Achanakmar Tiger Reserve

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is a heaven for wildlife and is situated in Chhattisgarh State of India. It is part of larger Achanakmar Biosphere Reserve. 

The tiger reserve spans over 914 sq.km it spans over Mungeri District of Chhattisgarh State and over Anuppur and Dindori District of Madhya Pradesh. Its status as wildlife sanctuary was upgraded to National Park in the year 1975 and subsequently it was  notified as tiger reserve in the year 2009. 

The tiger reserve is divided into core zone which is critical habitat and an outer protection layer notified as buffer zone. The area of the core zone is 626. 19 sq.km. The outer layer or the buffer zone is 287.882 sq.km. 

The population of tigers in the reserve is now 18 rising from 5 whence they were translocated from other reserves. Tigers are breeding well at Achanakmar Tiger Reserve with a population of ten adults and 8 cubs.

Best time to visit Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is November to December although the park is open from October onwards. The park is closed for tourism from July to September every year. 

Onfoot safari is not allowed in the park the best means of safari in the park is on open jeep. An entrance fee and forest guide charge has to paid apart from jeep cost for the safari. The cost can be shared or the jeep hired privately for the family. Most of the wildlife photographers or film makers hire the safari jeep privately. The accompaniment  of the forest guide is a must for the safari.