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Achanakmar Tiger Reserve
Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is one of Central India’s most pristine and ecologically significant big cat habitats, serving as the core of the UNESCO-designated Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. Situated in Chhattisgarh, it was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2009 under Project Tiger. Nestled amidst the rugged hills of the Maikal Range, Achanakmar forms a vital ecological corridor linking the iconic Kanha Tiger Reserve and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, supporting healthy populations of Bengal tigers, leopards, Indian gaur, and over 600 species of medicinal flora.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
| State | Chhattisgarh |
| Districts | Mungeli and Bilaspur |
| Wildlife Sanctuary | 1975 |
| Biosphere Reserve Status | 2005 (UNESCO Man & Biosphere in 2012) |
| Tiger Reserve | 2009 (Project Tiger) |
| Total Area | 914.01 sq km |
| Core Area | 551.55 sq km |
| Buffer Area | 362.46 sq km |
| Elevation | Approximately 200 m to 1,000 m above MSL |
| Forest Types | Tropical Moist Deciduous, Tropical Dry Deciduous, Sal & Bamboo Brakes |
| Major Rivers | Maniyari River, Seonath Basin (Narmada, Son & Johila headwaters nearby) |
| Best Time to Visit | November to June |
Location
The reserve is situated in the north-western region of Chhattisgarh, primarily within the Mungeli and Bilaspur districts, bordering the Anuppur and Dindori districts of Madhya Pradesh. Positioned in the Maikal hill range of the Satpura mountains, Achanakmar sits in close geographical proximity to the sacred hill town of Amarkantak. It acts as an indispensable contiguous wildlife corridor connecting Kanha Tiger Reserve to its west and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve to its north-west.
History
Recognized for its high biodiversity and dense Sal forests, the area was first protected as the Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. In 2005, it was integrated into the larger Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, which later achieved UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) status in 2012. Owing to its critical role as a tiger habitat and landscape connectivity, Achanakmar was officially designated as India’s 36th Tiger Reserve in 2009 under Project Tiger.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Achanakmar Tiger Reserve covers a total area of 914.01 sq km, comprising a strictly protected core area of 551.55 sq km and a buffer zone of 362.46 sq km. The terrain is dramatically undulating, featuring deep valleys, rocky hillocks, rolling plateaus, and dense riverine corridors. Moist peninsular Sal forests dominate the lower and mid-altitudes, interspersed with rich bamboo thickets and natural forest clearings (chahars). The landscape acts as a vital catchment area for major Central Indian river basins.
Flora
The vegetation of Achanakmar is dominated by majestic Sal (Shorea robusta) trees along with mixed deciduous species and dense bamboo brakes (Dendrocalamus strictus). Key flora includes Saja (Terminalia tomentosa), Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), Teak, Tinsa, Haldu, Dhawara, Lendia, Khamar, Aonla, Harra, and Baheda. The reserve is renowned for housing over 600 species of rare medicinal plants, herbs, and wild orchids.
Fauna
Achanakmar supports a rich assembly of Central Indian fauna, led by the Bengal Tiger and Indian Leopard. Other carnivores include the Wild Dog (Dhole), Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, and Golden Jackal. Herbivores thrive here in large numbers, including the Indian Gaur (Bison), Sambar Deer, Chital (Spotted Deer), Barking Deer, Four-horned Antelope (Chausingha), Chinkara, Nilgai, and Wild Boar. Arboreal mammals include the Indian Giant Squirrel and Flying Squirrel. Birdlife is abundant with over 150 recorded species, including the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Roller, and Grey Junglefowl.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The Maniyari River serves as the primary hydrological lifeline of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, meandering through the core zone before merging with the Seonath River in the Mahanadi basin. Numerous perennial streams, forest nullahs, and artificial waterholes such as those at Lamni, Sihawal, and Chaparwa sustain wildlife throughout the hot summer months.
Other Attractions
Key highlights near and around the reserve include the sacred town of Amarkantak (the origin of Narmada, Son, and Johila rivers), Kabir Chabutara, Mai ki Bagiya, Kapildhara and Dudh Dhara waterfalls, Chaparwa Nature Interpretation Centre, and scenic safari routes through Lamni and Achanakmar forest ranges.
Weather & Climate
Summers (March to June) are warm to hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 30°C and 42°C, making animals congregate around water bodies. The monsoon season (July to October) brings heavy rainfall, turning the forest lush green while the core area remains closed. Winters (November to February) are crisp and pleasant, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C, offering comfortable safari conditions.
How to Reach
Nearest airport: Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (approx. 200 km). Nearest major railhead: Bilaspur Junction (approx. 60 km) and Pendra Road Railway Station (approx. 45 km). By road, the reserve is well connected via state highways from Bilaspur, Raipur, Amarkantak, and Jabalpur.
Best Time to Visit
November to June is the ideal period to visit. The winter months (November to February) offer pleasant climate and birdwatching, while late spring and dry summer months (March to May) yield prime wildlife sightings around water sources.
Accommodation
Forest Department Eco-Tourism Rest Houses and cottages are available at Chaparwa, Lamni, Achanakmar, and Shivtarai, managed by Chhattisgarh Tourism and Forest Department. Visitors can also opt for hotels and resorts located in nearby Bilaspur or Amarkantak.
Conservation Highlights
Achanakmar plays a strategic role in maintaining Central India’s tiger corridors between Kanha and Bandhavgarh. Key conservation measures include voluntary village relocation from the core zone, anti-poaching patrols, camera trap population estimation, forest fire control measures, and eco-development committees involving indigenous tribal communities.
Visitor Tips
Obtain safari permits and entry passes in advance at Chaparwa or online; carry valid government photo IDs; wear earth-toned clothes (khaki, olive green, brown); avoid loud noises or plastic littering; and strictly follow guide and forest guard guidelines during safaris.
Did You Know?
- Achanakmar Tiger Reserve forms the central core zone of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, recognized globally by UNESCO under its Man and Biosphere (MAB) program.
- It serves as an indispensable central wildlife corridor connecting the tiger landscapes of Kanha in Madhya Pradesh with Bandhavgarh.
- The reserve is one of the richest botanical depositories in Central India, harboring over 600 documented medicinal plant species.
Last Updated
September 2026