Kanha
National Park is located amongst the Banjar and Halon Valleys giving it a
shoe shaped picturesque view, and better known as the “N'Gorongoro of
India”. Situated in the Mandla District of the state of Madhya Pradesh,
the Kanha National Park was declared a Sanctuary in 1933 and granted the
status of National Park in 1955. The Park spreads out to an area of 1945 sq
kms covered with extensive grassland, dense Sal forest. It was the real
inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's famous “Jungle book.” The
park holds the distinction of being the first success story of Project
Tiger, wherein the Tiger population has doubled since 1976. The Park is the
only habitat of the rare Hardground Barasinga, besides, there are over 200
species of birds making Kanha a bird watcher's paradise.
Wildlife Attractions
Flora - The slopes of the plateau park is densely
forested with Sal at its best, besides, Bida, Haidu, Dhaura, Bamboos
thickets and Sindhur. It is the photographers dream land due to its amazing
natural beauty. Surrounded by the spur of the Mekal, the Surpan river flows
through Kanha's central maiden grassland that covers the extensive plateau.
Rocky escarpments offers a breathtaking view of the valleys and meadows that
lie in the midst of dry deciduous forest. Common vegetative species are
Phoenix Aqualis, Shorea Robusta and Cassia Fistula.
Fauna - On the hope of spotting the Tiger preying after
a Barasinga, one can easily catch glimpses of the Porcupine, Gray Langurs,
Mongoose, Hyena, Chittal, Nilgai, Sambars, Blackbucks and Wild dogs
(Dholes). The Swamp Deer is the jewel of the Park. The reptiles in the park
includes - Monitor Lizard, Pythons and a large variety of other snakes.
Birds - Some of the interesting species of birds for the
bird lovers are - Pied or Marse Harriers, Red Jungle Fowls, Whistling Teals,
Pintails, Shovelers,Drongos, Black Vulture, Gray Hornbills, Flycatchers,
Woodpeckers,Common Gray Patridges, Green Pigeon, White Breasted Kingfisher
and Black Ibis.
Park Trips
The Park authorities organises Elephant Safaris, which begins from Kissi,
Kanha, Mukki and is a wonderful experience to sight the Tiger from such near
distance. Apart from that, Jeep Rides are also available. The Kanha Museum
depicting the tribal culture of the state of Madhya Pradesh inside the Park
can also be seen. Bamni Dadar also known as the sunset point is quite
popular among tourists to get a glimpse of the setting sun.
Best Time to Visit
The climate is topical and temperature hovers between 23.9 ”Cand 40.6”C
in the summers and 11.1”C to 23.9”C in the Winters.
The Park is closed to visitors during the Monsoon periods from July to Mid
November, November to January is the most ideal time to visit the Park.
