Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Sitanadi Sanctuary ranks among the most famous and important wildlife sanctuaries in Central India. The sanctuary situated in an area of approximately 556 sq.km in Dhamtari District of Chhattisgarh. Established in 1974 under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the sanctuary owes its name to the river Sitanadi which originates in the middle of the sanctuary and joins river Mahanadi near Deokhut. A visit to Sitanadi sanctuary promises to be an exciting and unforgettable experience for all wildlife enthusiasts ,nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Flora and Fauna

Comprising of highly undulating and hilly terrain with altitudes ranging between 327-736 mts, Sitanadi sanctuary is covered by forest of Sal, Teak and Bamboo. It is said that the Sal Forests here are the best in the country. Other major plants in the Sitanadi Wild Life Sanctuary include Semal, Haldu, Saja, Bija, Lendia, Dhaora, Aunla, Salai, Mahua, Amaltas Ber and Tendu. The rich and lush vegetation cover supports a wide variety of wildlife in the sanctuary. The ground is covered with maze of grass, plants, bushes and saplings.

The fauna is composed of Tigers, Leopards, Flying Squirrels, Jackals, Four-horned Antelopes, Chinkara, Black Buck, Jungle Cat, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Monkey, Bison, Striped Hyena, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, Muntjac, Wild Boar, Cobra, Python among many others. The sanctuary also has a sizable bird population. The sanctuary has more than 175 species of birds including migratory ones. Some of them are peafowl, Jungle Fowl, Crow Pheasant, Barbets, Bulbul, Drongo, Whistling teals, Egrets and Herons. Flying squirrels is a rare species found in this Sanctuary.

The Sitanadi FRH at Khallari, Watch Tower, Sondur Dam are places worth seeing.

Kutumsar (Kotamsar)

Known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations it provides nice panoramic view.  Approximately a depth of 215 ft and 1.5 km long, it is situated at an altitude of 560 meters.  Discovered in 1900, Kutumsar Cave is considered as one of the world's largest natural caves in Asia. It has five natural irregular chambers and several blind wells. Forest guards are available here for guidance. It's deepest zones are always filled with water so visitors are not allowed there. 

Kailash Gufa (Cave)

Located at top of mountain, Kailash Gufa is a dark caves with a narrow entrance. Named after a natural mark in the rock, located 30m from the entrance, which resembles the idol of Lord Shiva, it also has stalactite and stalagmite formations similar to Kutumsar cave. It was discovered in 1993, . There is a stalagmite formation in the shape of a Shivlinga at the end of this cave. It has big chambers and stones which produces musical sounds when struck by hand. TThere are guides available to assist the visitors.

Dandak Gufa

A beautiful cave similar to Kutumsar Cave. Here also one can see the stalactites and stalagmites in fantastic formations.

Bhainsa Darha

Surrounded by mountains with thick greenery from all sides, Bhainsa Darha is a beautiful lake. The watch tower is situated at Bhainsa Darha gives an awesome view of lake. Note : The forest has crocodiles so enter at your own risk.

Kanger Dhara

It is a beautiful waterfall lies on the Kanger River. The location of the falls in a salubrious setting makes it a good picnic spot. Nice small cascading falls, is an ideal to bath and enjoy.