Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is a famous wildlife sanctuary in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh state, India.
Two Tigers inside Achanakmar Sanctuary
Established in 1975, this Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many endangered species of animals like the Bengal Tigers, Leopards, and wild Bison. The Wildlife Sanctuary has been a Tiger Reserve from 2009 onward for Bengali tigers. This Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as part of Project Tiger Reserve in 2009.
Achanakmar Wild Life Sanctuary offers a mesmerizing experience for any tourist. Sal and bamboo forests are a specialty of this wildlife sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary at Achanakmar is rich in flora and fauna. Kanha-Achanakmar Corridor links Achanakmar Wildlife Park with Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
Ratanpur, where the famous 11th-century temple Mahamaya Devi is situated, is a nearby town around 65 kilometers distance from the wildlife sanctuary. Pali is another town near the Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for the beautifully carved 9th-century Mahadev Temple. Kabir Chabutra, where Saint Kabir attained salvation, is just five kilometers from the wildlife sanctuary on your way to Bilaspur.
Amarkantak Temple is a nearby Hindu pilgrimage temple. This temple is around 20 kilometers from the Keonchi entry gate of Achanakmar Park. Achanakmar Gate is around 70 kilometers from Amarkantak Temple.
Trekking in Achanakmar Wildlife Park
Trekking is a major activity in this wildlife park. There are four trekking trails that the forest department approves. Kota Buffer Trekking, Achanakmar Trekking, Chhaparwa Trekking, and Lamni Trekking are the approved trekking trails. Trekking is allowed from 6 am to 9 am. The services of a guide are free. You will be taken by a bus to a certain point, beyond which you need to trek. Trekking fee is rs 200 per person. The charge for the bus is Rs. 100 per person. This group trekking allows a maximum of 25 persons per group.
You can trek to the Maikal range of mountains and the shores of the Maniyari River. You can book trekking online.
Night stay at Shivtarai Resort is allowed as an optional package for trekkers. It will be on a sharing basis on the day preceding the trekking day. The cost of stay per person is Rs 500.
How Do I Go to Achanakmar Wildlife Park?
Achanakmar Wildlife Park is around 55 kilometers from Bilaspur town.
Bilaspur railway station, with station code BSP, is the nearest major railway station on the Mumbai – Howrah main railway line, even though Belgahna railway station, with station code BIG, is the nearest railway station to the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. Pendra Road alias Gaurella is also a nearby station to Wild Life Sanctuary at Achanakmar.
Raipur Airport is the nearest airport to the Wild Life Sanctuary.
Which is the Ideal Time to Visit Achanakmar Wild Life Park?
November to June are the ideal months to visit Achanakmar Sanctuary.