Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary

Editorial Note: Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary represents the ecological spine of Kabirdham district. Spanning over 352 square kilometers of rugged hills and perennial streams, it serves as an indispensable corridor for wildlife moving between the Satpura and Maikal tiger landscapes.

Quick Facts

What Is Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary?

Notified in 2001 shortly after the formation of Chhattisgarh, Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary was named in honor of the nearby historic 11th-century Bhoramdeo Temple. The sanctuary encompasses the forested hills, rocky outcrops, and riparian valleys of the Maikal range on the western perimeter of Kabirdham district.

Beyond its scenic beauty, the sanctuary plays an invaluable role in Central Indian conservation biology: it functions as a contiguous wildlife and gene-flow corridor connecting Madhya Pradesh’s celebrated Kanha Tiger Reserve to the west with Chhattisgarh’s Achanakmar Tiger Reserve to the north-east.

Geography & Forest Landscape

The sanctuary’s topography is dramatically undulating, transitioning from fertile valley riverbeds to sheer rocky escarpments:

• Drainage & Waterbodies: Protects the catchment of the Sakri, Fen, and Halon rivers. The perennial hill streams sustain diverse wildlife throughout the dry months.
• Flora & Canopy:
• Extensive stands of Sal (Shorea robusta) dominate the cooler high plateaus and moist ravines.
• Teak (Tectona grandis), Saja, Bija, and Tendu form dense canopies in the mixed deciduous tracts.
• Dense bamboo thickets (Dendrocalamus strictus) line the stream banks and hillside slopes, providing essential forage for herbivores.

Wildlife & Biodiversity

Despite lower public visibility compared to commercial tiger parks, Bhoramdeo hosts an exceptionally healthy Central Indian faunal ecosystem:

1. Carnivores & Predators

• Leopard (Panthera pardus): The apex resident predator of the sanctuary, frequently patrolling rocky hill slopes and forested nullahs.
• Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus): Abundant across the Maikal hills, thriving on termites, wild honey, and seasonal Mahua blooms.
• Other Predators: Striped hyenas, Indian wolves, golden jackals, jungle cats, and occasional transient tigers tracking the Kanha corridor.

2. Herbivores & Ungulates

• Spotted Deer (Chital) and Sambar: Widespread across the grassy forest glades.
• Barking Deer (Kakar) and Four-Horned Antelope (Chausingha): Elusive ungulates adapted to the dense undergrowth and hilly terrain.
• Nilgai (Blue Bull) and Wild Boar: Common in the transition zones near rural fringe agricultural boundaries.

3. Birdlife & Avifauna

The sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 160 recorded species:

• Notable residents include the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Peafowl, and diverse woodpeckers, flycatchers, and owls.

What to See & Things to Do

1. Guided Forest Buffer Drives*:

• With permission from the local Forest Department beat office, travelers can explore scenic dirt trails winding through the buffer forest zones around Jamunpani and Chilfi.

1. Birdwatching Along Stream Valleys*:

• Early morning walks along the Sakri riverbed and forest fringe near Chaura village offer exceptional bird photography opportunities.

1. Combine with Heritage & Lakes*:

• Because the sanctuary entrance borders the historic Bhoramdeo Temple, visitors can seamlessly combine ancient architectural exploration with nature walks. Continue south to Sarodha Dam for sunset views.

How to Reach

• From Kawardha Town (22 km): Take the Kawardha-Chaura road westward past Sarodha Dam to reach the eastern sanctuary perimeter near Bhoramdeo Temple. Travel time is approximately 35 minutes by car or auto-rickshaw.
• From Chilfi Ghati (52 km): The upper ranges of the sanctuary can be accessed along the NH 30 mountain highway near Chilfi Ghati towards the Madhya Pradesh border.
• From Raipur (160 km): Drive via NH 30 through Simga and Kawardha (~3 to 3.5 hours).

Best Time to Visit & Ecotourism Guidelines

• Ideal Months: November to May. Winter (November–February) offers cool, pleasant days ideal for walking trails. Summer (March–May) increases wildlife sightings around drying waterholes and perennial nullahs.
• Monsoon Advisory: Travel inside dirt forest roads is restricted between July and September due to seasonal streams and conservation breeding periods.
• Responsible Visitor Etiquette:
• Always register at Forest Department check-posts before entering designated tracks.
• Keep vehicular speeds strictly under 25 km/h to protect crossing wildlife.
• Avoid loud music, honking, and littering. Carry all plastic containers back to Kawardha town.
• Stay with a knowledgeable local guide who understands animal behavior and forest paths.