuture village which is located at a distance of 22.4 kilometer towards the North of Jagdalpur- Bhopalpattanam road. The road linking Kuture is 145.6 kilometers away from Jagdalpur and around 486 kilometers away from Raipurwhich is the nearest airport to the park and the nearest railhead at Jagdalpur is located at a distance of 168 kilometers from the park.
Indravati National Park’s website is : www.itrbijapur.com
Location Map
Things To Do In National Park It is a must-visited sight for adventure seekers. The park has lots to offer to wildlife and nature lovers. The unique wildlife of the park attracts many visitors here. Barasinghas, endangered Wild Buffalos, Tigers, Sambar, Gaurs (Indian Bison), Nilgai, Chausingha (four-horned Antelope), Sloth Bear, Leopards, Dhole (Wild Dog), Muntjac, Striped Hyena, Wild Boar, Porcupine, the Flying Squirrel, Pangolins, langurs, and monkeys are the main wildlife found in this region. Some species of reptiles are also found. These include Monitor Lizard, Freshwater Crocodile, Indian Chameleon, Indian Rock Python, Common Krait, Cobra, Russell’s Viper, etc. Large varieties of birds are also sheltered in the park. The most important one is the Hill Maina.