Guru Ghasidas National Park – Complete detail
Guru Ghasidas National Park is one of the famous Tiger Reserves in the country, it is located in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh State. This park had emerged during the year 2000 when Chhattisgarh become an independent state from Madhya Pradesh.
This Park was formerly known as Sanjay National Park, but when Chhattisgarh become an independent state, the state government rename this national park as “Guru Ghasidas National Park”.
Though, the boundaries of this national park share with a couple of states together, i.e. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Guru Ghasidas National Park tourism has become much popular due to its varied range of wildlife and green landscapes that are found in the region.
The total area of the park is about 1440.71 Km2, and it was declared as a National park in 1981. In June 2011, the application to declare Guru Ghasidas National Park as a Tiger Reserve was proposed.
The National park is an area that is strictly reserved for the improvement of wildlife & biodiversity. The boundaries are well marked and circumscribed.
How to reach Guru Ghasidas National Park?
By Air
The nearest airport to reach Guru Ghasidas National Park in Varanasi airport. Varanasi is in Uttar Pradesh and is located around 300 km. away from the National Park. But, it is the fastest way to reach the National park via air. You have to book a taxi or cab to reach Guru Ghasidas National Park.
By Rail
If you are planning to travel via rail, then Ambikapur Railway Station is the nearest one as well as the main terminus to reach the National Park. This station is located around 260 km. from the national park, once you arrived at Railway Station, take public transport for up to the National Park.
By Road
Guru Ghasidas National Park is well connected with roadways since it is one of the famous Tiger Reserve Park of the country. Highways are well maintained by the government, so you can reach the park either drive your own car or take state public transport to reach the National Park.
Getting around to Guru Ghasidas National Park
Normally, it is a hassle-free ride to get around inside a national park since national park authorities having their own transportation resources. The best way to get around is by riding by safari jeeps provided by National park themselves, and a jeep driver also acts as a guide and briefs you about so many informational things about the National Park.
You can also have an option to get your own vehicle, but you will need a guide extra which will be provided by the park authorities, of course, further you will have to adhere to certain guidelines of the National Park.
Another option is to ride elephants which is quite a good option as well, but definitely, it takes extra time when you compare it with Safari Jeep or with your own vehicle.
The weather condition in Guru Ghasidas National Park
Summer (April to June)
The summer season is quite hot in this part of the country, the temperatures shoot up to 42°C during the day time whereas 30°C in the night. The hot winds all through the day make life difficult and visitors do not like to get around in this hot condition. We do not recommend as well to visit during the summer season.
Monsoon (July to October)
Normally, the monsoon arrive during the last week of June or by the first week of July in this region, which definitely gives huge relief to the wildlife creatures, and makes the temperature a little cooler. During the daytime, the temperature reported somewhere around 28°C whereas at the night, it comes down to 21°C. During monsoon season, the atmosphere looks pretty cool due to the showers and attracts visitors to do a lot of things in the National park during this time.
Winter (November to March)
The best season to visit Guru Ghasidas National Park in the winter season. You can be witnessed some of the amazing activities of wildlife since animals are hand around during the day for sunbath.
On the other hand, being a visitor, it is always comfortable and quite pleasant to visit during the winter season. The day temperature anywhere between 08°C and 12°C, you can spend all day sightseeing, since the temperature is quite pleasant during the day time.
Things to do in Guru Ghasidas National Park
- The National Park is full of natural resources, you can visit waterfalls here namely, Amritdhara falls and Gaughat falls, both are about 50 to 60 feet tall.
- Everyone visit here to be a witness to see the wild animals and birds inside. Visitors often enjoyed seeing wild animals strolling around freely in their natural habitat.
- You can observe tribal villagers’ lifestyle, their culture, and tradition. Be a part of them by participating in their festivals, their food, clothing, dance, sing, and everything else they do.
- India is full of temples, and you find some ancient temples here. Do visit some of them, likewise Pondi Jagganath Temple and the Sirouli Temple.
- You can do shopping as well nearby to the National Park itself, cities like Ambikapur and Manendragarh are having shops for jewelry, cloth, pots, handicrafts, brass products, God’s & Goddess idols and a lot more.