Tourist Places To Visit In Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh as well as India. The area is rich in exotic flora and fauna, some of which are endangered; there are 282 species of rare animals which you are able to see on your visit to the sanctuary. But other than the sanctuary itself, there are several other tourist places to see in Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary and its vicinity. Most of the places include nearby temples, hills and waterfalls. Still not sure how to plan your trip, below is a list of places you can visit on your trip to this region.

Located at a distance of 19 km from Korba District and close to Bilaspur as well is an ancient fort called Chaiturgarh. This fort is also known as Lafagarh and is a protected monument under Archeological Survey of India. The fort is constructed at a height of 3050 ft on a quaint hill. The fort has a very strong architecture with walls built around it that are quite strong; this fort is one of the strongest natural fort in Chhatisgarh. If you walk about 3 km, you will find a cave called Shankar cave which is 25 ft long and is popular amongst adventure enthusiasts. Going to Chaiturgarh is a great way to start your trip.

Lying close to Lormi, Khadia Dam is a famous tourist attraction amongst people who are visiting. Located in Bilaspur itself, this dam has lovely sceneries because of which people flock to the spot. The water falling from the Khadia Dam from a height into the clear waters of the river along with green meadows in the surroundings makes it a perfect spot to have a picnic and enjoy a day with your family. Especially in the winter time, the surroundings are filled with fog and you can see small hills in the background; this is one of the most popular places to go to.

India has quite a few famous rivers that run quite a length, some of them being Godavari, Yamuna, Ganga and Narmada. The Narmada River originates from Narmada Kund situated in Chhattisgarh; therefore the main water comes from this Kund and then flows towards the Arabian Sea. The Kund is located at a height of 1048 m and flows down from there onwards. When you go to this Kund, you will find several temples near the Kund and this place is considered very holy because of the same. Temples like Kartikey Temple, Shiva Temple, Ram Janki Temple, Sri Radha Krishna Temple and many others can be found there.

The sanctuary itself is absolutely lovely to explore and then there is the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve that is home to the Bengal Tiger. Major portion of this reserve lies in Chhattisgarh and the other major part in Madhya Pradesh. This Biosphere Reserve is divided into two zones; core and a buffer zone, giving animals enough space to maintain and live in their habitat. You can see tigers, bears, panthers, monkeys, elephants and so much more. This biosphere reserve inside the sanctuary must be visited if you particularly want to see tigers.

Chhattisgarh is full of old relics; one of them close to the sanctuary in Amarkantak is the Ancient Temples of Kalachuri Group. The group of temples is situated right behind the Narmada Kund; if you get in from the south entrance, you can go directly to the temple area. Built in 1073 AD, the group of temples is very famous for their architecture. Some famous examples of temple architecture are the Machhendranath Temple and Pataleshwar Temple. These temples are visited by several Hindus when they visit the sanctuary.

Shri Yantra Mandir is located close to Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is an amazing temple. This temple is located right in front of a river and has beautiful architecture; there are faces sculpted out that looks magnificent. This is said to be 108 yogini mandir and is said to be completed in the next 10 years; you can still have a look at the mandir from the outside. The faces outside the mandir are a treat to watch and stand out amongst other constructions around. There is a small hillock that adjoined the temple, if you go there, you may e able to take a few glimpses of the temples from the inside, but don’t count on it.

The vicinity of Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is full of natural beauty with hillocks, rivers and lovely landscapes. This place is located right next to Narmada Udgam and is a great place to set up a picnic. This forest land is considered pious as it is said to be the garden of Goddess Durga. There are several temples in this region that are surrounded with a variety of flora and vibrant flowers. This is a great spot for a nature walk and then a picnic but if you do plan to go, beware of the monkeys who stay there, they might steal your food.

If want to experience something different in this area, visit Chhattisgarh’s hot water spring at Dhuni Pani. Situated in Amarkantak, which is quite close to sanctuary, this region is enjoyed by many tourists and locals. This hot spring is at the confluence of Satpura and Vindhya and is revered as a religious spot by many and for others a place to explore more of nature. Dhuni Pani is a natural hot spring in the midlle of Amarkantak heavy forests. This is a great place to go to experience something new.

The Maikal Hills in Chhattisgarh is the eastern part of the Satpura range of mountains. These hills in Chhattisgarh are absolutely magnificent and overlook the town of Kawardha. Situated at a height of 941 m abosve sea level, these hills are gems of the state. From the top you can see views of Kawardha as well as thick deciduous forests and thin streams of tributaries that originate from rivers. The Mailkal Hills are inhabited by humans; namely two tribal groups called Gonds and Baigas. They follow their own culture in the hills and villages can be visited to get more information about their tribe.

Located at a distance of 55.7 km from the sanctuary is a beautiful temple by the name of Amareshwar Mahadev Mandir. The main attraction at this temple is its 51 ton Shiva Ling which has been established inside the temple premises.  Other than the main Ling, you will also find replicas of Shiva Lings from Rameshwaram and Badrinath.  Also, right outside the temple, you can find a nandi bail statue. You can enter the temple by taking a flight of steps and then putting water or milk on the Shiva Ling.