Introduction

Notified as a protected area in 1955, Kanha Tiger Reserve is a vast jungle, teeming with many varieties of plants and varied species of birds and animals. The park is especially popular among tourists for its tigers, who visit the park in droves every year for a breathtaking view of the tiger out in the wild. Latest census records show Kanha’s tiger population to be over a hundred, significantly increasing the chances of a tiger sighting.

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.

The terrain is a combination of thick mountainous forests and wide-open meadows covered with tall grass. The Maikal Hills surround the horseshoe-shaped Banjar valley. While out on safari you cannot help but think of the hills as amphitheater-like seats to the show in the valley. And what a show it is! Even a short drive through the park with allow you to see many of these animals in their natural habitat. If at any time, a tiger is sighted, the forest seems to sizzle with excitement. Park rangers pass the signal and all cars aim for the same point. For an additional charge, a tiger show is arranged where you can sit atop an elephant and go right up to the tiger.

Park authorities are strict about maintaining a speed limit for cars. This leisurely pace allows you to take in all the sights and sounds of the forest. You can ask the jeep driver to set a reasonable pace: you do want to cover much of the park, but not at a pace where everything is a blur!

Inside the park, there is also a conservation museum, which is a great place to find out more about the topography of the park as well as the conservation methods followed. There is also a small section on the culture and tribes of Madhya Pradesh who originally inhabited this region. The museum is also a good place to take a break during you tour, just to get out of the jeep and maybe stretch your legs before hopping right back in for another round.

Tiger safari requires a lot of patience, and while you travel through the forest or plains for the mighty cat to make an appearance, the park offers stunning views of the surrounding greens and many other animals.

Special Attributes

One of the largest national parks in India, the forests of Kanha are said to have insipred Rudyard Kipling to write The Jungle Book.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

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. Try and keep you arms and legs covered: it will project you from the tropical sun. If you are taking a morning safari in the winter, wear twice the number of your regular woolens. Touring the park in an open jeep can get very cold indeed.

Connectivity

Jeeps for hire are available at both gates; 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. A word of caution for morning safaris in winter: wear at least two layers of woolens! Riding in an open jeep when the temperature is just marginally above zero is an exhilarating experience, and very cold.

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. As is the use of vehicle horn or headlights. While on a jeep safari, please maintain a speed limit of 20 kmph and stick to the main routes. 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

Come to the park at leisure. Tiger tracking takes times and a lot of patience. Also, while inside the park try not to make too much noise as that may scare the animals away. If you are patient, and have a little bit of luck on your side, you might just encounter a tiger on your path itself.

Type of site

National park