The Kanha National Park cum tiger reserve is located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh and extends over an area of about 1,940 Sq Kms. The Surpan River passes through the central plains and grasslands of the Kanha National Park that cover the extensive plateau. Kanha became famous with the Jungle Book of Rudyard Kipling, the famous English author. The story of the Jungle Book was set in Kanha forests. The Kanha National Park came into being in the year 1955 and is the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, which was created in 1974 under the Project Tiger.Flora and Fauna in Kanha National Park
The landscape and terrain inside the Kanha National Park is varied and fascinating. You can see the bamboo forests flowing into Sal forests and meadows. You can also spot the herds of spotted deer with smaller herds of the Black Buck. If luck is on your side then you may also get to see the timid barking Deer. The barking deer warns other animals of the forest of predator activities or movement. Sometimes Barasingha, the Swamp Deer is also seen.
Wildlife Attractions of Kanha
The Kanha National park/Tiger reserve is home to about 22 species of mammals and 300 species of birds. Commonly spotted animals in Kanha include the Common Grey Langur, Porcupine, Chital, Wild Boar, Nilgai, Sambar, Indian jungle fowl, Chousingha and Barasingha or Swamp deer. The Barasinghas were on the verge of extinction when measures were taken to revive them. Till 2006, there were around 1200 Barasinghas in Kanha forests. Kanha National Park is known more for its tigers and hence it is called the tiger country. Other animals in Kanha include leopards, the Sloth bear and Indian wild dog. Indian wolf is also rarely seen after dark. There are about 175 varieties of birds in Kanha and if you happen to be bird watcher then Kanha is certainly the place or you.
Elephant Safari in Kanha National Park
Like all other wildlife parks/ sanctuaries, you can view and enjoy wildlife at Kanha too from the elephant back. The elephant safari inside the Kanha National Park will give you a real chance to spot flora and fauna in the park in a better way. The open country also makes the chance of sightings quite good.
Best Time to Visit Kanha National Park
The best time to visit the Kanha national park is within the months of April to June and November to January. Kanha remains closed from July to Mid-November due to the monsoon season.
How to Reach Kanha National Park
By Air
Nagpur is the nearest Airport from the Kanha National Park and is connected by various domestic airline services with Mumbai and other important cities in India. Nagpur is about 260 Kms away from Kanha.
By Rail/ Train
Jabalpur, at a distance of 169 Kms, is the most convenient rail head.
By Road
The Kanha National Park is connected by road to major towns such as Jabalpur 175 kms, Khajuraho 445 kms, Nagpur 260 kms, Raipur 219 kms. There are regular bus services between Jabalpur to Kanha.
Local Transport
The Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) operates a Jeep Service for visitors to go around in the park. Advance bookings can be made through the Manager, MPSTDC, Log huts, Kisli. Wild Chalet Resorts at Village Mocha, Kanha can also arrange for local sightseeing.
Park Timings
- 15 November to 15 February - Sunrise to 12.00 Noon & 3.00 PM to Sunset
- 16 February to 30 April - Sunrise to 1200 Noon & 4.00 PM to Sunset
- 1 May to 30 June - Sunrise to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to Sunset
