Kanha National Park

One of the most well known tiger reserves throughout the world, the Kanha National Park is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The central Kanha valley, located in a horse shoe shaped valley, covers an area of 1,945 square kilometers out of which 940 sq km forms the main park. The remaining area i.e. 1005 sq km acts as a buffer zone for the Kanha tiger reserve.

The Kanha national park was established in 1955. With more than 22 different species of animals and around 200 species of birds, the Kanha National Park is every wildlife enthusiast’s destination.

The topography of Kanha consists of extensive grasslands and huge plateaus. Dense sal forests and bamboo thickets interspersed with grasslands, gives the National Park an exquisite look. Expansive meadows have also been left by the villages relocated outside the park.

The rivers Sulkum, Nila and Banjar as well as perennial springs irrigate the land and provide water for the animals too. The main water body in the central meadows, Shravantal, invites a variety of wild life.

Famous for its tiger sightings, Kanha National Park is one of those reserves where tigers can be spotted easily. The eminent famous zoologist - George Schaller, undertook the first ever scientific study of the Tiger at the Kanha National Park. Some of the other frequently seen animals are Leopards, Swamp Deer, Nilgais, langurs, Wild Boars, Chausingha and Mouse deer. The Chausinghas or the four horned deer are the only species of Deer to have four horns, and can be only found in India. Another important animal at the Kanha National Park is the hard ground “Barasingha” – here is the only surviving population of this central Indian subspecies. The “Barasingha” gets its name from the number of horns it has – “Bara” meaning 12 and “Singha” meaning horns, is also known as the swamp deer. The jewel of Kanha, the Barasingha was saved from complete extinction by taking drastic steps. In 1970, only 66 of these animals were left (3000 was their population earlier). Kanha’s amazing animal conservation efforts in collaboration with the local residents was responsible for their increase in number, which has swelled up to 1000 now.

The local communities cooperated by agreeing to the relocation of their villages. Increasing their habitat through extending the grasslands and relocating villages was responsible for this remarkable achievement. Tall grass meadows are important for the security of these animals and hence they exist almost fully on grass. The rutting season of the Barasinghas is during the height of winter, between December and January. Kanha and Sonph meadows can be seen filled with herds of these animals. Sharing space with them is a small number of Blackbucks

The Kanha National Park is famous not only for its animals but for its avifauna. With over 300 species of birds, birdwatchers can have a whale of a time, seeing and experiencing the beauty of a wide range of interesting birds.

The Pied or Marsh Harriers, Indian Rollers, Cotton Teals, Racket Tailed Drongos, White Eyed Buzzards and Paradise Flycatchers are some of the birds that are as interesting as their names and can be sighted here. Crested Serpent eagles, Crested Honey Buzzards, White backed Vultures, Golden Orioles and the barn owl are some of the other birds that reside here.

Birdwatchers can station themselves in the hills where the forests host many bird species. The water birds can be sighted in the forests many streams and rivers, especially at Sarvantal, a pool.

The flora in this national park prvides a home to many animals and birds, even as it decorates the forest with its fragrance and beauty. The National Park is covered with dense sal forests and sprinkled with expansive meadows and trees as well as wild bamboo.

Trees like Bija, Haldu, Dhaora grace the slopes of the plateau, along with pure sal trees, Ban-rahar and Sindhur trees. This forest has given the backdrop for the famous character Mowgli in “The Jungle Book” created by the famous author Rudyard Kipling.

The best way of seeing animals is from the back of an elephant as it helps in seeing animals in an unobtrusive manner without disturbing them. The open country is responsible for the chances of sighting the animals being good.