Kanger Valley National Park
Located amidst the 34 kms long and scenic Kanger valley, a biosphere reserve, Kanger Valley National Park lies at a distance of 27 kms from Jagdalpur. Spread over an area of 200 sq km, the park derives its name from the Kanger River, which flows throughout its length.
Kanger Valley attained the status of a National Park in 1982. Besides wildlife and plants, this national park is home to three exceptional caves—Kutumsar, Kailash and Dandak—famous for the astounding geological formations of stalagmites and stalactites.
FLORA, FAUNA AND WILDLIFE
Prepare to get enchanted by rugged mountain views, deep gorges, dancing trees and seasonal wildflowers, as together they make the perfect environment for varied species of wildlife. Bastar has a fair variety of avifauna, both resident and migratory. Most of the migratory birds visit during winter, to glean the paddy fields after the Kharif crop has been harvested.
As we enter the dense forests, the aroma of the wet leaves and rich soil will fill our senses with euphoria. The Kanger Valley National Park is a distinguished blend of mixed moist deciduous type of forests with a predominance of sal, teak and bamboo. It is the only region in peninsular India with pockets of virgin forests. The park is actually a transition zone where the southern limit of sal forests and the northern limit of teak forests blend. According to the survey done by the Botanical Survey of India and other research organizations, the national park has 553 floral species out of which 12 species are new to Chhattisgarh; 43 species are reported rare. Floral diversity includes in situ gene banks of medicinal plants, grasses, climbers, wild sugarcane, canes, ferns, epiphytes, sal, teak, bamboo and their rich associates.
The Kanger Valley National Park is home to thriving wildlife species like tiger, leopard, mouse deer, wild cat, caracal, bison, chausingha, wolf, chital, sambhar, barking deer, langur, flying squirrel and striped hyena. But the biggest and the most popular species that mesmerizes all with its human voice is the Bastar Myna. The state bird, the Bastar Myna, is a type of Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa Linnacus), and an accomplished mimic, adept at imitating the human voice. For this reason, it has been traditionally prized as a cage bird, resulting in it being hunted to the point of becoming extinct. Today it is an offence to cage this bird. The Bastar Myna is a colourful bird, glossy pitch black with yellow legs, orange and yellow beak, bright yellow wattles on the head and a dash of white on the side wings. It is seen in pairs or noisy flocks in preferred locations in the forests and villages. Both the sexes of the Bastar Myna have dissimilar calls and each bird has a repertoire of 3-13 types of calls.
The forest is home to both migratory and resident birds. Most of the migratory birds visit during winter, to glean the paddy fields after the kharif crop has been harvested. The avifauna here includes the hill myna, spotted owl, red jungle fowl, peacock, parrot, steppe eagle, red spurfowl and partridge among others.
A few tributaries form marshy land in the early dry season due to natural seepage. Ekta Jhodi, Kyam nallah, Karanji Jhodi, Rajamunda, Punji Jhodi, Komkel Jhodi form good marshy areas which are good habitat of wild boar and sloth bear. Chital, barking deer, and panther are mainly found in this marshy area. Kariya Ama nallah is a perennial marshy belt and is ideal habitat for wild boar, sloth bear, chital, leopard and tiger.
NATURE TRAIL
There is a scope for a nice nature trail on the way to Tirathgarh. Lasting for about 1.5kms, this trail holds a wonderful experience for all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. They can study the surroundings, take pictures and learn more about jungle-life as they stroll away deeper into leisure.
GEOLOGY
The national park has remarkable geological diversity. The national park has mainly Cuddapah group of rock formation and at some places Vindhyan group of rock formation, shales are the common rock formation of Cuddapah group, which are horizontally bedded, at many places calcareous, the other rock formation is slate.
In the northwestern part i.e. Tirathgarh, Kamanar, Kotumsar there is an outcrop of limestone, sandstone, quartzite and laterites. In the northern middle part, from Nagalsar to Radhanaras, at many places, limestone is well exposed and outcrops of quartzite and laterites. Limestone caves of Kotumsar, Dandak, Devgiri and Kailash are present in this part. In the northeastern part from Pulcha to Kolab River, rock is shale and some quartzite with outcrops of granite.
In the southwestern part, rock is of vindhyan group mainly granite and sandstone. At a few places granite and mica are also present. In the southern middle part, rock is a cuddapah group of quartzite and granite. At many places mica schist are present. Shale and sandstone are also outcropped. In the southeastern part, rock is primarily a cuddapah group of granite, shale, slate, sandstone and occasional quartzite outcrops. On slopes laterites are present. At some places vindhyan groups of rocks are also present.
Poor and rocky soil is found on the hill tops and slopes. Recent deposits are alluvial soils, high and low level laterites, and ferruginous conglomerates. The soils are yellowish-brown, brownish red, reddish and brown in colour and mostly residual in nature. These soils are loamy, sandy and lateritic in nature. The thickness of soil varies from 4 to 6 feet. The soil is slightly acidic with pH value ranging from 5.3 to 7.0
The park is in the valley of Kanger river. The river flows from NW to SE direction centrally through deep gorges. Both sides of the valley are very steep and are associated with hill ranges. The entire park area is hilly. The eastern half portion is very hilly; the western half portion is comparatively less hilly. There are small plateaus interspersed with hills. The entire park is full of seasonal nallahs and these nallahs join Kanger river from both sides. Major tributaries of Kanger river from north are Durmunda nallah, Champal nallah, Kala Jhodi, Mama Bhancha nallah, Jaraha nallah, Matkal Jhodi, Kodri Bahar nallah, Musari nallah, Karanjr Jhodi, Bade Beda nallah, Dudung Jhodi. Major tributaries joining Kanger from south are Munga Bahar nallah, Ekta Jhodi, Karanjl Jhodi, Raja Munda nallah, Kyam nallah, Punji Jhodi, Kataguda nallah, Komkel Jhodi, Kopang nallah.
The altitude of the park varies from 338 to 781 metres (1,109 to 2,562 ft) above mean sea level. Terrain on northeastern, eastern and southeastern sides is very hilly, steep, high and quite difficult for human intrusion. Kolab River on the eastern border is very rocky with dens and is difficult for human intrusion.
The national park is well-known for the presence of subterranean limestone caves with dripstones and flowstones. The formation of stalactites and stalagmites are still growing. The caves in the national park provide shelter for various species of wildlife. The caves in the national park are inhabited by leopards, porcupines, hyenas, bears, bats, fishes, snakes, frogs, crickets etc. The overhangs are mostly found in the western part (Tirathgarh) and eastern portion (near Kolab River) of the national park which provide a good habitat for honeybees, especially the rock bees. Dens are found on the rocky portions of the National Park where wild dogs (dholes), jackals, wolves, foxes, mongoose, etc. occupy them for shelter and breeding.
Cliffs are present in Tirathgarh waterfall area and in the western portion of the national park along the Kanger River and Kolab River. They provide ideal habitat for bats, eagles, pigeons, swifts and some reptile species. The bouldery drainages can be seen at Tirathgarh waterfall region, Kanger Dhara and at points where the Kanger River flows from steep height.
Sand banks are observed along the Kanger River especially at points where the Kanger River takes a curve. Sandbanks are seen at Bhainsadarha located on the eastern portion of the national park where mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) use it for basking purposes. Smooth Indian Otters are also found using this habitat.
Kanger River is among one of the very few perennial rivers of Bastar and herein lies the importance of the river and the park. Kanger River is a lifeline and hills are its recharging reservoir; the whole national park is the catchment of Godavari River.
Adventure Sports
Madarkonta Cave Exploration
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...
Boating
Boating always brings joy to that heart who can feel the exhilarating experience. Forget about your normal idea of boating as Bastar has something more meaningful to offer. Looking towards the distant view of mighty waterfalls, or lush green forests, or hilly slopes- you can feel adrenaline getting pumped inside your veins once you start moving in the boat. Unexplored Bastar has a long list of curated boating experiences, and that too at the countryside- not at your usual tourist point.
If you really want to experience boating in the middle of the wilderness like never before, we have got your back!
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...
Bastar Cultural Tour
Bastar Cultural Tour is truly an enchanting travel experience curated for all culture and nature enthusiasts. As it presents you...
Bonfire
When chilling cold or shivering rains hit you hard, you know that what is going to bring you warmth and cosiness. Either you’re camping at any remote location, or you just want to lit up your evening where you can see your friends jamming and storytelling together around the fire- bonfire becomes the answer. While the entire world is running behind romanticising the idea of the bonfire, we still offer it in a raw and simple form- like how locals prefer.
If you think you’re willing to have this moment, Unexplored Bastar would customize your experience, and gift it like unadulterated memories!
"Chhattisgarh Freedom Trek" tour takes you to the unworldly monsoon beauty of Bastar. During the peak rainy season every corner...
Madarkonta Cave Exploration
Begin monsoon with a magical light show that occurs naturally in forests of Bastar. Observe mystical phenomenon of thousands of...
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...
Camping
Bastar itself is an ideal territory to go camping. A quaint place surrounded by dense forests, countless layers of hills dotted with greenery and no trace of human civilisation for miles- can the idea of camping be better than this? From guidance on pitching the tent to experience the local tribal delicacy- Unexplored Bastar is always there to spice up your routine travel experiences.
But brace yourself- camping in Bastar with UB can be so profound experience in the wild that you may come back soon.
"Chhattisgarh Freedom Trek" tour takes you to the unworldly monsoon beauty of Bastar. During the peak rainy season every corner...
Madarkonta Cave Exploration
Begin monsoon with a magical light show that occurs naturally in forests of Bastar. Observe mystical phenomenon of thousands of...
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...
Cave Exploration
There aren’t many places in India where you can experience Cave Exploration. Bastar territory is dotted with numerous historical caves whose stories of significance and history would surprise you anyway. What’s more interesting is that the exploration of the cave by yourself- like getting direction in the absence of light, negotiating pitches, squeezing in between the boulders or crawling down the rocks.
With professional guide and everlasting spirit, Unexplored Bastar offers a lifetime experience of its own for those who want to explore the caves.
"Chhattisgarh Freedom Trek" tour takes you to the unworldly monsoon beauty of Bastar. During the peak rainy season every corner...
Madarkonta Cave Exploration
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...
Hiking
Hiking is a blissful experience for those who can get it back after acknowledging its unseen offerings. It’s a meditative experience when you go hiking in the forests with typical jungle ambiance, sheer peace, and fresh air. It’s just that with every moving step, you know more about yourself- your alter-ego. The rejuvenating experience becomes special when it’s done with Unexplored Bastar because they offer hidden trails to hop on.
If you want to indulge in curated hiking experiences, UB has got you covered.
"Chhattisgarh Freedom Trek" tour takes you to the unworldly monsoon beauty of Bastar. During the peak rainy season every corner...
Madarkonta Cave Exploration
Begin monsoon with a magical light show that occurs naturally in forests of Bastar. Observe mystical phenomenon of thousands of...
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...
Local Food
If there is one thing about the Bastar that stands out differently, then it’s the local food of Bastar. Being a tribal territory, Bastar has always been upfront with the diversity to showcase its delicacies- in different forms, styles, and ways to present. After getting exhausted post hiking, when you sit next to a flowing stream and have local food offered on green leaves- it certainly feels good.
To evoke your real gourmet, come and experience countless local delicacies made with authentic local touch and love. Check out our curated food-walk experiences.
"Chhattisgarh Freedom Trek" tour takes you to the unworldly monsoon beauty of Bastar. During the peak rainy season every corner...
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...
Bastar Cultural Tour
Bastar Cultural Tour is truly an enchanting travel experience curated for all culture and nature enthusiasts. As it presents you...
Nature Walk
Bastar has plenty of countryside destinations where you can indulge in a “Nature Walk” like never before. The fragrance of petrichor, the gushing voice of rivers and streams, fresh air, and drizzling sky- every inch brings surprise to the beholder when nature blooms at its fullest. Unexplored Bastar has spent a lot of time observing and exploring every nook of the territory to discover quaint spots for the Nature Walk. We believe that with every Nature Walk guided by a local or professional guide, you end up getting more than you seek.
If you’re a nature lover who wants to give yourself a treat, then there is no other simple yet productive way than opting for “Nature Walk” with UB.
"Chhattisgarh Freedom Trek" tour takes you to the unworldly monsoon beauty of Bastar. During the peak rainy season every corner...
Madarkonta Cave Exploration
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...
Bastar Cultural Tour
Bastar Cultural Tour is truly an enchanting travel experience curated for all culture and nature enthusiasts. As it presents you...
Peak Climbing
"Chhattisgarh Freedom Trek" tour takes you to the unworldly monsoon beauty of Bastar. During the peak rainy season every corner...
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...
Rock Climbing
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...
Sightseeing
Sightseeing with your eyes, and sightseeing with the additional eyes of a local guide who knows the locality makes a lot of differences. Every mesmerizing destination in Bastar has an interesting story related to it. Be it any natural marvel, an architectural gem, tribal habitat, historical caves, or festival- it fills colors to the sight you witness when you know the story behind it. We believe that sightseeing isn’t just sightseeing until you go back with the factual knowledge that you can share every time you tell that story.
Do experience quintessential sightseeing with Unexplored Bastar and come back with a new version of yourself.
"Chhattisgarh Freedom Trek" tour takes you to the unworldly monsoon beauty of Bastar. During the peak rainy season every corner...
Madarkonta Cave Exploration
Begin monsoon with a magical light show that occurs naturally in forests of Bastar. Observe mystical phenomenon of thousands of...
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...
Bastar Cultural Tour
Bastar Cultural Tour is truly an enchanting travel experience curated for all culture and nature enthusiasts. As it presents you...
Travel
Travel is fun. Travel is more fun when you do travel for a purpose that helps you know the geography, culture, lifestyle, and history of a particular place. Our backpacking and other historical tours let you understand the roots of rural life and tribal culture. We take you to ground level where you will stay at a local homestay, have local food made by authentic touch, understand the art & craft, rejoice in the local festivity, and explore the hidden gems. It’s a wholesome experience to rejuvenate your wanderlust, and that too is real.
Join our curated trips to experience something out of the box.
"Chhattisgarh Freedom Trek" tour takes you to the unworldly monsoon beauty of Bastar. During the peak rainy season every corner...
Madarkonta Cave Exploration
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...
Bastar Cultural Tour
Bastar Cultural Tour is truly an enchanting travel experience curated for all culture and nature enthusiasts. As it presents you...
Trekking
"Chhattisgarh Freedom Trek" tour takes you to the unworldly monsoon beauty of Bastar. During the peak rainy season every corner...
Madarkonta Cave Exploration
Begin monsoon with a magical light show that occurs naturally in forests of Bastar. Observe mystical phenomenon of thousands of...
Chhattisgarh Winter Backpack Tour
Winter unfolds the misty wilderness of Bastar, trekking through foggy green woods, camping under the starry night sky, bonfire warmth...