KANHA NATIONAL PARK
One of the most beautiful national parks in the Maikal range, Kanha National Park serves as a haven for
imaginative creatures. Not only do intellectual organisms like humans have a strong attraction to wildlife
and natural confusion, but so do creatures that do not live in the jungles yet are fascinated by them. The
most famous author and novelist of the 18th century, Rudyard Kipling, was one of those intellectual
creatures. He once visited this location, which is ideal for the generous Barasingha Swamp Deer. To the
amazement of many, Rudyard Kipling's creation of "The Jungle Book" was motivated by Kanha and the
surrounding regions.
Kanha's tropical climate makes for harsh summers that can reach 43° C, but Madhya Pradesh's central highlands are also unusually soaked by monsoon rains, which average 1800 mm and make the surrounding landscape more picturesque and verdant. Conversely, the dense Kanha jungles see more shivering throughout the winter months, which lowers the temperature by -2°C.
Kanha's tropical climate makes for harsh summers that can reach 43° C, but Madhya Pradesh's central highlands are also unusually soaked by monsoon rains, which average 1800 mm and make the surrounding landscape more picturesque and verdant. Conversely, the dense Kanha jungles see more shivering throughout the winter months, which lowers the temperature by -2°C.
History
At an elevation of 600–870 meters, the Kanha Tiger Reserve was once part of the Gondwanas, or the
land of the Gonds. In 1880, it was inhabited by two major Central Indian tribes, the Gonds and the
Baigas, who continue to occupy its outskirts. Later, it was encircled by two major sanctuaries, the Hallon
and the Banjar sanctuaries, which occupied 250 and 300 square kilometers, respectively. The forest
management regulations of 1862, which forbade certain unlawful activities in the rainforest, hindered
Kanha. The region was also designated as a reserve forest in 1879, with portions of it being expanded to
1949 square kilometers. In 1880, the breathtaking Kanha and Pench landscapes gained prominence after
"The Jungle Book" was published. The history of Kanha National Park took an intriguing turn in 1933
when the park was designated as a sanctuary after garnering international recognition for its
unparalleled landscape and breathtaking highland beauty. Many naturalists eventually regarded Kanha
as India's top national park, and the Department of Tourism, Government of India, recognized Kanha
National Park as the country's most tourist-friendly national park in 1991 and 2001.
Wildlife in Kanha
The Kanha National Park is thought to be the ideal home for many herbivorous and carnivorous species.
Travelers can explore the wide variety of fauna. The "Jewel of Kanha" is the name given to them since it
is the only place in India where the most plentiful variety of barasingha can be found.
Some of the commonly found wildlife in Kanha National Park :
Mammals : Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Barasingha, Chital, Black Buck, Barking Deer, Gaur, Langur, Wild Pig,
Jackal, Chousingha, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog.
Reptiles : Python, Indian Cobra, Indian Krait, Russell's Viper, Indian Monitor, Common Rat Snake, Common Skink, Fan Throated Lizard and Indian Garden Lizard etc.
Fishes : Giant Danio, Mud Perches, Common Rasbora, Brown Snakehead and Green Snakehead.
Birds: There are about 300 different species of birds in the Reserve, but the most common ones are the Black Ibis, Bee-eaters, Cattle Egret, Pond Heron, Drongos, Blossom-Headed Parakeets, Common Teal, Grey Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian roller, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Little Grebes, Lesser Adjutants, Lesser Whistling Teal, Woodpecker, Pigeon, Paradise Flycatchers, Mynas, Red Wattled Lapwing, Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Steppe Eagle, Tickell's Flycatcher, White-ey
Reptiles : Python, Indian Cobra, Indian Krait, Russell's Viper, Indian Monitor, Common Rat Snake, Common Skink, Fan Throated Lizard and Indian Garden Lizard etc.
Fishes : Giant Danio, Mud Perches, Common Rasbora, Brown Snakehead and Green Snakehead.
Birds: There are about 300 different species of birds in the Reserve, but the most common ones are the Black Ibis, Bee-eaters, Cattle Egret, Pond Heron, Drongos, Blossom-Headed Parakeets, Common Teal, Grey Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian roller, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Little Grebes, Lesser Adjutants, Lesser Whistling Teal, Woodpecker, Pigeon, Paradise Flycatchers, Mynas, Red Wattled Lapwing, Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Steppe Eagle, Tickell's Flycatcher, White-ey
Flora in Kanha
Three main categories of forests are used to describe Kanha, specifically:
Sal Forests in the Wet Peninsula (3 C/C2)
Mixed Deciduous Forest in the Southern Tropical Moist (3 A/C 2a)
Dry Deciduous Mixed Forest in the Southern Tropics (5 A/C-3)
Sal, Saja, Lendia, Dhawa, Tendu, Palas, Bija, Mahua, Aonla, Achar, and Bamboo are among the prominent floras found here. These varieties claim more than 200 types of flowering plants. In addition, there are numerous species of grass, forbs, and climbers to be found here.
Sal Forests in the Wet Peninsula (3 C/C2)
Mixed Deciduous Forest in the Southern Tropical Moist (3 A/C 2a)
Dry Deciduous Mixed Forest in the Southern Tropics (5 A/C-3)
Sal, Saja, Lendia, Dhawa, Tendu, Palas, Bija, Mahua, Aonla, Achar, and Bamboo are among the prominent floras found here. These varieties claim more than 200 types of flowering plants. In addition, there are numerous species of grass, forbs, and climbers to be found here.
Places of Interest
Bamni Dadar: The Bamni Dadar area is a great spot to spend time with loved ones because it is close to
Kanha Tiger Reserve. At its most picturesque, this location is also known as the sunset point. This
location offers visitors the greatest view of the sunset. The outstanding natural beauty of the reserve
area is equally brought to light at this sunset location. To add to the enchanted atmosphere, the area is
also flourishing with a variety of grazing species, such as gaurs, ambhar, and barking deer.
Kanha Museum: Located within the park's boundaries, the Kanha Museum is another point of interest. The best location for wildlife enthusiasts to familiarize themselves with the park's topography and other fascinating features may be the Kanha Museum. Additionally, the museum portrays the park's various features and activities as well as Madhya Pradesh's tribal culture.
Kawardha Palace : Constructed by King Dharamraj Singh between 1936 and 1939, this magnificent palace is about a three-hour drive from Kanha Reserve. The region, which is now known as a classic resort, spans eleven acres and is embellished with exquisite Italian marble. Mandawa Mahal, Krishna Temple, Madan Manjari Mahal, and Bhoremdeo Temple are some of the other sites close to Kawardha Palace.
Kanha Museum: Located within the park's boundaries, the Kanha Museum is another point of interest. The best location for wildlife enthusiasts to familiarize themselves with the park's topography and other fascinating features may be the Kanha Museum. Additionally, the museum portrays the park's various features and activities as well as Madhya Pradesh's tribal culture.
Kawardha Palace : Constructed by King Dharamraj Singh between 1936 and 1939, this magnificent palace is about a three-hour drive from Kanha Reserve. The region, which is now known as a classic resort, spans eleven acres and is embellished with exquisite Italian marble. Mandawa Mahal, Krishna Temple, Madan Manjari Mahal, and Bhoremdeo Temple are some of the other sites close to Kawardha Palace.
Nearby Places
Bandhavgarh National Park: The region most famous for India's large tiger population is the
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, which is 250 kilometers from Kanha Reserve. The Bandhavgarh region,
which was formerly the Maharaja of Rewas' hunting reserve, is also the ideal habitat for the endangered
white tiger species. Additionally, the well-known Bandhavgarh Fort is located there, where one may
observe numerous tiger species and learn about the historical legends of the prehistoric age.
Pench National Park: During his trip to India to learn about the country's fauna, Kipling visited two locations in the Pench National Park, which is renowned for being the better half of his imagination. The Pench area, which lies 357 kilometers from Kanha National Park, is tucked away in the southern Satpura Hills ranges, which border Maharashtra and span 758 square kilometers. The Kipling Country Tour and Tiger Tour are available in the Pench area to introduce visitors to Kipling's creative universe in the natural setting of the reserve.
Jabalpur: Surrounded by natural beauty, this city is home to numerous historical forts and antiquities, as well as multicolored marble rocks. The third largest city in Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur, is renowned as the "land of the Gondwanas" and serves as a showcase for the state's cultural diversity. Nearer to Bandhavgarh, visitors can learn about the Khajuraho Group of temples, Balancing Rock, Chausathyogini Temple, Mandla Fort, and other wildlife and cultural attractions.
Tadoba National Park: Known as the oldest national park in Maharashtra, this reserve is located near the MP border and is near Kanha Reserve. It spans 120 square kilometers and is 200 meters above sea level. The 'jewel of Vidarbha' is a location that wildlife aficionados consider to be as good as heaven. The native divinity of the Gond tribes, known as "Taru," who was slain in a titanic battle with a tiger, is the source of the name Tadoba. About fifty tigers and other uncommon wild animals can be found at Tadoba, one of India's 28 tiger reserves.
Pench National Park: During his trip to India to learn about the country's fauna, Kipling visited two locations in the Pench National Park, which is renowned for being the better half of his imagination. The Pench area, which lies 357 kilometers from Kanha National Park, is tucked away in the southern Satpura Hills ranges, which border Maharashtra and span 758 square kilometers. The Kipling Country Tour and Tiger Tour are available in the Pench area to introduce visitors to Kipling's creative universe in the natural setting of the reserve.
Jabalpur: Surrounded by natural beauty, this city is home to numerous historical forts and antiquities, as well as multicolored marble rocks. The third largest city in Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur, is renowned as the "land of the Gondwanas" and serves as a showcase for the state's cultural diversity. Nearer to Bandhavgarh, visitors can learn about the Khajuraho Group of temples, Balancing Rock, Chausathyogini Temple, Mandla Fort, and other wildlife and cultural attractions.
Tadoba National Park: Known as the oldest national park in Maharashtra, this reserve is located near the MP border and is near Kanha Reserve. It spans 120 square kilometers and is 200 meters above sea level. The 'jewel of Vidarbha' is a location that wildlife aficionados consider to be as good as heaven. The native divinity of the Gond tribes, known as "Taru," who was slain in a titanic battle with a tiger, is the source of the name Tadoba. About fifty tigers and other uncommon wild animals can be found at Tadoba, one of India's 28 tiger reserves.
Kanha Safari
The best way to see Kanha's wilderness up close and plainly is with a 04 WD Open Jeep Safari, which
offers the most confusing safari experiences. At specific times, a group of tourists in a 04*04 Open Jeep
with an experienced naturalist accompany them is permitted in the park area. There are four distinct
areas in Kanha where visitors can enjoy jeep safari rides: Kisli, Mukki, Kanha, and Sarhi. The further
benefit of Kanha Safari is that those who enjoy animals may simply book their entry tickets online or, if
available, from the tour operators. They can also pick up their tickets from the ticket booth at the
national park's entrance gate. Other costs that are requested during the Kanha safari tour, such as
vehicle fees and guide fees, are categorized as additional costs outside of the entry tickets.
A single-day jeep safari in the Kanha area can be done twice: first in the morning and again in the late afternoon in an open vehicle with six seats. Six people, one naturalist, and one driver are permitted to ride in each vehicle. Notably, only a certain number of cars are allowed to enter the forest during each shift. To reduce the possibility of safari seats becoming unavailable, it is best to purchase the admission ticket well in advance.
A single-day jeep safari in the Kanha area can be done twice: first in the morning and again in the late afternoon in an open vehicle with six seats. Six people, one naturalist, and one driver are permitted to ride in each vehicle. Notably, only a certain number of cars are allowed to enter the forest during each shift. To reduce the possibility of safari seats becoming unavailable, it is best to purchase the admission ticket well in advance.
Kanha National Park remains open for the visitors from 16th October to 30th June. Considering that
the safari timings are :
16th October to 15th
February
Sunrise to 11:00 AM 02:00 PM to Sunset
16th February to 15th April Sunrise to 11:00 AM 03 PM to Sunset
16th April to 30th June Sunrise to 10:00 AM 03:30 PM to Sunset
16th February to 15th April Sunrise to 11:00 AM 03 PM to Sunset
16th April to 30th June Sunrise to 10:00 AM 03:30 PM to Sunset
How to Reach Kanha?
By Air: The closest airport to Kanha National Park is Nagpur, which is 266 kilometers away and connected
to Mumbai by a number of domestic airlines.
By Rail: The easiest way to get to Kanha National Park is by train to Jabalpur, which is 169 kilometers away.
By Road: Jabalpur is 175 km away, Khajuraho is 445 km away, Nagpur is 266 km away, Mukki is 25 km away, and Raipur is 219 km away. Kanha National Park is easily accessible by road.
The routes are as follows: Kishi to Katia (4 km), Kishi to Mukki (32 km), and Koshi to Kanha (9 km). Frequent bus services are offered between Jabalpur and Kanha.
By Rail: The easiest way to get to Kanha National Park is by train to Jabalpur, which is 169 kilometers away.
By Road: Jabalpur is 175 km away, Khajuraho is 445 km away, Nagpur is 266 km away, Mukki is 25 km away, and Raipur is 219 km away. Kanha National Park is easily accessible by road.
The routes are as follows: Kishi to Katia (4 km), Kishi to Mukki (32 km), and Koshi to Kanha (9 km). Frequent bus services are offered between Jabalpur and Kanha.