Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chhattisgarh, the 26th state of the Indian Union, is located in the central part of India. The newly formed Indian state of Chhattisgarh is famous for its enchantingly beautiful natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and unique tribal populations. With over 44% of its total area under forests, Chhattisgarh is also amongst the greenest states of India.

The Achanakmar wildlife sanctuary was constituted in the year 1975 it comprises 557.55 sq.km. North west forest block of Bilaspur forest division. It is around 55 km north-west of Bilaspur. Nearest railhead is Belgahna Railway Station ( Bilaspur and Pendra road railway station is preferable). Forest vegetation mainly comprises sal, saja, tinsa, bija, bamboo. The sanctuary is close to Amarkantak which is the origin of river Narmada and serves as an ideal habitat for a variety of wild animals like Tiger, panther. Gaur, chital, barking deer, wild bou, bear etc.

Places of Interest

1-KOTA KARGI ROAD DAM: It is basically a dam located appx. 5 km from Kota. It is surrounded with forest and hills. There is a rest house near to that dam. It is a natural tourist point. 2-SHIV TARAI and BARI GHAT:

Situated 15 km from Achankmar Village is a part of sactuary. This is an ideal place to see the Bison crossing the main road. Uphil drive for about 5 km brings some stunning beauty of surrounding Hills.

3-ACHANKMAR VILLAGE:

Its a small Village, surrounded by dence forrest. This is the place to stay for tourist. A nicely looking forrest rest house and four jungal cottages run by a highly renowned Radiologist from Bilaspur. One can get all kinds of meals (Veg and Non Veg) in Rest house and Jungal cottage Kitchen.

4-JUNGAL SUFARIES: Jungal visits are permitted on vehicles, one can see the panoramic unobstructed view of the landscape and to catch every bird or animal that may just sneak into the grasses and to listen to the sounds of the nature weather it be mating calls, alarm calls, distress call or just a casual roar. The peaceful jungle environment allows us to listen to Jungle sounds and photographs with great amount of ease. There are two jungle excursions as Down and Dusk. The safari are accompanied by a guide and last for 4-5 hours in the morning and 3-4 hours in the evening. During the jungle excursion there is always a good chance to see many animals including rare animals such as Tiger, leopard, Gaur ( Indian Bison) sloth bear or a pack of Dhole (wild Dogs). The jungle sounds of alarm calls of the Deer and Monkeys and occasionally the red jungle fowl make the forest come alive as if we are sitting in a theater with the worlds best stereophonic sound equipment.

5-Bokra Village: situated five km East of Achankmar.Tiger sighting is certain if you have patience to stay for two days.Nice place to feel the wild wild Jungal.