Indravati National Park

Indravati National Park UPSC (Kutru National Park)

Indravati National Park is a famous national park located in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. It is one of the most important protected areas in central India and is named after the Indravati River that flows through the park.

Indravati National Park also known as Kutru National Park. It is home to one of the last remaining populations of the endangered wild water buffalo. 

Indravati National Park is known for its conservation efforts and has been declared as a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative. It provides a protected habitat for the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, which are one of the major attractions for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers visiting the park.

Table of Contents Location History Area Hills River Flora Fauna Wild Water Buffalo UPSC Questions

Indravati National Park Location

Indravati National Park is located in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh state in India. The park is nestled in the Eastern Ghats hill range and covers an extensive area that spans across the Indravati River and its surrounding regions.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Indravati National park is the Raipur airport, which is 500 km away. 

Nearest Railway Station:

Jagdalpur railway station is the nearest railway station to Indravati National Park, which is 165 km away.

Indravati National Park History

The history of Indravati National Park dates back to its establishment as a wildlife sanctuary in the early 1980s. Here's a brief overview of its history:

1. Formation of National Park: In 1981, it was declared a national park under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It was established with the aim of preserving the unique ecosystems and wildlife found in the region.

2. Tiger Reserve Status: In 1983, Indravati National Park was declared a tiger reserve, becoming one of the tiger reserves in India. This designation brought attention to the park's tiger population and initiated focused conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.

Indravati National Park Area

Indravati National Park covers an extensive area of approximately 2799.08 km2 (1080.73083 square miles). 

The park area is characterized by hills, plateaus, valleys, and the Indravati River, which flows through its territory.

Indravati National Park Hills

Indravati National Park is situated in the Eastern Ghats hill range, which adds to its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes. 

The hills within and around Indravati National Park offer visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Eastern Ghats and witness the breathtaking landscapes that make this region a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Eastern Ghats:

1. The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous range of mountains and hills that run parallel to the eastern coast of India. 
2. They extend along the eastern edge of the Deccan Plateau for approximately 1,750 kilometers (1,090 miles), from Odisha in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south.
3. The Eastern Ghats pass through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.
4. Eastern Ghats are eroded and cut through by four major rivers of peninsular India, viz., Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. 
5. Limestone, bauxite and iron ore are found in the Eastern Ghats hill ranges.

Indravati National Park River

Indravati National Park is named after the Indravati River, which flows from east to west and forms the northern boundary of the park with the Indian state of Maharashtra. The Indravati river is a significant water body that contributes to the park's ecosystem and adds to its natural beauty. 

Indravati River:

• It originate from Dandakaranya range in the Kalahandi district of Odisha.
• Indravati River is a tributary of the Godavari River.
• The river flows for 535 kilometres (332 mi).
• The river has a drainage area of 41,665 square kilometres (16,087 sq mi).
• The right bank tributaries of the Indravati are Bhaskel, Boarding, Narangi, Nimbra (Parlkota), Kotri and Bandia. 
• The left bank tributary is Nandiraj.
• The Chitrakote Falls is a natural waterfall on the Indravati River.
• Indravati Dam or Upper Indravati Hydro Power Project built on the Indravati River.

Indravati National Park Flora

Indravati National Park is renowned for its diverse flora, encompassing a range of vegetation types due to its varied topography and climatic conditions. Here are some of the key flora found in Indravati National Park:

(1) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests:

The park is predominantly covered by tropical moist deciduous forests, which are characterized by a mix of broadleaf trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. Some of the common tree species in this forest type include:

• Sal (Shorea robusta)
• Teak (Tectona grandis)
• Terminalia
• Mahua (Madhuca longifolia)
• Ain (Terminalia alata)

(2) Mixed Forests:

Indravati National Park also features mixed forests that consist of a combination of deciduous and evergreen tree species. These forests host a diverse array of tree species, including:

• Semal (Bombax ceiba)
• Bamboo
• Axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia)
• Haldu (Adina cordifolia)

(3) Bamboo Groves:

Bamboo is a prominent component of the park's vegetation. Various species of bamboo, such as Bambusa arundinacea, Dendrocalamus strictus, and Bambusa polymorpha, form extensive groves within the Indravati National Park, providing food and shelter to a variety of wildlife.

(4) Medicinal Plants:

Indravati National Park is also home to numerous medicinal plants that have traditional and medicinal value. Plants like Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Harra (Terminalia chebula), and Bhilawa (Semecarpus anacardium) are found in the Indravati National Park and are used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

(5) Riparian Vegetation:

The presence of the Indravati River within the park supports a rich riparian ecosystem. Along the riverbanks, you can find many riparian vegetation species.

Additionally, Indravati National Park is known for its wide range of flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and climbers that contribute to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance within the park.

Indravati National Park Fauna (Indravati National Park Animals)

Indravati National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The park's rich biodiversity is supported by its varied habitats, including forests, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems. 

Here are some notable fauna species found in Indravati National Park:

Mammals:

• Tiger
• Wild Water Buffalo
• Leopard
• Barking Deer
• Chital
• Barasingha
• Chausingha
• Sambar
• Gaur
• Nilgai
• Dhole
• Sloth Bear
• Wild Boar
• Striped Hyena
• Porcupine
• Flying Squirrel
• Monkey
• Pangolins
• Langurs

Birds:

• Spotted Owlet
• Hill Myna
• Racket-tailed Drongos
• Red Jungle Fowls
• Parrots
• Peacocks
• Red Spur Fall
• Steppe Eagles
• Teeter

Reptiles:

• Monitor Lizard
• Crocodile
• Common Krait
• Indian Chameleon
• Cobra
• Indian Rock Python
• Russell’s Viper

Wild Water Buffalo in Indravati National Park

Indravati National Park is home to one of the last remaining populations of the endangered Wild Water Buffalo. The wild buffalos are found in grassy areas in Pilloor, Gandapuri and in the northwest corner of the Indravati National Park.

Indravati National Park UPSC Questions

Q. Indravati National Park is located in which state?

A. Indravati National Park is located in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh state in India.

Q. Indravati National Park is famous for which animal?

A. Indravati National Park is famous for Bengal Tiger and Wild Water Buffalo populations.

Q. Which river flows through Indravati National Park?

A. Indravati river flows through Indravati National Park.