Home | INFORMATION | Tiger Reserves | Other National Parks | Wildlife Sanctuaries | Bird Sanctuaries | Elephant Reserves | Endangered Species
Introduction
Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park in Chhattisgarh is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the Koriya & Surguja district, Guru Ghasidas National Park is Chhattisgarh’s largest national park, forming a vital tiger corridor connecting MP and Jharkhand.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Chhattisgarh |
| Districts | Koriya & Surguja |
| Year of Notification | 1981 (Renamed Guru Ghasidas in 2002 / Tiger Reserve 2021) |
| Total Area | 1,440.7 sq km |
| Landscape | Sal forests, mixed deciduous forest, hill ranges, and river valleys. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Hasdeo River, Gopad River, and Neur River |
| Nearest Airport | Swami Vivekananda Airport Raipur (RPR) – 310 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Chirmiri Railway Station (CHRM) – 60 km / Ambikapur (90 km) |
| Best Time to Visit | November to April |
Location
The national park lies in the Koriya & Surguja region of Chhattisgarh. Drive from Baikunthpur or Ambikapur.
History
Originally part of Sanjay NP in MP; re-notified as Guru Ghasidas NP in 2002 and declared a Tiger Reserve in 2021.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an expansive area of 1,440.7 sq km, the park’s terrain features Sal forests, mixed deciduous forest, hill ranges, and river valleys.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Sal forests, mixed deciduous forest, hill ranges, and river valleys.
Fauna
Primary Mammals & Key Species: Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Chital, Sambar, Blue Bull (Nilgai), Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Striped Hyena, and Monitor Lizard.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Avifauna & Bird Species: Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Courser, Rufous-treepie, Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Serpent Eagle, Peafowl, and Owls.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park is sustained by: Hasdeo River, Gopad River, and Neur River.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: Amrit Dhara Waterfalls (45 km), Chirmiri Hill Station (60 km), Baikunthpur (40 km).
Weather & Climate
Continental climate (8°C to 42°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Swami Vivekananda Airport Raipur (RPR) – 310 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Chirmiri Railway Station (CHRM) – 60 km / Ambikapur (90 km)
- Road Connectivity: Drive from Baikunthpur or Ambikapur.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park is from November to April.
Accommodation
Forest Rest House Baikunthpur & Manendragarh.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Chhattisgarh’s 4th Tiger Reserve strengthening Central Indian tiger landscape connectivity.
Visitor Tips
Explore Amrit Dhara waterfalls on the Hasdeo River near Baikunthpur.
Did You Know?
- Named in honor of Saint Guru Ghasidas, founder of the Satnami movement.
- Formed from the division of Sanjay National Park following the creation of Chhattisgarh state.
- Approved as Chhattisgarh’s 4th Tiger Reserve in 2021.
Last Updated: August 2026