Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
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Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Where nature's thrill ride amidst greenery & prowling leopards will leave you spellbound! Resting in the lap of deep valleys in the Northern part of Mahasamund district, this heavenly abode of flora and fauna is one of the finest in the Chhattisgarh region. Established in 1976, it covers an area of 245 sq km and includes plains, plateaus and hills of an altitude ranging between 265m to 400m. This region of Chhattisgarh is highly gifted with rich flora and fauna. As you enter the forest teak, sal and bamboo trees decorate the high hills and a fresh aroma of the jungle air fills you with joy. Other important plants found in the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary include semal, mahua, ber and tendu.
Various tributaries of the Mahanadi River are the source of life-giving water for the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Balmadehi River is on the West and the Jonk River is on the North-east side. Reflections of the bright blue sky and the rich green trees on the little lake-like formations give the whole Park a dreamy and mystical look. There are many manmade reservoirs and the famous Turturiya Stream is also located here. Rich Wildlife: A beautiful, agile beast, the leopard, prowls the jungle here and is found in the largest density. A large number of them in India are found in the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary and the gorgeous spotted animal has been seen here by many tourists. The Park is also home to the tiger, sloth bear, flying squirrel, jackal, four-horned antelope, chinkara, black buck, jungle cat, barking deer, porcupine, bison, striped hyena, wild dog, chital, sambhar, nilgai, gaur, muntjac and wild boar.
A treat for bird lovers and avid photographers, the Park is a treasure trove of exotic species like, the parrot, bulbul, white-rumped vulture, green avadavat, lesser kestrel, peafowl, woodpecker, racket-tailed drongo, etc. The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is a thrilling ride in the sprawling greens and a trip to the Park introduces one to a very beautiful, unique and intense side of nature.
Core Zone
At the heart of the Park an area of about 45km is marked as the core zone. No tourists are allowed here in order to protect the privacy of the jungle. The remaining buffer zone is open for the tourists. Safaris and trails are extremely enjoyable in the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary as nature opens up in its most virgin form.
Favourable Climate
From Feb to June, the climate is great for wildlife sightings. The winter season is best for visiting the park and the jungle can be seen in its full bloom. Winter is also the most comfortable month for traveling and wildlife is at its liveliest best. One must plan a tour of at least 3 days here for a good sighting of nature and exotic wildlife.
However, from 1st July to 31st October the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is closed due to the unfavourable rains during monsoons. Nature-friendly Attire: When planning a tour to the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary the right kind of attire is very important. You must blend in with nature and wear light earthy colours. Carrying woolen clothes is a must as the climate is quite cold early in the morning and evening. Strong deodorants and dark coloured clothes are to be strictly avoided during the tour.
Other Attractions Nearby
Sirpur
32 kms away from Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Sirpur is perched on the banks of the Mahanadi. This ancient land is a living example of Dakshin Kosala's golden period. Sirpur is an endless treasure of brilliant architecture and exquisite archaeological remains of Shaiva, Vaishnav and Buddhist religions. India's most ancient brick temple, the Laxman Temple, is found here. The most breathtakingly beautiful brick temples dating back to the 7th AD are found in Sirpur.
Turturiya
A place of great archaeological and anthropological interest, the forest village of Turturiya is situated on the banks of a spring called Turturiya or Sursuri Ganga. It contains numerous Buddhist remains of the 8th Century A.D. and the Brahmanical remains of a later period. Also of deep religious importance, Turturiya is the birthplace of Luv and Kush who were born in Saint Valmiki's Ashram. In the month of Paush, a 3 day fair is also held here.
Matagadh
Just 2kms away from Turturiya is an ancient temple where the Goddess resides. This beautiful temple on the west of the Balamdehi River is worth a visit.
Narayanpur
Just 10kms away from Turturiya, situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River, the Shiva Temple is one of the most important tourist attractions. Dating back to the 11th century AD, this temple flaunts erotic carvings inside and outside. The amazing architecture will leave you completely spellbound! Shivrinarayan: 55 kms away from Barnawapara, on the banks of Mahanadi, rests this beautiful pilgrimage destination. During the Shivratri Festival, a huge fair is held here and Lord Shiva is adorned with flowers.
Girodhpuri Dham
About 40 kms from Barnawapara is the holy birthplace of saint Ghasidas. Ardent followers and devotees can find time to visit this sacrosanct pilgrimage.
Malhar
Located 55 kms North of Barnawapara, Malhar boasts of exclusive statues and artistic remains of the Shaiva, Jain, Vaishnav and Buddhist religions. Malhar is very much a Buddhist destination that has the oldest and most beautiful remains.
Accommodation: Forest shelters are available in Barnawapara, Devpur, Pakreed, and Nawagaon. A 28 bed dormitory is available at Barnawapara. Hareli Eco Resort operated by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board with 12 luxury room.The Mumba Jungle Resort and Celebration Jungle Cottages are well-suited for the adventurous at heart, looking for a comfortable stay.
How to reach
By Air: Raipur (100km) is the nearest airport well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Ranchi, Vishakhapatnam and Chennai. By Rail: Raipur is the nearest railway station on the Bombay- Howrah main line. By Road: Located 15kms away from Sirpur, the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary can be entered from the Barbaspur Barrier. Going by National Highway No. 6, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located just 28kms away from the village of Petwa, which is 72kms away from Raipur.
