This is the place that has been described by Rudyard Kipling in his timeless novel " The Jungle Book ". Picture this : " Thick sal forests , long bamboos , swaying grasslands and meandearing rivers ". This is what Kanha all about. Kanha is home to the magical land of wildlife that stores numerous precious gems of nature. Situated in the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha is a small and satisfied town. The town is most famous for the Kanha national Park which is a world of its own. Considered among the best National Park in Asia, it is home to few of the most endangered species. The park is spread in an area of around 940 sq. km. It is a major part of Project Tiger. The area was established as a sanctuary in the year 1933 but was recognized as a national park only in the year 1955. Since Project Tiger was introduced here, the population of the tiger has doubled. Even the rare Barasingha were on the brink of extinction before the authorities woke up and took serious steps. Their population once slid to 66 from around 3000, but now, the number has increased to around 1000.
Kanha National park is best visited during the months of November to April. The temperature in this season is the most pleasant and hovers around mid 20s for most of the day. The Park is closed from 1st July till mid November due to heavy monsoons. Beauty of this national park cannot be captured just by mere words. One has to experience it all right in front of his eyes to soak in the real colors of the nature and its residents. So come to Kanha National Park and get glimpses of the most awe inspiring and roaring wonders of the nature.
Wildlife Attractions
Without
a doubt the main attraction of the park is the King of the Jungle,
Tiger. Many flock to this one of a kind national park to get a
glimpse of this beautiful animal. And to come near this magnificent
beast, and that too in his own lair is really a heart stopping
experience. The other main attraction in the park is the Barasingha.
You might see a tiger in many other national parks, but you will
definitely not see a Barasingha anywhere else, as this is their only
home. So its better to take a good look at them here itself. The
best time to have a look at them is during the rutting season when
the big and bold males fight with each other to win over their
females. The season begins in the last week of December and
continuous till the middle of January. If you by chance don't get to
see any of them, don't get disappointed. To compensate that loss,
there are more than 300 varieties of birds, both migratory and
resident.Jungle Safaris
The
best way to explore Kanha National Park is by taking a Jeep
Safari or an Elephant Safari. The jeep safaris are
organized in mornings and afternoons. You can hire a jeep for the
purpose from MPTDC office. Elephant safari is the other splendid
way. Although you can opt for an elephant safari, only if you enlist
yourself for the tiger show which are held in the mornings. This is
an arranged encounter with the tiger in which a wild cat is kept
track of, and its position is communicated to your mahout who drives
you to the place where the tiger is present. Though only a put up
show, but the excitement of facing the king in his court is always
there.
