Introduction

Spread across 1945 square kilometers of the Maikal Hills and Banjar Valley, the Kanha Tiger Reserve is a nature lovers and conservationists’ delight. Teeming with life, Kanha has rehabilitated many animals from the brink of extinction, most notably the tiger and the barasingha or swamp deer. Of the many animals that inhabit the Kanha National Park, the elephant is not one of them. But an elephant safari is a great way to explore the park: it allows you access to all areas of the park and can even go up close to the tiger, as tigers don’t see these gentle pachyderms as threat or prey.

A part of Project Tiger, Kanha has successfully rehabilitated many animals. The swamp deer or Barasingha being one such success story. Other animals that you are likely to meet on your safari are leopards, barking deer, Indian bison, sambar, sloth bear, wild boar, wild Indian wolves and dogs, and several species of primates. The park is also a bird watchers paradise. Some of the many species you will spot across the park are whitenecked stork, shikara, white-eyes buzzard, purple and pond herons, pied harrier, crested serpent eagle, roseringed parakeet, Indian cuckoo, and hoopoe.

Exploring the park on elephant back is a unique experience. These mighty yet gentle elephants are free to roam anywhere in the park, not bound by the rules of the road. If you are sitting atop an elephant, you can go deep into the forest and see the wonders of nature from up close. In fact, your mahout can take you up close to animals as well, as they never perceive the elephant as a threat. Of course, a lot depends on your patience and silence as well.

The tiger show at Kanha is a proof of the park’s conservation efforts. Forest authorities have managed their charge well and are able to track the tigers at almost all times. Teams are sent out every morning to track tigers from its last sighting. Once a tiger is sighted, a signal is passed around the jungle and all jeeps and elephants aim for that point. In fact, the mahout can take you right up to the tiger.

Elephant safaris can be a strenuous yet exciting experience. Sitting atop an elephant, as your explore the many hillocks, valleys and streams of the park will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of the jungle. Seeing thick bamboo and sal forests and open meadows, interspersed with herds of wild animals is a memorable sight. And if you are lucky, you may manage to sight a tiger as it prowls the forest, reminding you of Shere Khan from Kipling’s Jungle Book. For a brief moment, you can imagine yourself as the intrepid Mowgli and admire the grace and beauty of this big cat.

Special Attributes

One of the largest national parks in India, with an enviable collection of flora, fauna and over a 100 tigers.

Nuisance

One of the largest national parks in India, with an enviable collection of flora, fauna and over a 100 tigers.

Dressing restrictions

While the park has no dress restrictions, it is advisable to wear muted colors that help you blend with the surrounding foliage, as loud clothes will just scare the animals away. As you will have to climb atop an elephant and spend long hours there, wear something that is really comfortable. Try and keep you arms and legs covered: it will project you from the tropical sun.

Connectivity

Elephant safaris start from both gates of the reserve. Most resorts also provide transfers from the hotel to the Reserve’s gate.

Enjoyed by

Families, Wildlife Enthusiasts, Students

Exposure

While the forest cover is dense, the tropical sun can be very harsh. Remember to cover your head at all times and carry a bottle of water.

Avoidable Season

July to October

Facilities

Facilities inside the park are basic. While there are basic civic amenities and canteens at the Kisli and Mukki gates, only the Kanha Museum has any such facilities inside the park. There are two orientation centers as well: one each at Kisli and Mukki, which offer informative displays, interactive exhibits, and a gift shop that sells park merchandise.

Things Not Allowed

Smoking inside the park is prohibited. At no time inside the park should you leave your ride and trek on foot. While inside the park, put your non-biodegradable litter (tin cans, plastic, glass bottles, metal foils etc.) into the bag provided and dispose it off on your way out.

Tip

Elephant safaris can be tedious, after all none of us are used to spending a day atop an animal! Be patient on your safari and do take the time to take in the sights of the park. Listen to your mahout, as his knowledge of the park is likely to be unmatched.

Type of site

National park