Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary

Introduction

Udanti 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 Area380.00 sq km
LandscapeBastar plateau, dense sal (Shorea robusta) forests, Indravati riverine ravines, and teak woodlands.
Major Rivers & WaterbodiesUdanti River and Indravati basin
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 380.00 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Bastar plateau, dense sal (Shorea robusta) forests, Indravati riverine ravines, and teak woodlands.

Flora

Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Sal (Shorea robusta), Teak (Tectona grandis), Saja (Terminalia tomentosa), Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), Palas (Butea monosperma), Bamboo..

Fauna

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

  • Primary Mammals: Asian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur (Indian Bison), Spotted Deer (Chital), Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Nilgai (Blue Bull), Chousingha (Four-horned Antelope), Wild Boar, Golden Jackal.
  • Predators & Carnivores: Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Wild Dog (Dhole), Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Golden Jackal.
  • Herbivores & Ungulates: Asian Elephant, Gaur (Bison), Sambar Deer, Chital, Nilgai, Chousingha, Barking Deer.
  • Reptiles & Amphibians: Indian Python, King Cobra, Monitor Lizard, Mugger Crocodile, Flapshell Turtle.

Other Wild Animals & Avifauna

  • Resident Woodland Birds: Indian Skimmer, Sarus Crane, Black-necked Stork, Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Grey Hornbill, Peafowl.
  • Raptors & Owls: Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, White-backed Vulture, Pallas’s Fish Eagle.
  • Migratory Species: Bar-headed Goose, Pintail, Garganey, Black-bellied Tern, Flamingos.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The lifeline of Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Udanti River and Indravati basin.

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 Udanti 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 Asian Elephant and native avifauna.
  • Covers an exact area of 380.00 sq km along the Udanti River and Indravati basin watershed.

Last Updated: August 2026