TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 12, 2025: Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP) in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, has earned a significant milestone by being included in the tentative list of UNESCO’s World Heritage under the Natural category. This achievement marks the first time a site from Chhattisgarh has been nominated for inclusion in the prestigious World Heritage List.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai hailed this recognition as a major achievement for the state, noting that it would provide international recognition to the Bastar region, boost tourism, and highlight the area’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. He emphasized that KVNP’s inclusion in the UNESCO list reflects the region’s ecological and cultural importance, offering a significant opportunity for eco-tourism.
A Rich Heritage of Natural Beauty and Unique Geological Features
Kanger Valley National Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with lush valleys, deep ravines, and majestic waterfalls. The park’s Tirathgarh Falls, cascading from a height of 150 feet, is one of its key attractions. Additionally, the Kanger River, with its pristine waters and unique rock formations, draws both tourists and scientists alike. The park also features numerous caves, including Kotamsar, Kailash, Dandak, and others, which are significant not only for their natural beauty but also for their historical and scientific importance.
Geological Diversity and Rich Biodiversity
Kanger Valley National Park is a hub for geological study due to its karst formations, limestone caves, and varied rock layers. These features make it an essential site for researchers. The park also boasts an impressive biodiversity, with over 963 species of plants, including 120 families and 574 species, and 30 species of rare orchids. The park is home to 49 mammals, 210 bird species, 37 reptiles, 16 amphibians, and 141 species of butterflies. Rare species such as the Bastar Hill Myna (Chhattisgarh’s state bird) and the Travancore Wolf Snake further add to the park’s unique ecological value.
A Gateway to Bastar’s Tribal Culture and Eco-Tourism
Beyond its natural wonders, the park plays a significant role in preserving the rich tribal culture of Bastar, where indigenous communities such as the Gond and Dhurva tribes live. These communities are known for their vibrant customs, traditional dances, folk songs, and festivals. Local handicrafts, particularly bamboo crafts, are also popular in the region.
The park offers a range of eco-tourism and adventure activities, including jungle safaris, bird watching, trekking, kayaking, bamboo rafting, and cave tours, all of which provide an exciting experience for tourists. The connection between the region’s natural beauty, historical sites, wildlife, and cultural heritage makes it a standout destination for travelers.
The inclusion of Kanger Valley National Park in UNESCO’s tentative list is an important step toward bringing global attention to Bastar’s cultural and ecological treasures. As the park moves closer to potential full recognition, it is expected to not only draw international visitors but also promote sustainable tourism and local community engagement.
