Udanti a wildlife sanctuary is in Chhattisgarh State; as such people say Chhattisgarh is a newborn baby, inspite of the great natural resources, infrastructure and industries. It is also best know as Rice land of India. Where rice is cheaper than south India, people here are really really good. I love my chhattisgarh people because I have 10 years of association, I can speck and sing their folk songs, and I worked in L & T posted in Bhilai.



The people are honest, hard working and polite they are very good looking too, chhattisgarh state was smartly operated and separated from Madhya Pradesh with out any fuss. I am sure inspite of a small state it will do wonders. If developed with good blue print. It can be molded into one of the best state in India. Minister may call it a baby or a teenaged girl it has to be developed right from now with the central govt’s help, with a long term planning, and tourism is one of the sector which has great potential, and roll to play here for the employment, and development of natural places for indigenous people. I limit my self here with travel writing.

Udanti is a beautiful sanctuary situated on the Raipur – DevBhog state high way and it is near the border of Orissa 140 Km from Raipur. I really enjoyed the drive on smooth black top road with Sal & teak trees standing majestically with mixed other magnificent species on either side of the road. Forest here looks generally green through out; due to Sal trees and the setting sun in the west through out the way gives full satisfaction to nature lovers and great shots to the photographer.

It is better to go by jeep rather than a car. There are no Govt vehicle for safari in the forest. So make arrangements. Drive in the forest on well laid out tracks are thrilling. This sanctuary was established in the year 1985 with an area of 231 Sq.Km and it is 370 feet from the mean sea level. This park is created specially for the sake of protecting highly endangered species i.e. wild Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) this is very powerful animal in the wild next only to Elephant, they can even give a chase to Tigers. And they are very big when compared to there African cousin, they carry their horns sometimes 6 feet’s long on their heads one can imagine the size of the animal, almost double the size of the full grown Bison (Gaur), they are very ferocious by nature, presently they are surviving in only few places in India few small heards left out in Assam and Chattisgarh. It seems Bastar and udanthi breads are still pure species. They love water, hence they are also called water buffalo if sighted on safari please keep safe distance to avoid Hatari experience. Please ensure to take good pictures for your records. Sit on a machan near the water hole with your guide, one need great patience to sight the buffalo’s.

Udanti is also famous for Black Panther, which is a special attraction to the wildlife tourists and photographers. Through out the safari one gets the chance to sight good cross section of wildlife such as cheetal, sambhar, nelgai, wild boar and jackal one can also see Sloth Bear, Leopard, Wild Dog, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Fox, Striped Hyena, Gaur, Chowsinga and Barking Deer, Tigers though present not commonly sighted due to terrors conditions. At times you will see the Big II. To together grazing peacefully, i.e. buffalo and the Indian Gaur (Bison). One can make out the difference between them. Since most of the people get confused and many think that wild Buffalo are there only in Assam.

Here I was really happy to see Indian Pitta, it seem people thought this bird was extincted 30 years back. This is also highly endangered species. Since I did not carry 600 mm lens, I could not photographs it. Udanti houses 150 species of birds including several migratory ones. The forest echo’s with my favorite bird brain fever calls. brain fever…. brain fever… and sweet melodies of magpie Rabin, and the chattering of 7 sister i.e. jungle babblers and of course the dancing beauty peafowl with many more land and water birds.

Udanti river flows west to east throughout the forest and divided the sanctuary into two equal half’s. The flowing water on rocks and pebbles on undulated surface create a beautiful rhythm to the ears which relax the stressed brain and one tend to fall a sleep, while sitting in the guest house. I used to drink crystal clean water in several places with my hands, and also dig up the river sand bed and drink fresh clean water woozing out. One can imagine the taste of udanti river water after chewing the forest Amala fruits. It is best way to beat the sun, of course there are few perennial springs the famous one are Deodhara and Godena falls.

The tribals here are well built and speak oriya (Orissa) and Chattisgarhi language; they use big bow and arrows, because of the big game. I tried my hands at it is really tough. Man and animals are made for each other at udanti though man depended mostly on forest and wildlife for their survival they really preserved it. Now forest department adding to their efforts with management technique. How ever field director / DFO wildlife and there staff should do a lot with local youth and also take help of High school and college students to conserve the forest and water holes. For the sake of wild buffalo.

They should take guidance of Dr. Rajesh Gopal Director Tiger Project who has done a great job for the conservation of Bara singa in kanha because wild buffalo should be given a fare chance to survive. There No’s has to be increased and good corridor’s to be developed so that they can migrate to Orrisa and other parts, because wild life monopoly is not that important then their healthy survival. Which is only possible through migration and relocation in similar habitats and captive breeding is not a bad idea. Since it offer return on capital from the national and international tourists. We are sure with the help of State Govt this can be done easily for which NGO’s will come forward in a big way. One can stay in Tore Riga forest guesthouse and idagaon eco center for reservation contact DFO wildlife Raipur. Ensure you send a wireless or phone confirmation before starting. Please visit the beautiful virgin udanti and write your views. It is a strong case for Eco tourism development with indigenous people