About Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary
Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest area located near Mainpur in Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh, on the banks of the Udanti River. Established in 1983 and covering about 247.59 sq km, it forms part of the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary is notable for its dry deciduous forests, hilly terrain and as a key habitat for the endangered wild water buffalo, along with tigers, leopards and diverse birdlife.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a dry deciduous forest landscape with hills, streams and the Udanti River flowing through the sanctuary. The area offers forested trails and safari routes for wildlife viewing, including wild water buffalo, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, chital and numerous bird species. Facilities are basic with forest rest houses and guided tours, providing a quiet nature experience focused on wildlife observation and photography.
Key highlights
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Key habitat for the endangered wild water buffalo, the state animal of Chhattisgarh
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Part of the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve with tigers, leopards and sloth bears
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Udanti River flowing through dry deciduous and mixed forests
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Rich birdlife and diverse flora and fauna for nature photography
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Relatively undisturbed forest landscape near Mainpur
History of Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary
Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1983 with an area of 247.59 sq km primarily to conserve the endangered wild water buffalo. Later incorporated into the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve notified in 2008-2009 to strengthen tiger conservation in central India.
Route
| By air | Nearest airport is Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur, from where road journey to Mainpur is required. |
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| By train |