Animals were difficult to sight in Achanakmar during a tiger safari ten years back. But nevertheless the superb biosphere with amazing floral diversity and density assured the existence of many interesting species of wild animals and birds.
The forests are now known as Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. Amarkantak the origin of River Narmada and Son lies partially in the state of Madhya Pradesh the rest is in Chhattisgarh. The biosphere reserve encompasses an area of more than three thousand sq.km. The Achanakmar sanctuary constitutes the core while the rest is the buffer zone.
The region separates rivers that flow in to the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Another River Johilla also originates from the hills of Amarkantak. The range known as Maikal Hills is the confluence of Vindhya and Satpura Ranges.
Due to diverse topography the foral diversity is very impressive and includes bryophytes, pteridophytes, thallopyhtes, angiosperms and gymnosperms. The forest types are Northern Moist Dry Deciduous and Southern Dry Deciduous types.
The wild animals inhabit the whole preserve but greater concentration are found in the Achanakmar. Tigers, leopards, wild dog, sloth bear, bison, giant squirrel, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, langur, rhesus macaque, wild boar and many other animals are found here in good numbers. Bird life is also interesting albeit more study is required. Due to high altitude I was impressed with the sightings of migratory birds especially warblers.
Amarkantak is a pilgirmage destination for Hindus as thousand visit the Narmada Temple at the site of origin. The sacred rivers draws thousands of pilgrims from all over India. Eco tourism is also taking roots as many holiday makers come here to enjoy the salubrious environs and healthy climate. There are many villages with the tiger reserve so constituted they are a great source of disturbance to wildlife.
Most interesting places are the Narmada Temple. Son Muda or origin of River Son, Dughdhara, Kabir Chabutra besides a few more. There are many ashrams and guest houses that offer accommodations. MPTDC and Chhattisgarh Tourism have built scenic resorts here. The latter is under construction on a Hill Top.
For tiger safari the Achanakmar Rest House about 52 km from Amarkantak is ideal. Prior permission is required from the forest department at Bilaspur. Bilaspur is the nearest city with a rail head connecting Jabalpur Kolkutta. Not much accommodations are available in Achanakmar hence preferred place of stay is Amarkantak. Another place is the Sal Valley Resort non outskirts of the biosphere reserve at Keonchhi Village.
The region separates rivers that flow in to the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Another River Johilla also originates from the hills of Amarkantak. The range known as Maikal Hills is the confluence of Vindhya and Satpura Ranges.
Due to diverse topography the foral diversity is very impressive and includes bryophytes, pteridophytes, thallopyhtes, angiosperms and gymnosperms. The forest types are Northern Moist Dry Deciduous and Southern Dry Deciduous types.
The wild animals inhabit the whole preserve but greater concentration are found in the Achanakmar. Tigers, leopards, wild dog, sloth bear, bison, giant squirrel, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, langur, rhesus macaque, wild boar and many other animals are found here in good numbers. Bird life is also interesting albeit more study is required. Due to high altitude I was impressed with the sightings of migratory birds especially warblers.
Amarkantak is a pilgirmage destination for Hindus as thousand visit the Narmada Temple at the site of origin. The sacred rivers draws thousands of pilgrims from all over India. Eco tourism is also taking roots as many holiday makers come here to enjoy the salubrious environs and healthy climate. There are many villages with the tiger reserve so constituted they are a great source of disturbance to wildlife.
Most interesting places are the Narmada Temple. Son Muda or origin of River Son, Dughdhara, Kabir Chabutra besides a few more. There are many ashrams and guest houses that offer accommodations. MPTDC and Chhattisgarh Tourism have built scenic resorts here. The latter is under construction on a Hill Top.
For tiger safari the Achanakmar Rest House about 52 km from Amarkantak is ideal. Prior permission is required from the forest department at Bilaspur. Bilaspur is the nearest city with a rail head connecting Jabalpur Kolkutta. Not much accommodations are available in Achanakmar hence preferred place of stay is Amarkantak. Another place is the Sal Valley Resort non outskirts of the biosphere reserve at Keonchhi Village.
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