The Indravati National Park or Indravati Tiger Reserve is a famous tiger reserve which is located in the Bijapur district of the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is amongst the three other Royal Bengal Tiger reserves in this state, including Achanakmar and Undanti- Sitandadi Tiger Reserves. With an undulating hilly terrain, the Indravati National Park spreads over an area measuring about 2799 sq. km and stands at an altitude ranging between 177 and 599 m above the sea level.
Origin of Indravati National Park
The Indravati National Park obtains its name from the Indravati River which creates a boundary with Maharashtra. In the year 1981, the Indravati National Park was granted the official status of a `National Park` and it was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1983 under Project Tiger, which was launched in 1973-74. This project is a prime example of successful wildlife conservation measures in India. Project Tiger in India aims at Royal Bengal Tiger conservation purpose tiger reserves, which are representatives of several bio-geographical regions. Its main endeavour is to maintain the existing tiger population in the natural environment.
Flora and Fauna of Indravati National Park
Bamboo, Sal and Teak are the various trees in the Indravati National Park or Indravati Tiger Reserve which comprises of deciduous and tropical forests. Mahua, Jamun, Lendia, Haldu, Ber, Semal, etc. are some of the several other trees which grow in this area. Apart from all these trees, there exists abundant vegetation, which acts as excellent fodder to Gaur, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Chital and other herbivores of Indravati National Park.
Some of the most significant fauna of Indravati National Park are Langur, Indian Bison, Barasinghas, Dhole, Porcupine, Wild Boar, Leopard, Tiger, Sloth Bear, Chausingha, Striped Hyena, Flying Squirrel, Muntjac, Wild Buffalo, Monkeys and reptiles like Indian rock python, Russell`s Viper, Common Krait, Indian Chameleon, Cobra, Freshwater Crocodile, Monitor Lizard and many others. Numerous birds are also provided refuge in Indravati National Park including the Hill Myna.
Visiting Information on Indravati National Park
The ideal time to visit the Indravati National Park is from 15th December to 15th June. One can approach Indravati Tiger Reserve from Jagdalpur which is the district headquarters of Bastar. The Dantewada junction is the nearest railway station at a distance of 90 km from the national park while the Swami Vivekananda Airport at Raipur is the closest at a distance of about 480 km.
