Most popular among the reserves of Central Indian Highlands Kanha received protection from early eighteen century onwards. Impressed by its picturesque splendor and teeming wildlife two verdant tracts of forests the valleys of Halon and Banjar Rivers were accorded protected area status.
Most visible among the iconic species is the swamp deer or hard ground barasingha and the tiger. It was naturalist Brander who discovered the unique adaptation among this red deer. Over a period of time their hooves evolved to trudge on hard ground and are hence less split. The park’s biggest success story they recovered from 66 heads to more than five hundred and have spread over the entire core.
The tiger at Kanha National Park had a roller coaster ride like all over India. But the early protection insured that the specie did well in this reserve. There are now more than hundred tigers that survive here and can be seen with relative ease. Due to conservation efforts breeding of big cats and other predators has been highly successful.
Other animals that contribute to the diversity of this park are the leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, wolf, bison and numerous species deer. Jackals are commonly seen while the fox is extremely nocturnal. Nocturnal life is best experienced in the buffer zones.
Birds abound with more than two hundred avian species. Birding is popular during the late winter period while summers are excellent for resident birding. Most the species are forest dwellers while shore and wetlands species can be seen in winters. Butterflies and insects abound while the reptiles are reclusive.
The floral diversity is as impressive with tall Sal stands that dominate the region. Abundant mixed forests, grasslands and bamboo makes up the rest of the biotope. Banjar and Halon are the tributaries of River Narmada and numerous other rivulets, pools and water holes constitute the lifeline. Apart from the diversity these elements accord characteristic beauty to the landscape which comprises of table to mountains and shallow valleys.
Kanha National Park is ideal haunt for wildlife photographers who seek abundant light and easily sighted tigers and other enchanting mammals and birds. The extensive grasslands are best for photographing tigers in the enchanting background of the forests and mountains.
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Core Area: 940 sq km
Buffer: 1000 sq km
Winters: Cold 0 deg C to 13 deg C
Summers: Hot 45 deg C peak
Best Season: October to June. Park is closed during the months of monsoon July to September. Carry warm clothing in winters and light khaki all over.
Tourism: Infrastructure well developed. Banking services weak. Carry cash. One ATM at Mocha.
Shopping: Carry essentials supplies limited or not at all. Nearest big town is Mandla about 65km from the park.
Safaris: Permits booked in advance. Timing – morning and evening. Carry binoculars, bird books etc.
How to Reach?
Kanha is 165 km from Jabalpur Airport in Madhya Pradesh. Jabalpur is well connected by air and rail with Mumbai and New Delhi. Pench and Bandhavgarh National Park are at a distance of 200km approximately.
