Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Introduction

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a premier protected wildlife reserve located in Chhattisgarh, safeguarding rare bio-regions and indigenous forest species.

Quick Facts

Particular Details
StateChhattisgarh
DistrictsForest Division of Chhattisgarh
Year of Notification1978 (Wildlife Protection Act)
Total Area310.00 sq km
LandscapeArid desert sand dunes, cracked saline mudflats (Rann), raised bet islands, and Aravalli thorn scrub.
Major Rivers & WaterbodiesMahanadi River, Indravati River, Hasdeo River, Shivnath River
Nearest AirportSwami Vivekananda Airport Raipur (RPR) – 55 to 125 km
Nearest Railway StationRaipur Junction (R) / Bilaspur Junction (BSP) / Durg Junction (DURG) – 25 to 70 km
Best Time to VisitOctober to April

Location

The wildlife sanctuary lies in the Forest Division of Chhattisgarh region of Chhattisgarh. Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Chhattisgarh.

History

Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act to conserve native wildlife corridors, watersheds, and forest ecosystems in Chhattisgarh.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

Covering an exact area of 310.00 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Arid desert sand dunes, cracked saline mudflats (Rann), raised bet islands, and Aravalli thorn scrub.

Flora

Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Khejri (Prosopis cineraria), Rohida (Tecomella undulata), Ker (Capparis decidua), Dhok (Anogeissus pendula), Babul (Acacia nilotica), Piludi (Salvadora oleoides)..

Fauna

The sanctuary harbors a diverse array of mammalian, reptilian, and avian wildlife:

  • Primary Mammals: Indian Wild Ass (Khur – flagship species), Great Indian Bustard, Blackbuck, Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Desert Fox, Indian Gray Wolf, Desert Cat, Striped Hyena.
  • Predators & Carnivores: Indian Gray Wolf, Desert Fox, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Desert Cat.
  • Herbivores & Ungulates: Indian Wild Ass (Khur), Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Blackbuck, Nilgai (Blue Bull).
  • Reptiles & Amphibians: Spiny-tailed Lizard, Desert Monitor, Saw-scaled Viper, Sand Boa, Monitor Lizard.

Other Wild Animals & Avifauna

  • Resident Woodland Birds: Great Indian Bustard, Lesser and Greater Flamingos, Dalmatian Pelican, Saras Crane, Houbara Bustard, Indian Courser.
  • Raptors & Owls: Peregrine Falcon, Imperial Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Tawny Eagle.
  • Migratory Species: Greater Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane, Common Crane, Dalmatian Pelican, Pintail.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The lifeline of Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Mahanadi River, Indravati River, Hasdeo River, Shivnath River.

Other Attractions

Major nearby tourist attractions and historic viewpoints include: Chitrakote Waterfalls, Tirathgarh Falls, ancient tribal heritage centers.

Weather & Climate

Subtropical climate with pleasant winters (12°C to 26°C) and warm summers (24°C to 38°C).

How to Reach

  • Nearest Airport: Swami Vivekananda Airport Raipur (RPR) – 55 to 125 km
  • Nearest Railway Station: Raipur Junction (R) / Bilaspur Junction (BSP) / Durg Junction (DURG) – 25 to 70 km
  • Road Connectivity: Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Chhattisgarh.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal season for visiting Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April.

Accommodation

Forest Rest Houses and State Tourism eco-lodges near Forest Division of Chhattisgarh.. Advance booking through official portals is recommended.

Conservation Highlights

Key conservation zone protecting native wildlife corridors and forest watersheds in Chhattisgarh.

Visitor Tips

Obtain necessary entry permits from the local forest division office prior to visiting.

Did You Know?

  • Official protected Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh notified under Indian wildlife conservation acts.
  • Preserves key wildlife species including Indian Wild Ass (Khur – flagship species) and native avifauna.
  • Covers an exact area of 310.00 sq km along the Mahanadi River watershed.

Last Updated: August 2026