Kanha National Park - कान्हा राष्ट्रीय उद्यान

Sanctuary Name Kanha National Park District Mandla & Balaghat State Madhya Pradesh Near By Cities Nagpur Area of Park 940 Sq. Km. Date of Establishment 1955 Co-ordinates 21.906100, 80.628662 Wikipedia Links http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanha_National_Park Kanha National Park Reviews Mouthshut.com

Photo by : larryprobst in flickr More images...

Kanha National Park is one of the most famous habitats of the tiger in the whole world. The park is situated amongst the Banjar and Halon valleys of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The central Kanha Valley was built into a protected area for animals a long time back. However, it was given the status of a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1933 only, which was elevated to that of a national park in 1955. Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary of India spreads over an area of 1945 Sq km, out of which the core area comprises of 940 Sq km. The altitude of the park ranges from 450 m to 900 m above sea level.

The best time to visit the Kanha Wildlife Park of Madhya Pradesh is between the months of November and January. The park remains closed from 1st November to 30th June and the period may be extended if the monsoon season arrives early. The average rainfall received at Kanha Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh is approximately 1600 mm. The reserve is known for a number of conservation efforts that were carried out here in context of different animals, one of them being related to the Barasingha.

Ever though what it feels like to visit a tiger country, then visit the state of Madhya Pardesh, check out the wilds of Kanha and see for yourself why this place is called a wild hideout taken straight from the famous "Jungle Book".

Kanha's sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 Sq km in dramatic natural splendour. This is original Kipling country, of which he wrote so vividly in his Jungle Book. The same abundance of wildlife species exists today in Kanha National Park, which forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The park is the only habitat of the rare hardground barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi). In the 1930s, the Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries: Hallon and Banjar, of 250 Sq km and 300 Sq km each. Though one of these was subsequently disbanded, the area remained a protected one until 1947. Depletion of the tiger population in the years that followed led to the area being made an absolute sanctuary in 1952. By a special statute in 1955, Kanha National Park came into being. Since then, a series of stringent conservation programmes for the protection of the park's flora and fauna has given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers and a true haven for its animal and avian population.

Everyone we know wants to see a tiger. Not in a circus: not in a zoo; not even, for that matter a tiger corralled in the vast acres of a safari park, although that's better than not seeing a tiger at all! The best, and by far the most thrilling, way to see a tiger is to come across it when it is free to roam the wilderness of its natural habitat: the fields and forests of India. We've seen wild tigers in many places in our land but nowhere have we seen them as often, and as regularly as in Kanha National Park.

The Topography(Kanha National Park)

Kanha has two main valleys, Halon in the east and Banjar in the west, and the grassy 'maidans' (often old village sites), dotted with clumps of forest harbour large numbers of herbivores. The hills offer support sizeable plateaus (locally called 'Dadars') and the characterized by extensive grasslands and scant trees. These 'Dadars' are much favoured by Gaur and Four-horned Antelope.

The forests are deciduous, the main tree being the Sal, and there are large stands of bamboo. Higher up the slopes the forests tend to become dense and mixed with Haldu and Bija trees. Birds in the park include the Painted Partridge, Shaheen Falcon and Golden Oriole.

This park is situated in the heart of Sal forests of the Central high lands of Mandla and Balaghat districts. It covers 940 Sq. km in area. It was set up in 1995. The nearest town Mandla is 65 km, Jabalpur which is 160 km from the park is both rail head as well as air port; Nagpur is 270 km from the park.

The park has sparsely wooded grassy plateau, sprawling slopes with lush green, trees and bamboos. There are also plenty of smaller plants, creepers and mushrooms. The landscape, rich in vegetation presents a spellbinding view and is eminently suitable for providing shelter to a variety of mammals and birds.

This area was initially made a sanctuary in 1955 to protect the magnificent barasingha-swamp deer from extinction. The fauna of the park consists of barasingha, cheetal sambar, black duck, barking deer, gaur, hog deer, chausingha, bison, boar, tiger, leopard, hyena and wild dog. It is also the tiger reserve under project tiger. The number of tigers has doubled and barasingha have crossed the 450 mark. There are nearly two hundred bird species such as storks, teals, pintails, egrets, peafowl, partridges, doves, pigeons, cuckoos, eagles, kites, etc. February to June are the best months for visiting the park.

Kanha National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh is popular for its tiger population. If you are in India to see tigers in abundance, then this is the place for you to visit. The park is located between the Banjar and Halon valleys in the Mandla / Balaghat districts of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The Kanha National Park was established after a lot of flurry within the concerned circles regarding rampant killing of animals in the area at the time. The central Kanha valley was declared a sanctuary way back in the year 1933 but was been given the status of a National Park in the year 1955.

Best time to visit

February to June, although the cool season is much more comfortable and still very good for wildlife. (The park is closed from July 1 to 31 because of the monsoon). For those planning a visit, a stay of at least three nights is recommended in order to have a good chance of seeing the more elusive animals - although, of course, a brief visit will also be very interesting. Months from November-June are favorable for visitation in the park; still the best period is February-April.

What to wear

Cottons, but bring woolens as well, as early mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in a moving jeep and in the cool season. Try not to wear loud colours.

Food

Kisli has a restaurant and a canteen. The restaurant serves both Indian and western food. The canteen is cheaper, serving reasonably-priced table d' hote meals and snacks. The Kanha Safari Lodge at Mukki is served by a multi-cuisine restaurant.

If boiled water is required, please ask for it specially (water served at the lodges is generally filtered). Cool drinks and beer are usually available.

About Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is Kipling country and the nearby forests were the setting for the "Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling. It's an outstanding national park and wildlife reserve of Central India, noted for its last remaining population of the hard-ground race of the Swamp Deer (approximately 380). Spotting wild animals is always a matter of luck, but Kanha is so rich in wildlife that the odds are titled in your favour. Most people are keener to meet Kanha's most famous citizen: the Tiger. Thereare a healthy numbers of the Tiger found over here, which may be seen during the day, and is one of the best places left to see them.

There are 175 varieties of birds in Kanha National Park. So if you happen to be bird watcher, look forward to a full spotting itinerary. The terrain inside the park is varied, nonetheless enjoyable. Bamboo forests flow into Sal forests and meadows. There are herds of spotted deer to be seen with smaller herds of spotted deer to be seen with smaller herds of beautiful antelope, the black buck. With a little luck, you could also spot the timorous barking deer. It's snapping warns other denizens of the forest that a predator is around. There is also a very strong possibility that you will see the rare Barasingha, the Swamp Deer. Once there were only 66 of these in Kanha, but careful conservation and management raised their population to over 400.

It was at Kanha that the eminent zoologist George Schaller undertook the first ever-scientific study of the tiger. Another landmark at Kanha is the preservation of the 'hard ground' Barasingha. This was achieved by extending the grasslands, relocating villages and by increasing habitat.

How many of you have seen a tiger before? Most of the answers will be ambiguous because everyone wants to see a tiger. Then where can one spot a tiger? Well, even if there are circuses and zoo's all over India, there's some kind of a thrill you experiences when all of a sudden you came across a Tiger roaming freely in the wilderness of its natural habitat: the fields and forests of India. There are numerous Tiger reserves in India, that are preserving this ferocious beast, but nowhere can you see them as often, and as regularly as in Kanha National Park.

Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha national park cum Tiger reserve extends over an area of over 1,940-sq km. The major feature of this region's interesting topography is the horseshoe shape valley and the whole park area is surrounded by the spurs of the Mekal. The Surpan River meanders through Kanha's central Maidans, grasslands that cover the extensive plateau. Steep rocky escrapments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley.

Flora

The landscape of the Kanha National Park is made up of massive plateaus, with enormous grasslands, and open pastures. Sulkum, Banjar and Nila Rivers pass through the park, with a number of perpetual springs supplementing them. The central meadows boast of a huge water body, known as Shravantal. The tree species found in the Kanha Tiger Reserve of India include Bija, Haldu, Dhaora, Sal, Ban-rahar, Bamboo and Sindhur.

The terrain inside the park is varied, nonetheless enjoyable. Bamboo forests flow into Sal forests and meadows. There are herds of spotted deer to be seen with smaller herds of beautiful Antelope, the Black Buck. With a little luck, you could also spot the timorous Barking Deer. It's snapping warns other denizens of the forest that a predator is around. There is also a very strong possibility that you will see the Rare Barasingha, the Swamp Deer. Once there were only 66 of these in Kanha, but careful conservation and management raised their population to over 400.

Fauna

Kanha National Park of India is known the world over for its tiger population. Apart from the tiger, a number of other animals are also found here, such as Leopard, Blackbuck, Barasingha, Chausingha, Sambar, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Nilgai, Porcupine, Hyena, Jackal, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Langur, etc. The reptile population of Kanha consists of Monitor Lizards, Pythons and other snake species.

While you are venturing the forest area, you will pass by the thick forests of Bija, Haldu, Dhaora trees. The forest is also covered by Sal, Ban-rahar, Bamboo and Sindhur. But, try to visit the park during the cooler and greener months, as the lush surroundings of the park makes it amazingly beautiful.

The Fauna

When you are at Kanha National Park, you must be looking for the tigers, for which it is famous round the world. Tiger sightings are very common here. Other than the tiger, some of the more frequently seen animals in the park consist of Leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Chausinghas, Barasingha, Nilgais, Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Blackbuck, Langurs, Wild Boars, Porcupines, Mouse Deer, Hyenas, Jackals, Wild Dogs (Dholes), Gray Langurs, Mongoose, Jungle Cat, Chittal and Wild Pig.

The Avi-fauna

Kanha has over 300 different species of birds within its complex. Some of the more interesting ones for bird lovers to look out for are Pied or Marsh Harriers, Red Jungle Fowls, Painted Spur Fowls, Lesser Whistling Teals, Common Teals, Pintails, Cotton Teals, Shovelers, Peafowls, Indian Rollers, Racket Tailed Drongos, Red Wattled Lapwings, Brown Fish Owls, Nightjars, Laggers, Shaheen Falcons, Shikras, Crested Serpent Eagles, Crested Honey Buzzards, Yellow Wattled Lapwings, Green Bee-eaters, Scavenger Vultures, Long Billed Vultures, White backed Vultures, gray Hornbills, Tree Pies, Kestrels, Barn Owls, White Eyed Buzzards, Black Winged Kites, Mynahs, Munias, Bushchats, Black Headed Orioles, Golden Orioles, Paradise Flycatchers, Pied Malabar Hornbills, Indian Pittas, Indian Stone Curlews, Common Gray Partridges, Warblers, Flycatchers, Babblers, Woodpeckers, Painted Partridges, Green Pigeons, Black Ibis, White Necked Storks, Lesser Adjutant Storks, White breasted Kingfishers, Pied Kingfishers, Egrets and Cormorants.

Sanchi Near kanha National ParkAlso visit the Reptiles section which houses - Monitor Lizards, Pythons and a large variety of other snakes.<

Bird Species

Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh is home to, as many as, 300 species of birds. The most commonly seen birds are Pied or Marsh Harriers, Lesser Whistling Teals, Shovelers, Painted Spur Fowls, Racket Tailed Drongos, Peafowls, White breasted Kingfishers, Painted Partridges, Green Pigeons, etc. Here, one can also find Shaheen Falcons, Red and Yellow Wattled Lapwings, White Eyed Buzzards, Crested Serpent Eagles, Paradise Flycatchers, Painted Partridges, Black Headed Orioles, White Necked Storks, Pied Malabar Hornbills, Mynahs, Munias, etc.

Cattle Egret, Pond Heron, Black Ibis, Common Peafowl, Crested Serpent, Racket-Tailed Drongo, Hawk Eagle, Woodpecker, Pigeon, Dove, Parakeet, Babbler and Mynah, Indian Roller, White-Breasted Kingfisher and Gray Hornbill.

Wildlife Safari in the Bandhavgarh National Park

Winter Timing Summer Timing
Entry Exit Entry Exit
Morning: 07:30 hrs
Evening : 15:00 hrs Morning: 12:00 hrs
Evening : 17:30 hrs Morning: 06:30 hrs
Evening : 17:00 hrs Morning: 11:00 hrs
Evening : 19:00 hrs
Forest Department guides accompany visitors around the park on mapped-out circuits which enable viewers to see a good cross-section of Kanha's wildlife. The best areas are the meadows around Kanha, where blackbuck, chital and barasingha can be seen throughout the day
.

Bamni Dadar

Known as Sunset Point, this is one of the most beautiful areas of the parlc, from where a spectacular sunset can hc watched. The dense Kanha's forests can best be seen from here. Animals that can be sighted around this point are typical of the mixed forest zone: sambar, barking deer, gaur and the four horned antelope.

Mammalian Species

Kanha has some 22 species of mammals. Those most easily spotted are the striped palmsquirrel, common langur, jackal, wild pig, chital or spotted deer, barasingha or swamp deer, samhar and hlackbuck.

Less commonly seen species are tiger, dhole or Indian wild dog, barking deer and Indian bison or gaur. Patient watching shoulcl reward the visitor with a sight of: Indian fox, sloth bear, striped hyena, jungle cat, panther, mouse deer, chausingha or four-horned antelope, nilgai, Hardground Barasingha is found only at Kanha. Chital and porcupine.

Very rarely seen are wolf, which lives in the far east of the park; chinkara, to be found outside the park's northern boundary; Indian pangolin, the smooth Indian otter and the small Indian civet.<

Avian Species

Kanha has some 200 species of birds. Watchers should station themselves in the hills, where the mixed and bamboo forests harbour many species, and in the grassy forest clearings. Water birds can be seen near the park's many rivulets and at Sarvantal, a pool that is frequented by wafer birds and the area in front of the museum. The sal forests do not normally yield a sight of Kanha's avifauna. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for bird watching; binoculars are an invaluable aid to the watcher.

Commonly seen species include

cattle egret, pond heron, black ibis, common peafowl, crested serpent, racket tailed drongo,hawk eagle and red-wattled lapwing; various species of flycatcher, woodpecker , pigeon, dove, parakeet, babbler and mynah;Indian roller, white-breasted kingfisher and grey hornbill.

Jeep and Elephant Hire

MPSTDC jeeps are available on hire for touring the park. Elephants are used for tiger-tracking and should a tiger be located, the elephant can take visitors to the site.

For jeep hire, see the MPSTDC Manager, at the Baghira Log Huts, Kisli and Kanha Safari Lodge, Mukki. Bookings for a morning run should be made the previous day. Please bear in mind that jeeps are not always available during peak visiting periods.

Major Wildlife Attractions Of Kanha

Spotting wild animals is always a matter of luck but Kanha is so rich in wildlife that the odds are titled in your favour. First time visitors are often so keen to spot the larger animals that they overlook the smaller ones. There are 175 varieties of birds in Kanha. So if you happen to be bird watcher, look forward to a full bird show. Most people are keener to meet Kanha's major attraction, the Tiger; still one has to be patient to spot one.

But while on a mission to find a tiger, one can easily catch glimpses of all the grazers, a Porcupine, many Gray Langurs, Mongoose, Hyena, Jungle Cat, even a Leopard. Other wild attractions in this Tiger country include varieties of Deer - the Barasingha, Chital or Spotted Deer, Chousingha, Nilgai, as well as the majestic Gaur or Indian Bison and wild Pig.

Other Attractions In Kanha

Elephant Safari

The animals at Kanha are best observed from the elephant back and the open country makes the chance of sightings reasonably good.

Kanha Museum

There is a museum at Kanha national park, depicting attributes and activities of the park and the tribal culture of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Tiger in Kanha National Park. The visiting season to Kanha national park is within the months of April to June and November to January. The park is closed from July to Mid-November that is during the monsoon season.

Mammals residing within the (Kanha National Park)

Rhesus Macaque
Wolf
Sloth Bear
Small Indian Civet
Striped Hyaena
Tiger
Indian Muntjac
Sambar
Gaur
Indian Palm Squirrel
Hanuman Langur
Bengal Fox
Smooth-coated Otter
Four-horned Antelope
Indian Hare
Indian Grey Mongoose
Jungle Cat
Indian Spotted Chevrotain
Chital
Nilgai
Blackbuck
Indian Porcupine
Golden Jackal
Dhole
Ratel Ruddy Mongoose
Leopard
Wild Boar
Swamp Deer
Indian Pangolin

Venture Into The Kanha

Explore the park in a Jeep or take an Elephant ride. Both will provide you ultimate enthusiasm, but, the Elephant safari will definitely add some extra zest to your wildlife India tour. Elephant's back is the most ideal place to gaze through the dense forests of Kanha. Jeep safaris are the best, if you are looking for a convenient and comfortable ride for wildlife sighting. Take either of the two, but try to explore as much as you can. The entire topography of Kanha consists of huge plateaus with vast grasslands, three rivers like -Sulkum, Banjar and Nila and numerous perennial springs, that waters the higher areas during the extremely hot summer months.

Additional Punch

A visit to the nearest attractions - Kanha Museum, trips to the Bahmnidadar, Bishanpura, Sondhar, Ghorella, Shravantal areas would be a good idea. Madhya Pardesh has numerous attraction for you to visit. You can go to Jabalpur (169 km), Khajuraho (445 km). You can also revitalize yourself in the refreshing surroundings of Panchmarhi.

Extend the Trip

Madhya Pradesh is in the central part of India. But, from Kanha, the state of Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh will be nearer. If you keep interest in the tribal culture of India, then you can visit Chattisgarh. Chattisgrah boasts of rich vegetation dominating its topography. If you are heading towards Andhra Pradesh then you can go to Hyderabad, Golconda and also visit the beaches of Vishakhapatnam to laze under the sun.

Few Difficulties

This part is situated at the central part of India, So, you may not face too many difficulty. But, you may not be able to speak to the local people, as only the educated one can speak English.

Few Suggestions

Don't get into any unknown or illegal activity. Do not disturb the local culture and local atmosphere. Try to be well informed about the routes and the place you are going to visit. Contact us when and where needed, while on a wildlife India Tour.

If you want more information on Wildlife India Tour then get back to us, whenever needed. Let us know your requirements, so that we can make your trip to India Wildlife completely exceptional and exciting.

How to Reach

Khatia (3 km from Kisli) and Mukki are the two main entry points to the Kanha National Park. From Jabalpur, Kisli is 165 km via Chiraidongri, and Mukki is 203 km via Motinala and Garhi. For travelers from Bilaspur (182 km), Raipur (213 km) and Balaghat (83 km), Mukki on State Highway no 26 is more convenient. From Nagpur, Kisli is 259 km via Nainpur and Chiraidongri, and Mukki is 289 km via Balaghat.

By Air

Nearest airports are at Jabalpur, Raipur and Nagpur. Nagpur at 266 km is the nearest Airport to visit Kanha National Park and is connected by various domestic airline services with Mumbai.International Airport : New Delhi.

Drive from Jabalpur (6 hours), which is also the nearest airport or from Nagpur (7 hours drive). There are regular air services to Raipur and Nagpur (270 km) from other airports in India. From these airports one has to drive to the park.

By Rail

Jabalpur, 169 km away, is the nearest railhead from Kanha. Most convenient railheads are at Jabalpur and Bilaspur. The most convenient railheads for Kanha are Jabalpur and Nagpur. These two are well connected by fast and superfast trains other destinations in India.

By Road

There are regular buses as well as taxi services from Jabalpur to Kanha. There is a daily bus service available for Kisli and Mukki from Jabalpur and back. Taxis are available for hire from Jabalpur, Bilaspur and Raipur. It is advisable to reach Kisli before sunset as vehicle are not permitted within the park after dark.

Kanha National Park is connected by road with Jabalpur 175 km, Khajuraho 445 km, Nagpur 266 km, Mukki 25 km, Raipur 219 km. Within the park: Koshi - Kanha (9 km), Kishi - Katia (4 km), Kishi - Mukki (32 km). There are regular to and fro bus service available from Jabalpur to Kanha.

To access the Kanha National Park there are two ways, via Khatia or via Kisli. From Jabalpur there are daily bus services to these places. From Jabalpur, Bilaspur and Raipur one can hire taxis to the park. No vehicles are allowed inside the park after dark so get there before dusk.

Local Transport

The Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) operates a Jeep Service for visitors to go around in the park. Advance bookings can be made through the Manager, MPSTDC, Log huts, Kisli. Wild Chalet Resorts at Village Mocha, Kanha can also arrange for local sightseeing.

Accommodation

Accommodation for tourists visiting Kanha consists of MPSTDC log huts. In addition to the log huts, there are other jungle rest houses and cabins, at Khatia, Mukki and Kisli. These are managed by the park authorities; reservations may be done through the Field Director, Kanha Tiger Reserve. Khatia and Mukki have a number of privately owned resorts and hotels as well, with a wide range of tariffs.

Nearby Wildlife Lodges

Kanha Safari Lodge, Mukki (MPT)

Baghira Log Huts, Kisli (MPT)

Tourist Hotel, Kisli (MPT)

Resorts or Hotels in Kanha National Park

Krishna Jungle Resort

The Wild Chalet Resort

Royal Tiger Resort

Tuli Tiger Resort

Kanha Jungle Lodge

The Celebration Van Vilas

General Information

State : Madhya Pradesh in the central part of India.
Location: Banjar and Halon valleys of Madhya Pradesh, India
Total Area: 1945 Sq. km./ 94,000 hectares of national park.
Core Area: 940 Sq.km
Established In: 1933
National Park: 1955
Later Developed As: A National Park 1955 & As a Tiger Reserve In 1975.
Nearest Town : Mandla,.Mukki, Khatia
Best Time: November to January (Closed from 1st November to 30th June)
Climate : The climate of this region is tropical. Summers are hot and humid with a maximum and minimum temperature of 40.6 degC and 23.9 degC. Winters are pleasant with an average maximum and minimum temperature of 23.9 degC and 11.1 degC, respectively. The annual average rainfall is 152 cm. The park is closed from July to mid-November during monsoon.
Surrounded Area: Surrounded by 100, 500 hectares of additional buffer area.
Main Attractions: Tigers, Barasingha, Blackbuck, Leopard, Nilgai, etc
Travel Tips : Consult the doctor before starting your trip. Take all your important documents needed to enter India and your desired destination.

Photo by : sachin.rai in flickr	Photo by : kamaljeet hora in flickr
Photo by : immaculate.satya in flickr
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Photo by : mehimehta in webshots	Photo by : mehimehta in webshots