Kanger Ghati National Park (also known as Kanger Valley National Park) is a protected area of the country, located in the Bastar region, near Jagdalpur, of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This national park is known for its vast biodiversity, waterfalls, wildlife, limestone caves, vivid terrain, and landscape. The heterogeneity of its landmass and terrain, along with a natural body of water providing sustenance to the forests and wildlife, makes it one of the most self-dependent and untouched ecosystems of the country. Home to several tribes living in its premises, the Kanger Valley National Park is a rich cultural and ecological spot for study by anthropologists, sociologists, environmentalists, zoologists, ornithologists, and research professionals. It is the perfect spot for excursions and treks, owing to its undulating and challenging terrain. Famous for its limestone caves, Kanger Ghati National Park is a hub of curious young minds and learned individuals interested in studying stalactites and stalagmites, within the wondrous caves of brilliant acoustics.
Kanger river flows through the heart of the national park, so the national park got its name as per the river name.
The Kanger Ghati National Park was established and declared as a national park in the year of 1982, owing to its provision of sanctuary to a vast number of rare and endangered flora and fauna.
With constant irrigation streaming in from the nearby Kanger river, the flora of the park gets consistently enriched with a mix of forests of the moist deciduous type, with the predominance of Sal (Shorea robusta), teak and bamboo trees. The Kanger Valley National Park consists of 553 species of plants, including an in situ gene bank of medicinal plants, ornamental plants, aromatic plants, grasses, climbers like mahul bel and Palash bel, ferns, bryophytes, epiphytes, Sal, teak, bamboo and sugarcane, Kusum, simul, haldu, out of which 12 species are novel to Chhattisgarh and 43 species are reported rare.
The wildlife diversity is by no means, limited in this ecological niche. A wide variety of fauna, including 50 species of mammals, 145 species of birds, 15 species of amphibians, 40 species of reptiles, 55 species of fish, 90 species of butterflies, 26 species of moths and 110 species of spiders are found in the Kanger Ghati National Park. Major mammalian species of the Kanger Valley National Park include tigers, leopards, wild cats, jackals, Rhesus Macaques, sambar, chital, wild boar, hyena, flying squirrel, mouse deer, langur, sloth bear, and rabbits. Reptiles like pythons, cobras, mugger crocodiles, monitor lizards, and common snakes are also found. The avian population of the park comprises of the Bastar hill mynah, which is the state bird of Chhattisgarh, along with red jungle fowl, racket-tailed drongos, peacocks, parrots, steppe eagles, herons, with many others.
Marshy lands formed in the early dry season due to natural seepage of the tributaries of the Kanger river provide habitat to wild boars and sloth bears. The caves and dens of Kanger Ghati National Park, excluding the caves of Kotamsar and Kailash, which are solely for tourist visits, are the habitat of leopards, foxes, jackals, hyenas, bears, and snakes.
The Kanger Ghati National Park lies within the geographical coordinates of latitude 18° 45' 00" N to 18° 56' 30" and longitude 81° 51' 30" E to 82° 10' 00" E. The national park is spread over a geographical area of 200 square kilometers or 77.2 square miles. Encompassing a distance of nearly 33 kilometers (20 miles) and about 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) wide, the Ghati, or valley is spread from Tirathgarh waterfalls to the Kolab River within the boundary of the state of Odisha.
The geological diversity and richness of the national park are remarkable. Mainly Cuddapah group of rock formation, which comprises of shales, and Vindhyan group of rock formation at some places, line the terrain with calcareous deposits. There exists an outcrop of limestone, sandstone, quartzite, and laterites in the northwestern part of the national park, comprising of Tirathgarh, Kamanar, and Kotamsar. Limestone is well exposed to the outside atmospheric environment, and outcrops of quartzite and laterites minerals occur along many regions of Nagalsar to Radhanaras, in the northern part of the national park. Devgiri, Dandak, Kailash, and Kotamsar feature intricate limestone caves in this part. The rock formation of shale and some quartzite with outcrops of granite is present in the northeastern part along Pulcha to Kolab river. The rock formation is of the Vindhyan group, mainly consisting of granite and sandstone, in the southwestern part of the valley. The rock formation is of the Cuddapah group of quartzite and some granite in the southern part of the national park. Mica schist, shale, and sandstone are also present in some places. The rock formation is premiere composed of the Cuddapah group of granite, sandstone, shale and slate, and infrequent quartzite outcrop in the southeastern part of the national park. Laterites are present along the slopes, as are the Vindhyan group of rocks at some places. Upon the slopes and hilltops, poor and rocky soil is scattered, but recently deposited alluvial soils have made the landscape regular and smooth.
The Kanger Valley National Park is situated along the banks of Kanger River. The river flows from northwest to southeast direction through deep ravines. The valley is steep and is enveloped by many hill ranges. Several canals like Champal nullah and Koppang nullah line the entire length of the park and drain into the Kanger River.
The park rises above the mean sea level with an altitude of 340 to 780 meters. The Kanger Valley National Park is popularly visited for the spectacular limestone caves lidded with an array of stalactites and stalagmites, which are still growing. These stalactites and stalagmites are formations are recrystallized calcium carbonate which has taken millions of years to form, and are a rarity to behold. Various species of wildlife including leopards, bears, snakes, and hyenas dwell in the crevices of these caves. These overhangs also provide habitat to rock bees. The wildlife comprising of wild dogs, mongoose, wolves, foxes, and jackals, also finds shelter in the dens present in the national park and uses them as breeding grounds.
Tirathgarh waterfall features an array of cliffs that provide the ideal habitat for a variety of avian species, like eagles, pigeons and swifts, and some reptile species and mammalian species like bats. Sandbanks present along the Kanger river are a habitat of the mugger crocodiles which use the banks for basking in the sun.
There is a wide scope of recreational activities for tourists visiting the Kanger Ghati National Park. The undulating terrain gives a good foothold for rock climbing, and the lush green forests provide the perfect atmosphere for trekking and hiking. The nature trails from Kotamsar Barrier to Kotamsar, Kotamsar Barrier to Kanger Dhara, Kotamsar Barrier to Kotamsar cave, Tirathgarh barrier to Tirathgarh waterfalls, Netanar barrier to Kailash caves, Kamanar barrier to Tirathgarh waterfalls, Kailash cave to Kailash jhil are the prescribed routes for tourists traversing through the extensive national park of a huge area of 200 square kilometers. One of the major attractions of this national park is the Kanger Gypsy Jungle Safari, which is functional from 7 am to 4 pm. However, after 4:30 pm, no further safari vehicles are permitted.
Tirathgarh waterfall is an important destination in the premises of the Kanger Ghati National Park. Caller the 'milky way' waterfall due to its crystal clear milky appearance, and the water cascading from the Mugabahar river, Tirathgarh is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by dense green foliage. The temple of deities Shiva and Parvati located in the Tirathgarh falls is the hub for devotees coming from all over India to offer their prayers.
The limestone caves of Kotamsar gives a vivid glimpse into the past, with the million-year-old stalactites and stalagmites hanging on to the roofs and floors. The caves are untouched and left to nature's will, without any interference from humans. These caves are underground and are accessible with a narrow stairwell descending to the bottom, where the brilliant acoustics make the journey worthwhile. Apart from bats, crickets, frogs, snakes, and other insects, no wild animals are inhabiting these two caves to provide undisturbed access to visitors. However, entry beyond some points is restricted, as the caves are underground and the supply of oxygen is a limiting factor. The caves are also inaccessible in the monsoon season due to flooding. The above-ground caves of Kailash do not face this problem, with their continuous supply of sunlight all year round. Dandak caves are also known for their stalactites
and stalagmites, and acoustics.
The deep gorges or ravines branching from the Kanger river give rise to water pools or Darhas, containing clear and hygienic water. Brains Darha and Kanger Darha are two of the most famous pools in the national park, with the former being a tourism spot due to sightings of crocodiles basking in the sun, and the latter being a picnic spot for families.
The tribal settlements dwelling within the premises of the national park also provide a glimpse into their lives, which is a topic of study and interest of anthropologists.
Situated in the state known as the 'Rice Bowl of India', the cuisine in the national park is also based on a menu featuring rice and rice flour. Lunch needs to be pre-booked at the entrance, to be served inside the premises of the national park. Only vegetarian lunch is served. Snacks are permitted to be carried into the national park, and stalls lining the park outside selling the local snacks of bhajia, samosa, sandwiches, and biscuits. Tourists are advised to carry food and water with them as the safari hours are long and constant hydration is required in the tropical climate.
One can find local dhabbas and restaurants lining the roads from Jagdalpur to Kanger Ghati National Park, serving a wide variety of dishes ranging from idli and dosa during breakfast, to both vegetarian and nonvegetarian meals during lunchtime. The local delicacies also include the pickles and desserts of Chhattisgarh, which provide a delectable and enriching taste to one's palate.
The best time to visit the Kanger Ghati National Park is in the winter month of November to the early summer month of April, when the weather is comparatively cooler and calmer in the tropics. The park can be approached from Netanar and Kotamsar barriers. The nearest airport of Raipur and the nearest railhead and bus stand of Jagdalpur are the most accessible means of transport into the national park. There is an entry fee of 30 for Indians, and 200 for foreign nationals, 50 for cars and jeeps, 5 for a two-wheeler, 100 for minibus, 25 for photography, 200 for videography, and guide charges of 50 for a group of up to 8 people. Tickets for the safari cost 1200 per head. The opening and closing hours are 9 are and 5 pm respectively.
Tourists can find lodging and catering services in the resorts and hotels in Jagdalpur. Forest rest houses at Tirathgarh and Kotamsar are also available inside the premises of the Kanger Ghati National Park. The budget range for luxury tourists ranges from 5 thousand to 6 thousand for exploring Kanger valley and its adjoining places. The budget for backpackers would be around 3 thousand for the same.
The address and contact details of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board are as follows :
Chhattisgarh Tourism, Paryatan Bhavan, G. E. Road, Raipur, P. I. N. Code: 492 006
Tourist Information Center, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, Forest Rest House, Kumharpara, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh
Phone number: +917782221686
Fax : +917782222128