While doing all that we are supposed to do on a daily basis, we sometimes forget that there is much more to life than just following a schedule and adhering to it for reasons and seasons. This is why the concept of vacationing was introduced. It allowed people to take a break and deviate from the usual course of life for a while, only to return with memories worth cherishing and a trip worth mentioning. What is necessary to embark on such a trip is an ideal location which is different from the concrete wilderness, just like the Kanger Ghati National Park.
- Location: Near Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, in the Kanger Valley Biosphere Reserve.
- Established: 1982, spanning 200 sq km with rich biodiversity.
- Wildlife: Home to tigers, leopards, crocodiles, and 200+ bird species.
- Attractions: Kutumsar Caves, Kailash Caves, Dandak Cave, and Tirathgarh Waterfalls.
- Best Time to Visit: November to June.
Location
The Kanger Ghati National Park, also known as the Kanger Valley National Park, is located near Jagdalpur, a city in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.
History
This national park was established in 1982 in the Kanger Valley, a designated Biosphere Reserve. Spread over 200 square kilometers in the picturesque valley, the park is home to a wide variety of plants, animals, two rivers, and several caves. The park and the nearby area are occupied by tribal people, who are warm and friendly with the visitors, though language may act as a barrier in communication. There are a total of 48 villages around the park area where people continue to reside.
What to See
Visitors arriving at the park will encounter several species of mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, spiders, reptiles, moths, and butterflies. The most common animals sighted in the park include jackals, deer, tigers, leopards, flying squirrels, rabbits, crocodiles, cobras, peacocks, parrots, monitor lizards, etc.
The common plant species that make up the greenery include bamboo, sal, and teak trees. A total of 553 species have been found in the park, out of which 43 are considered rare, while a dozen species have been marked as endangered. Other species spotted in the park include wild sugarcanes, grasses, climbers, canes, ferns, etc. The Kanger River flows through the park and is the main source of water for the flora and fauna.
The Bhainsa Darha, a water reservoir, is largely occupied by crocodiles and tortoises. A watch tower built close to this reservoir is accessible to visitors and provides a panoramic view of the surroundings. The road that leads to this part of the park passes through dense forests, through which only a meager amount of light can pass even when the sun is high. Another water reservoir of the park is the Kanger Darha, which is frequently visited by locals, as it makes for a perfect picnic spot. The reservoir fills through the waterfalls, and it is relaxing and joyful to stand below the falls and take a dip in the reservoir.
Other attractions of the park include:
Kutumsar Caves
Carved out of limestone on the river bank, the caves were first discovered by the locals in the early 20th century, though the exact period of their construction is not yet ascertained. Visitors can walk inside the caves via concrete steps and railings that lead to various passages. The temperature inside the caves is very low throughout the year, and very little light penetrates the hollow passages.
The passages lead to the chambers and wells built inside, which have always fascinated visitors and researchers alike. Due to low oxygen levels, visitors are prohibited from going beyond certain marked points. The caves gather rainwater and debris during the monsoons, which leads to its temporary closure.
Kailash Caves
These caves were discovered eleven years after the park was established. Through the passage of the caves, visitors reach a point where they can see an ancient Shivling. One can hear incredible sounds distinctly when patting on the walls of the passage.
- Further Read: A List of 15 Most Famous Caves In India
Dandak Cave
Dandak Cave features stalactites and stalagmites akin to those found in the Kutumsar Caves, making it an interesting place to look at and explore. Tirathgarh Waterfalls in Kanger Ghati National Park Tirathgarh Waterfalls.
The waterfall looks like a stream of milk falling from atop the rocks, though it is just plain water from the river. This feature makes Tirathgarh Waterfalls the most famous waterfall of the state. Visitors gather downstream to bathe in the cold, clear water, and those sitting atop the rocks enjoy the view of the lush green forests encompassing it.
- Must Read: Top 15 Amazing Waterfalls of India
Food and Accommodation
Lodging and meals are available at nearby hotels, rest houses, and resorts. While heading to the park, visitors must pack and carry food, water, and other materials, as there are no restaurants or outlets serving any type of supplies within the park.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kanger Ghati National Park is between the months of November to June.
How to Reach
The closest airport and railway station to the Kanger Ghati National Park is in Raipur, the capital city of the state. It is located at a distance of 330 kilometers from the park. Once the visitors reach Raipur, they can board a bus to reach Jagdalpur or hire a private cab to reduce the travel time consumed in public transport. The park is close to the Jagdalpur-Darbha Road, which goes all the way to Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, thus making it easy for visitors from Andhra Pradesh to enter the park through the Kotamsar barrier on this route.
