In the year 1981, Indravati was declared a national park. This national park is situated in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh state in India, and it covers an area of 1,258.37 km2. Indravati National Park has derived its name from the Indravati river. River Indravati flows from east to west along the park’s northern boundary.
The Indravati National Park is one of the most popular and finest parks in Chhattisgarh. It is also called the Kutru National Park. There are three royal tiger sites in Chhattisgarh, and Indravati is one of them. This national park is famous for its diverse and unique bird species and wildlife sanctuary. A few most-endangered species, such as the Hill Mynas and Wild Buffalos, are also seen in this national park. The lush green vegetation, beautiful hills, avifauna, and unique wildlife make the Indravati National Park a paradise for all nature lovers. Various types of species, for example, terns, gulls, ospreys, serpent crested eagles and wood pigeons, etc., along with sounds of different types of birds, are spotted in the open areas of this National Park.
The geography of Indravati National Park
The surface of the Indravati National Park consists of wavy hill topography. Its altitude ranges from 177 to 599 m above the level of the sea. This national park is covered with densely forested lands, and the open spaces of this national park are covered with scrub and creepers. The vibrant tropical flowers are also found in abundance. This type of National Park can be described as southern moist mix and southern dry mix deciduous forests.
The maximum temperature of Indravati National Park is 40° C.
The minimum temperature of Indravati National Park is 11° C.
The average rainfall of Indravati National Park is 1,395.00 mm.
Best Time to Tour Indravati National Park
The best time to visit or tour Indravati National Park is during the summer and winter seasons. The summer season begins in March and lasts till June in this region. And the winter season begins in November and lasts till February. During the summer season, the temperature spikes up to 40°C in May. In the other seasons, the temperature remains between 27°C to 36°C. Therefore, visitors can plan their tours to Indravati National Park in these seasons. Similarly, the maximum winter temperature dips to 13°C. And normally, the temperature is between 13°C to 30°C. December and January are considered the coldest months.
Dominant Fauna found in Indravati National Park
Reptiles: Monitor Lizard, Crocodile, Common Krait, Indian Chameleon, Cobra, Indian Rock Python, Russell’s viper, etc.
Mammals: Wild buffalo, Tiger, Barking Deer, Chital, Gaur, Nilgai, Leopard, Barasingha, Chausingha, Sambar, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Striped Hyena, Porcupine, Flying Squirrel, Monkey, Pangolins and Langurs, etc.
Birds: Spotted Owlet, Hill myna, Racket-tailed Drongos, Red Jungle Fowls, Parrots, Peacocks, Red Spur Fall, Steppe Eagles, and Teeter, etc.
Dominant Flora found at Indravati National Park: Bamboo, Sal, Lendia, Teak, Mahua, Salai, Semal, Tendu, Ber, Haldu, Dhaora, Jamun, Siras, Dhoban, Char, Bija, Shisham, Karra, Semal, Kullu, Bel, Arjun, Bahera, Rohan, Palas and Mundi etc.
How to Reach Indravati National Park
One can reach the Indravati National Park by air, by train, or by road.
By Air: The nearest airport to the Indravati National park is the Raipur airport. The distance between the Indravati National park to Raipur airport is about 500 km. The Raipur airport is well connected by road and rail network to the Indravati National Park.
By Rail: Jagdalpur railway station is the nearest railway station to Indravati National Park and is around 165 km away.
By Road: This national park is well connected to the major cities and places by road. It is easily approachable from Jagdalpur. Jagdalpur is the district headquarter of Bastar. The main entry point to this National Park is from Kutrue, and it is situated 22 km north of the Jagdalpur and Bhopalpatnam roads. The distance from the link road of Kutrue to Jagdalpur is 145.6 km.
Conclusion
This article discusses one of India’s most popular and finest National parks, known as Indravati National park. Indravati National Park is situated in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh state in India. The best time to visit this National Park is both in winter and in the summer seasons. December and January are considered the coldest months in Chhattisgarh, and May is considered the hottest month of the year. Various types of flora and fauna are found at the Indravati National Park. Visitors can reach the place by air, by rail, or by road.