Nestled in the heart of bastar , kanger valley national park is a treasure trove of biodiversity mesmerizing landscapes and a paradise where nature lovers can live a long life. Established on 22 july 1982,this 200 sq. km park is named after the Kanger River, which flows through its lush green forests.
Home to rare species like the Bastar Hill Myna the Chhattisgarh’s state bird, leopards, and flying squirrels, the park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and it also shelters diverse flora and fauna.
Kanger Valley is also known for its lush sal forests, perennial waterfalls, and rich tribal culture, making it a significant site for biodiversity and tourism. The real magic, however, lies beneath—Kotumsar, Kailash, and Dandak caves, known for their spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations, offer a surreal experience.
It came into the spotlight in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when ecotourism efforts highlighted its unique karst landscapes and tribal heritage. In recent years, conservation efforts and eco-tourism initiatives have further increased its popularity. The best time to visit kanger valley national park is from october to June . Monsoon has its special attractions in the national park.
A Rich Natural Heritage : The Biodiversity of Kanger Valley
Step into Kanger Valley National Park, where nature thrives in its purest form. This untouched wilderness is home to 553 species of plants, from towering sal and teak trees to rare medicinal herbs hidden deep in the forest. The jungle echoes with the calls of over 200 bird species, including the incredible Bastar Hill Myna, known for its ability to mimic human speech. It also includes 49 species of Mammals, 16 species of Amphibians, 37 species of Reptiles, 56 species of Pisces, 140 species of Butterflies, 26 species of Moths and 113 species of Spiders. 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. Species like Small – clawed otters and Indian Wolves have also been sighted in the National Park.
Discover Kanger Valley At a Glance!
1. Tirathgarh Waterfall: Chhattisgarh’s Majestic Cascade
Falling from a height of about 91 meters (299 feet) tourists can witness it’s scenic view in the seasons of Monsoon & winter. Tirathgarh Waterfall, a breathtaking multi-tiered cascade, surrounded by dense forests is one of Chhattisgarh’s most spectacular waterfalls, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere with a small Shiva temple nearby.
2. Kanger Dhara Waterfall: A Tranquil Escape
Monsoon season being the best time for visiting Kanger Dhara , it is tucked away in the wilderness of Bastar. Kanger Dhara Waterfall is a hidden gem perfect for relaxation, picnics, and photography. The water flows gently over rocky terrain, creating a peaceful retreat amidst the lush greenery.
3. Kotumsar Cave: India’s Mysterious Underground Marvel
This cave is more than 200 meters long and is home to varied cave fauna like blind fish, frogs and bats along with structures of ancient rock formations.
Kotumsar Cave is one of India’s longest limestone caves, famous for its eerie darkness, stunning stalactites, and stalagmites. It’s a must-visit for adventure seekers fascinated by underground wonders.
4. Dandak Cave: A Surreal Underground Experience
If you want to experience Adventure with exciting exploration, Dandak Cave is a massive limestone cave, believed to be millions of years old. With gigantic chambers, underground rivers, and eerie silence, it offers an unforgettable spelunking experience.
5. Bamboo Floating Raft Ride: A Unique Jungle Adventure
An Eco-friendly activity which lets you glide over the serene Kanger River on a traditional bamboo raft, surrounded by dense forests and exotic birds. This experience is perfect for nature lovers looking for a peaceful yet thrilling adventure.
6. Astrophotography: A Stargazer’s Paradise
With minimal light pollution, Kanger Valley is one of India’s best locations for astrophotography. Capture breathtaking views of the Milky Way, constellations, and shooting stars in this serene wilderness best witnessed in the winter months .
Tribal Culture of Kanger Valley
The Dhurwa Tribe: Keepers of Bastar’s Ancient Traditions
One of the oldest indigenous communities in Bastar, the Dhurwa Tribe is deeply connected to nature. They are skilled farmers, hunters, and craftsmen, known for their colorful festivals, unique dance forms, and traditional knowledge of herbal medicine.
Mandai Festival: A Grand Harvest Celebration
Mandai Festival is a post-harvest celebration featuring Dhurwa dance, folk music, and rituals. The entire community gathers to thank nature for its blessings through sacred offerings, feasts, and traditional performances.
Diyari Festival: The Tribal New Year
Diyari marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. Elders offer prayers to nature gods, while villagers celebrate with music, dance, and storytelling, keeping their ancestral traditions alive.
The Experience Wonder Ride that can be witnessed here!
One of the most immersive experiences here is stayingin homestays and know the tribal culture in depth from the localites themselves. Visitors get a firsthand experience of their daily lives, traditional customs, and warm hospitality. For nature lovers, guided treks, nature walks, birding trails led by local tribal guides offer an extraordinary opportunity to explore the dense forests while learning about medicinal plants and wildlife from those who know them best. Several Caves like Mandarkonta, Kailash, Kutumsar and many more lies in the Kanger Valley national Park circuit enough to boost your adrenaline rush .The bamboo rafting experience on the Kanger River, managed by the local community, provides a peaceful yet adventurous way to navigate the untouched wilderness without disturbing the delicate ecosystem.
Visitors can also support tribal artisans by purchasing handmade bamboo crafts, intricate jewelry, and pottery, all crafted using traditional techniques. For those looking for eco-friendly souvenirs, locally produced handicrafts , organic tribal honey, forest herbs, and locally grown millets offer a taste of Bastar’s rich natural heritage. Visiting Kanger valley also gives you a rich experience of tasting the freshly cooked local food served in eco friendly leaf bowls as known as dona pattals by the members of Self Help Groups (SHG’s)
Through sustainable tourism, Kanger Valley ensures that its indigenous communities thrive while maintaining the park’s pristine beauty. Every visit here not only brings travelers closer to nature but also contributes to the preservation of an ancient way of life.Kanger Valley National Park is not just a haven for wildlife—it is also home to vibrant tribal communities that have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. The localities very well understand the value of habitat which they reside in and how this gift by nature have to be preserved in its true sense. The park promotes community-based eco-tourism, ensuring that local tribes benefit from tourism while preserving their traditions and environment.
Constant support and assistance from organisations like Unexplored Bastar, Forest Department and other official & administrative departments have led to the rise of livelihood opportunities in the National Park within the tourism sector. This have not only arised an economic opportunity but also have instilled the feeling of ownership amongst the locals. With the formation of Self Help Groups (SHG’s) in the Kotumsar Village the locals have become self independent in handling touristic traffic in the National Park along with spreading awareness about the preservation and sensitivity that every natural biodiversity holds. The SHG’s have been guided under a dedicated training program specially designed for educating about Tourism & Hospitality. Sustainable initiatives by the Forest Department like Myna Mitra, Magar Mitra under the Tourism Eco Development Committees aware and educates the localites about preserving various species & their habitat.
How kanger Valley National Valley attracted UNESCO attention?
Kanger valley national park is an exceptional site with remarkable geological formation , stunning natural beauty and diverse range of flora and fauna . It meets the necessary criteria and has a unique outstanding universal value .The area is unique because of its special land features like underground caves and beautiful landscape and that’s what the reason which captures UNESCO attention towards it , In February 2025, Kanger Valley National Park earned a place on UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, marking a significant step toward global recognition. This pristine wilderness, is the heart of Bastar, Chhattisgarh and below mentioned are some of the fulfilling criteria which made Kanger Valley National Park enter the race of becoming UNESCO’s World Heritage Site List.
• Biodiversity – Nestled in the heart of peninsular India, Kanger Valley National Park is a pristine forest teeming with extraordinary biodiversity. It serves as a crucial ecological transition zone between Sal and Teak forests, supporting diverse vegetation like moist deciduous, dry deciduous, and semi-evergreen forests. The park is home to 963 recorded plant species, including rare and threatened varieties, and boasts an impressive range of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Unique species like the giant squirrel, Eastern Hill Myna, and rare cave-dwelling spiders thrive here, emphasizing its high endemism and conservation value. With ongoing biodiversity surveys revealing new species, Kanger Valley is a true natural treasure trove.
• Geological Significance – Kanger Valley National Park is a treasure trove of geological wonders, showcasing limestone caves, karst formations, and tectonic landscapes within just 200 sq km. The Kanger Dhara Waterfall, shaped by ancient tectonic events, reveals fascinating folds, faults, and metamorphic rock formations. Over 20 limestone caves, adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites, offer a glimpse into Earth’s past. Once part of the Indravati Basin, the Tirathgarh Waterfall bears evidence of ancient seawater and magmatic activity, making this park a natural museum of Earth’s evolution.
• Rich Natural Heritage – The stunning blend of lush forests, deep gorges, and ancient limestone caves like Kotumsar, Kailash, and Dandak, adorned with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. The Tirathgarh Waterfall, cascading over sandstone rocks, adds to its magic, while the Kanger River’s pristine waters reflect the untouched beauty of the region. With its rich biodiversity, geological marvels, and timeless charm, Kanger Valley is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.
The Land Preserving Nature, Culture, and Heritage altogether
Kanger Valley isn’t just a national park—it’s a blueprint for balancing nature, culture, and tourism. Its UNESCO recognition, thriving biodiversity, and strong tribal involvement show how conservation and community-based tourism can go hand in hand. Other destinations can learn from Kanger’s success by protecting their ecosystems, empowering local communities, and promoting responsible tourism. When nature and people thrive together, places don’t just grow—they become living heritage for future generations.
We again applaud the remarkable milestone achieved by Kanger Valley National Park and Bastar for its recognition on a Global Level. If approved, Kanger Valley will join the prestigious list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites resulting in promotion of conservational efforts and boost in tourism. Yet this nomination too marks an unforgettable milestone achieved and is worthy of all the celebration for all the years to come setting a gigantic example.
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