Spot Tigers in Kanha National Park
The Most Popular Destination in India for Animal Lovers
Kanha National Park is the most developed and best administered of India’s numerous Tiger Reserves. Situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh it was created in 1955. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna but is best known for its conservation of the endangered swamp deer better known as the barasingha .
The otherwise dense jungle of teak and bamboo gives way to large open meadows of tall grass where herds of deer are a common sight with an occasional tiger lurking on the boundaries.
Animals to Look Out for in Kanha
Kanha is home to big mammals such as the elephant, tiger, striped hyena, leopard, jackal, bear, black buck, spotted deer, swamp deer, wild dog, wild bison (gaur) and various species of monkeys. There are also the small otters, hares, snakes, the list is unending.
There are birds aplenty. Peacocks, Pond Heron, Black Ibis, Racket-Tailed Drongo and many other species can be spotted in the park especially around Sarvantal which is a large pond.
How to Reach Kanha
Air: Nagpur is the closest airport connected with regular flights from Mumbai and Delhi.
Rail: Nagpur and Jabalpur are convenient stations well linked to Kanha by buses and taxis.
Road: M.P. Tourism runs regular coaches from Jabalpur to Kisli and Mukki which are the two entry points into the Park. Buses and taxis are also available from Nagpur.
When to Visit Kanha National Park
The summer season from March to May is the best time to spot animals. This is when they are forced by scarcity of water to come to specially constructed watering holes. But summers in Kanha are scorching and highly uncomfortable.
October to March is more suitable for a visit since the weather is cool and pleasant.
The park is closed from July 1 to October 15 because of the monsoon when the rains make many of the jungle tracks inaccessible.
Where to Stay at Kanha
Kanha has suitable accommodation for every kind of traveler. The M.P. government has its tourist lodges, rest houses and log huts. These can be booked through the M.P. Tourism website. The Baghira Log Huts, Kisli and Kanha Safari Lodge are a good pick.
There are numerous private hotels and rest houses from the luxurious Tuli Tiger Corridor to the more economical Pugmark Resort.
Kisli has a canteen as well as a restaurant serving a wide variety of Indian and International food.
It is advisable to ask for clean bottled water and avoid tap water.
What to Do in Kanha National Park
The park allows two trips per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Queues are long so it is best to reach the entry point at least an hour before the gates open.
Vehicles can be hired from the M.P. Tourism office at Baghira Log Huts in Kisli. Most hotels have their own driver and jeeps for hire. The services of a trained guide are a must.
Tourist can ride on elephants to track a tiger once it has been located. This experience should not be missed.
A visit to the Kanha Park Museum can prove interesting. It show cases the life of the tribals in Madhya Pradesh and also the life of the wildlife in the park.
Kanha is a nature lovers’ paradise for its unlimited wildlife and beautiful scenery. Go on an eco-tour this winter and be mesmerized.
Elephant ride
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Road through Kanha National Park
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