Wildlife Sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh

The district of Raipur possesses three wildlife sanctuaries. The sanctuaries are open throughout the year but looking to the accessibility it is advisable that the visits are made during November to June in the Year.

With a varied terrain of wooded hills abounding with evergreen sal forests, precious timber procuring, natural and planted teak forests and mixed forests of higher and medium quality, the sanctuaries offer abundant opportunities of sighting a variety of wild life.

The predominant species in the sanctuaries are deer and the most easily sighted are the graceful little chinkara, the Indian gazelle and the chital or spotted deer. Other species that have their habitat in the sanctuaries are nilgai, Sambar, Kotri,barking deer, chausingha or four horned antelope, sloth bear, wild boar, wild dog, jackal,wolf, hyena and bison.

Tiger & leopards/panthers can also be spotted in the sanctuaries, but they are certainly in limited numbers. The sanctuary's avifauna includes peacock, jungle fowl, pigeon, green pigeon, wood plucker, quail, gray-partridge, parrot, stork etc. Artificial water holes have been developed in the area to attract migratory birds which are good sites for bird-watchers in winter and for general tourists in summer.

Barnawapara Sanctuary

Barnawapara sanctuary occupies the Northern part of Mahasamund District and covers an area of 244.66 sq. Kms

Sita Nadi Sanctuary

The Sitanadi Sanctuary occupies the Southern most parts of Dhamtari Tehsil in Raipur District land joins Orrisa State boundary. It covers lover 552.55 Sq.Kms. of area.

Udanti Sanctuary

The Udanti Sanctuary occupies the South-Eastern portion of Gariaband Tehsil of Raipur District and adjoins Orissa State in Eastern side. It covers an area of 247.59 Sq. Kms. The Sanctuary is principally created to protect the wild buffaloes. The other species are also abundant in the area.