Monday, July 4, 2016

Indravati National Park : A Unique Wildlife Destination in Chattisgarh, India


 Chitrakoot Falls On The Indravati River

Location and Brief Overview

The Indravati National Park is found in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh state. The Indravati River flowing through the park is from where the name was derived. This park supports the life of some rare wild buffaloes. Indravati National Park was established with an intention of supporting tigers’ life along with other animals. Apart from beautifying the park, the Indravati River provides water for the animals and plant species of the park. Tall hill ranges with luxurious green vegetation and wildlife make the Indravati National Park  a spectacular sight.

History and Geography

Indravati was officially declared a national park in 1981 and a Tiger Reserve in 1983. The Indravati National Park covers 2799.08 Km2 (that includes the core and the buffer area). It comprises undulating hilly terrain, with an altitude that ranges from 177 to 599 meters above the sea level. The creepers and shrubs shielding the open space of the park create a very impressive and memorable view. You will encounter vigorous tropical flowers growing around the slope of this hilly park. The place is appealingly green due to the presence of southern mixed and moist deciduous forests. The place has favorable temperatures ranging from 110C during the cold seasons to 400C in hot seasons. Average rainfall is 1,395.00mm.
Habitat and Biodiversity

The Indravati National Park supports plant and animal species. A large numbers of birds, reptiles, and mammals inhabit Indravati. Some examples of animals found here include wild buffalo, tiger, chital, nilgal, barking deer, gaur, leopard, barasingha, chausingha, sambar, sloth bear, striped hyena, dhole, wild boar, porcupine, flying squirrel, monkey, pangolins, langours etc. Examples of reptiles found here include crocodile, Indian chameleon, Indian rock python, monitor lizard, common krait among others. Birds are very colourful and unique, and enjoyable to watch as they fly over the hills and forests of the Indravati National Park. Examples of birds include hill myna, red jungle, spotted owlet, racket-tailed drones  parrots, peacocks, red spur fall etc. Sal, bamboo, teak, salai, lendia, tendu, mahua, ber and dhaora are among the many beautiful floras found all over the Indravati National Park.

Tourism

If you really want to spend your time in a pleasing and serene environment, then think of Indravati National Park. The arrangements of the hills, trees, and singing birds are more create a magical enviroment. The most suitable times to visit includes the duration between 15th June and 15th December. The place can be accessed by air, road, and rail. Proper means of travel vary depending on distance from the park. Seemingly, road is the most effective for those visiting from within India. Raipur airport is about 500km from the Indravati National Park. This airport is efficiently connected with roads and rail. The nearest railway station is Jagdalpur, 170km for Indravati National Park. The rail is also connecting perfectly to the road. The Indravati National Park can be accessed easily by road. If you are within India, I reckon you use a bus or a private car. For more information concerning accommodation within the park, you can contact the field director of the park.

Threats and Conservation

The Indravati National Park houses rare and unique animal and plant species that must be conserved. The relevant authorities are putting surveillance everywhere to ensure all animals are protected. We have poachers and hunters whose ambition is to kill animals. The state government has strategies in place to ensure security and safety of the flora and fauna. To maintain the Indravati National Park's integrity and continued survival of life, Indravati River is kept free from pollution. Residents living in the vicinity of the park are advised to avoid contaminating the river. It is at the center of the park’s beauty. Polluting the river means destroy all the vast aquatic life it supports. 


Written by: A. Benojir, Bangladesh

Read about other wildlife destinations in India here:

Gulf Of Mannar Marine National Park

Valmiki National Park

Gangotri National Park


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