Chhattisgarh’s First: Kanger Valley National Park Joins UNESCO’s Tentative List - Safari Bookings, Scenic Spots And More

Kanger Valley National Park Joins UNESCO’s Tentative List: In an astounding achievement, Chhattisgarh ’s Kanger Valley National Park, located in the Bastar district, has been included in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Making it to this list is a significant milestone, as it marks the first time that a site from the state has been recognized on this prestigious platform.

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The national park, named after the Kanger River, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, picturesque waterfalls, and expansive forests covering over 200 square kilometers.

UNESCO describes the newly listed tentative site as, “Renowned for its diverse topography, the Kanger Valley National Park features low flatlands, gentle slopes, steep inclines, plateaus, deep gorges, valleys, and winding stream courses. The park’s elevation ranges from 338 to 781 meters above sea level. Predominantly characterized by the Indravati Group of Rocks, the park’s soils exhibit a variety, including loamy, sandy, lateritic, and recent alluvial deposits.

"The entire National Park is full of seasonal and perennial streams which join the Kanger River. The park’s exceptional qualities are different geomorphological features and different ecosystems.”

Safari bookings

The park is open to visitors from 1st November to 15th February, with the following safari timings:

• Morning Safari: 6:00 am - 11:00 am  
• Afternoon Safari: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm  

From 6th February to 15th June, the safari timings are:

• Morning Safari: 6:00 am - 11:00 am
• Afternoon Safari: 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm

For Gypsy safari visitors can pre-book anyone of two categories available at Rs 1800/-:

• Kotamsar Gate to Kotamsar Gate (Route 1): Kotamsar Main Gate – Ring Road – Kotamsar Cave – Paryabadi Road – Dandak Cave Road – Kanger Dhara – Kotamsar Village – Kotamsar Main Gate.
• Kotamsar Gate to Kotamsar Gate (Route 2): Kotamsar Main Gate – Ring Road – Dandak Cave – Kanger Dhara – Kotamsar Village – Kotamsar Main Gate.

Scenic spots

In Kanger Valley National Park, some must-visit spots are Tirathgarh Waterfall, Kotumsar Cave, Kailash Cave, and Dandak Cave, as well as a scenic natural trail perfect for exploring with your loved ones.

Travel tips

Here are some of the best travel tips you’ll need for a gypsy safari in the wild.

• Comfortable clothes: Wear breathable clothing because as you trek, walk, and roam around, you may feel hot.
• Trekking shoe: Don’t forget to wear comfortable hiking boots or sneakers for better support.
• Sunscreen: Most importantly, sunscreen is essential to protect yourself from UV rays. You can also wear accessories such as a hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from sun damage.
• Binoculars/camera: Safari trips are best enjoyed with binoculars and cameras for photography and wildlife viewing.
• Ointment: Carry insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and bug bites.
• Follow instructions: Always follow your tour guide’s instructions, as a safari trip is not like an ordinary outing. Keep noise levels low, as loud sounds can disturb the animals.
• Stay hydrated: Lastly, carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout your journey.