Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest and important wildlife sanctuaries in Chattisgarh State. It is located in the lap of deep valleys in the Northern part of Mahasamund district and 100 km from state capital Raipur.

Known for its lush green vegetations and unique wildlife, this heavenly abode of flora and fauna was established in 1976 under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Covers an area of 245 sq.km and includes plains, plateaus and hills of an altitude ranging between 265 m to 400 m. Various tributaries of the Mahanadi River like Jonk and Balamdehi, skittish are the source of life giving water for the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Balmadehi River is on the West and the Jonk River is on the North East side. The blue reflections in the water and the rich green trees on the little lake like formations give the whole Park a dreamy and mystical look. There are many manmade reservoirs and the famous Turturiya Stream is also located here.

Within the sanctuary, about 45 km is marked as the core zone and no tourists are allowd here in order to protect the privacy of the jungle. The remaining buffer zone is open for the tourists. The sanctuary also offers Safaris and trails which make Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary tour an enjoyable and memorable one. It is a thrilling ride in the sprawling greens and a trip to the Park introduces one to a very beautiful, unique and intense side of nature .

1st July to 31st October the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is closed due to the unfavourable rains during monsoons. From February to June, the climate is ideal for wildlife sightings. The winter season (November - December) is best time for visitng the park and the jungle can be seen in its full bloom. It is also the most comfortable month for travelling and wildlife is its liveliest best. One must plan a tour of atleast 3 days here for a good sighting of nature and exotic wildife.

Fee: 55 per person for Indians ; 200 per person for foreign tourists ; 100 per guide.

Flora

The floral variety of the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary chiefly comprises of tropical dry deciduous forest with Teak, Sal, Bamboo and Terminalia being the prominent trees. The air is so fresh and fragrant that one feels lighter and joy.

Other major plants found in the sanctuary include Semal, Mahua, Ber and Tendu. The sanctuary boasts of lush vegetation that supports a wide variety of wildlife in the sanctuary.

Flora

A beautiful , agile beast, the leopard, prowls the jungle here and is found in the largest density. A large number of them in India are found in the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary and the gorgeous spotted animal has been seen here by many tourists.

The park is also home to the Sloth bear, Flying Squirrels, Jackals, Black Bucks, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Monkey to Four-horned Antelope, Leopards, Chinkara, Bison, Striped Hyena, Wild Dogs, Chital, Sambhar, Nilgai, Gaur, Wild Boar, Cobra, Python and Tiger.

A treat for bird lovers and avid photographers, the Park is a treasure tove of exotic species like Parrots, Bulbul, Peafowl, Woodpeckers, Egrets, Herons, White Rumped Vultures, Lesser Kestrels, Racket-tailed Drongos etc.