Kanha National Park

Kanha, one of Indias leading National Park, encompasses nearly two thousand square km of deciduous forest, grasslands, hills and gently meandering rivers - home to hundreds of species of animals and birds. Before this, the whole area was one enormous vice- regal hunting ground and it's game the exclusive preserve for high-ranking British army officers and civil servants seeking trophies for their colonial bungalows. It is the last remaining habitat of the hard ground Barasingha or swamp deer, which was brought back from the brink of extinction.

History of Kanha National Park

The Gond dynasty was ruling the area over many centuries. The two tribes of Baigas and Gonds are Kanha's indigenous forest dwellers until today. The area was once a sportsman's paradise, as borne out by Dunbar Brander who wrote in his epic book, Wild Animals in Central India - "This tract contained as much game as any tract i ever saw in the best parts of Africa in 1908, i have seen 1,500 head consisting of eleven species in an evening's stroll ". In 1933 the Kanha forest area was declared a wildlife sanctuary. In 1970-73 Project Tiger was launched, Kanha was included in the first nine tiger reserve to be protected and managed under Project tiger. Kanha NP landmark achievement is the preservation of the rare hardground Swamp Deer from near extinction.

Wildlife

Frequent sightings of tigers roaming in the wild remain Kanha's most popular draw. The reserve presently boasts of having approximately 83 Tigers and 42 Cubs as it has the ideal tiger habitat. Barasingha deer, star attraction of Kanha, often adorn their antlers with tufts of grass in the rutting season. Gaurs prefer highlands and the most reliable sightings are to be had in the hilly areas. The meadows called maidans surrounded by thick forests create perfect grazing spots for the hundreds of Chital deer, Barasingha and Sambar deer, and excellent hunting ground for Tigers, Leopards, Jackal & Wild Dogs. Gaur - Indian Bison, Wild Pig, Barking Deer, 4 Horned Antelope, lesser cats, Mongoose, Rhesus Macaque and Langur monkey are also regularly seen in the reserve.

Flora And Birds

he sal tree and different species of bamboo are the most prominent features of Kanha's extensive flora. The park is home to more than 600 species of flowering plants. This diversity supports over 300 species of Indian birds, including migratory species. The Indian jungle fowl, which is the ancestor of domestic hens, is widespread here. Frequently sighted birds are Storks, Teals, Pintails, Herons, Egrets, Peafowl, Spurfowl, Partridges, Quails, Doves, Parakeets, Pigeons, Cuckoos, Rollers, Bee-Eater, Drongos, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, Finches, Orioles and Flycatchers. Reptiles such as Indian Pythons, Indian Cobras, Krait, Rat snakes, Vipers and Grass snakes are nocturnal animals, so rarely seen. Many species of turtles and amphibians are found in or near the water bodies

Getting There:
Kanha National Park is easily accessible from 3 airports; Nagpur 5 hrs, Jabalpur 4 hrs and Raipur 4.5 hrs.

Recommended Circuit:
Tigers Temples & Taj: Delhi - Jabalpur - Kanha - Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho - Agra - Rathambhore - Jaipur.

Big 7 : Delhi - Jabalpur - Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Pench - Kolkatta -Kaziranga - Delhi.

View Tour Talk to an Advisor