About Indravati National Park
Indravati National Park is a large protected area in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, near Kutru, along the Indravati River bordering Maharashtra. Established in 1978 and declared a tiger reserve in 1983, it covers about 1,258 square kilometres of dense sal and teak forests, grasslands and hilly terrain. Known for its population of wild buffalo, tigers, leopards and diverse birdlife, it is Chhattisgarh's only tiger reserve and a significant biodiversity hotspot in central India.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect dense deciduous forests, undulating hills and grasslands along the Indravati River. The park offers jeep safaris through core and buffer zones to view wildlife such as wild water buffalo, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, dhole and numerous bird species. Facilities are basic with forest rest houses and guided tours. Access is regulated and requires prior permission from the forest department, with exploration limited to designated safari tracks.
Key highlights
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Chhattisgarh's only tiger reserve covering 1,258 sq km
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Habitat of the endangered wild water buffalo, the state animal of Chhattisgarh
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Dense sal, teak and bamboo forests along the Indravati River
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Rich birdlife with over 200 recorded species including hill myna
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Jeep safari through core and buffer zones with forest guides
History of Indravati National Park
Established as Indravati National Park in 1978 and declared as Indravati Tiger Reserve in 1983 under Project Tiger. Named after the Indravati River which forms its northern boundary. It is the only tiger reserve in Chhattisgarh and was historically known for one of the last populations of wild water buffalo in central India.
Culture & Context
The park landscape is traditionally inhabited by Gond and other tribal communities and is centered around the Indravati River, which holds local cultural importance. The forest area reflects traditional coexistence of tribal livelihoods with forest conservation in the Bastar region.
Route
| By air |
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