Sanjay National Park

Sanjay National Park stretches across the border between Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, forming a continuous forest tract with steep hills and rivers winding through sal woodlands. The terrain shifts between open grasslands and dense vegetation where tigers, leopards and bison move through the undergrowth.

The park was established in 1981 and named after the reformer Guru Ghasidas, who launched the Satnami movement against social discrimination in the late 18th century. The protected area was later connected with the neighboring Dubri forest to secure migration routes for large mammals.

The forests shelter Baiga communities who still gather medicinal plants and live by the cycles of nature. Their oral knowledge of trees and animals has shaped the bond between people and forest for centuries.

The best visiting period runs from November to February, when heat eases and animals appear more often near water sources. Guided safaris in open vehicles start early in the morning, as the routes through dense forest are hard to navigate alone.

The caves at Bagdara hill contain ancient inscriptions from the 7th century, hidden in a spot that few visitors explore. The rock formations around these caves show traces of Buddhist monks who once found shelter here.