Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary in Dhamtari

Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most famous and important wildlife sanctuaries in central India as well as in Chhattisgarh.

It is in the Dhamtari district of Chhatisgarh,

Basically, after the Sitanadi River which originates in the middle of the sanctuary.

Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its lush green flora and rich and unique fauna.

Location of Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary

It is in the Dhamtari district of Chhatisgarh.

Establishment of Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary

In 1974 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Catchment Area

556 sq. km

History of Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary

the sanctuary owes its name to the river Sitanadi which originates in the middle of the sanctuary and joins the river Mahanadi near Deokhut.

A visit to Sitanadi Sanctuary promises to be an exciting and unforgettable experience for all wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

A deep forest at Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary of Chattisgarh

Flora

Teak and bamboo are predominant among the vegetation.

So, the Sal Forests here are the best in the country.

Other major plants in the Sitanadi Wild Life Sanctuary include Semal, Haldu, Saja, Bija, Lendia, Dhaora, Aunla, Salai, Mahua, Amaltas Ber, and Tendu.

Fauna in Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Animals include Tigers, Leopards, Flying Squirrels, Jackals, Four-horned Antelopes, Chinkara, Black Buck, Jungle Cat, Barking Deer, Porcupines, Monkey, Bison, Striped Hyenas, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, Muntjac, Wild Boar, Cobra, Python among many others.

The sanctuary is also a paradise for bird watchers, as over 175 species of birds can be seen here.

Some of them are peafowl, Jungle Fowl, Crow Pheasant, Barbets, Bulbul, Drongo, Whistling teals, Egrets, and Herons.

Flying squirrels is a rare species in this Sanctuary.

Sightseeing

FRH at Khallari

Watch Tower

Sondur Dam

Places nearby to visit

Kutumsar (Kotamsar)

Known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations it provides a nice panoramic view.

Approximately a depth of 215 ft and 1.5 km long, it is situated at an altitude of 560 meters.

Discovered in 1900, Kutumsar Cave is considered one of the world’s largest natural caves in Asia.

It has five natural irregular chambers and several blind wells.

Forest guards are available here for guidance.

Its deepest zones are always filled with water so visitors are not allowed there.

Kailash Gufa (Cave)

Located at the top of the mountain, Kailash Gufa is a dark cave with a narrow entrance.

Named after a natural mark in the rock, located 30m from the entrance, which resembles the idol of Lord Shiva, it also has stalactite and stalagmite formations similar to Kutumsar cave.

It was discovered in 1993.