Indravati National Park, Chhattisgarh

About Indravati National Park
Indravathi National is the one and only Tiger Reserve and is located in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, in India. The park gets its name Indravathi from the river Indravathi which flows flowing from east to west forms the northern boundary of the park with the state of Maharashtra .

The area of the park is approximately 2800 square kilometers. The Indravathi park was declared a National park in 1981 and a Tiger Reserve in 1983. After the park was declared as a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger of India , it became one of the most famous tiger reserves of India

The altitude of the Park is from 177 to 599 m above the sea level and it has become famous for its unique and diverse wildlife and bird species including some of the most endangered species such as Wild Buffalos and Hill Mynas.

Beautiful hill ranges with lush green vegetation and unique and varied wildlife makes the park " a must see " for a tourist and a wild life enthusiast.

Flora and fauna of the National Park
The major wildlife in Indravati National Park include the endangered Wild Buffalos, Barasinghas, Tigers, Leopards, Gaurs (Indian Bison), Nilgai, Sambar, Chausingha (four-horned Antelope), Sloth Bear, Dhole (Wild Dog), Striped Hyena, Muntjac, Wild Boar, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Pangolins, Monkeys and Langurs among many others. The commonly found reptiles in the park are Freshwater Crocodile, Monitor Lizard, Indian Chameleon, Common Krait, Indian Rock Python, Cobra and Russell's Viper to name a few. The Park also gives shelter to the large variety of birds of which Hill Maina is the most important species here.

How to Reach the Park?
By Air: Raipur is the nearest Airport which is 486 kilometers away and the railway station is Jagdalpur which is 168 kilometers away.The Village Kutrue is the entry point to the Indravathi national park and the link road is situated at a distance of 146 kms kilometers from jagdalpur on the jagdalpur - Bhopalpattinam Road. From the Village Kutrue it is still 22- 23 kilomters to reach the park. It would be betterif you can hire a car from the railway station at Jagdalpur.

By rail: The nearest railway station will be Jagdalpur which is the district headquarters.

The nearest bus stand for Indravati National Park is Bijapur and the town is well connected from different parts of the state.

Best time to visit the National Park:
You can visit the park at any time of the year, but would be better to avoid the rainy days of the North east Monsoon and southwest monsoons. As such December to June will be the best time to visit the place.