Kanha National Park – Land of Tigers and Rare Barasingha
We have visited Kanha in the month of January 2012 , it was a great experience. Kanha is very rich in flora and fauna , lush green with full of vegetation, we had very limited time and we could have only one safari trip , We have planned this trip specially for Tiger sighting and photographing , though we could have glimpse of Tiger jump for few seconds just from in front of our vehicles , we couldnt photograph it , but experience was amazing and full of thrill. apart from tiger sighting we have sighted , Barasingha , Sambar , Nil Gai , Spotted dears , Black Buck and Bison in mammals and in birds Racket Tailed Drongo , Black Drongo , white billed Drongo , Tree Pie , Stone Chat male and female , Peacock , Black Red Start , Tickel’s Blue Flycatcher , Lark , Pipit , Crested Serpent Eagle , Changeable Hawk Eagle , Tawny Eagle, Sun Birds, flower Pecker , Spotted Owlets, Buzzard, Red-wattled Lapwing and Reptiles. Believe me Kanha trip was worth to visit , and we have enjoyed each and every moment.
Few Thing we noted about Kanha , things to do , where to stay , how to reach , best time to visit and some photographs from Kanha is as follows –>
About Kanha National Park:
The Kanha National Park is in the Mandala and Balaghat District of Madhya Pradesh, India, emerge as Kanha Tiger Reserve on 1955 and declared as a part of Project Tiger on 1974. Kanha national Park is spread across 1940 square kilo meters , This National Park is Divided in three Zone Kanha , Muki and Kisli. Kanha is famous for tigers and Barasingha (Swamp Deer ) , as of now as per guide there are 81 tigers and 96 leopards across all three zones, The big cats tigers and leopards are biggest predators in the food chain. Besides the big cats wild dogs, wild cat, fox and the jackal are carnivores commonly seen at Kanha. This place is heaven for birds watchers.
Kanha Safari:
We have gone for many safaris in various forests but Safari at Kanha was amazing, we had chosen morning 6 am to 11am Safari. sighted many bird species and mammals . morning 9.30 to 10.00 am we got a chance to take a break for break fast and Tea , there is cafeteria inside forest itself , there we had light breakfast , and spent some time in exhibition hall, exhibition Hall is well maintained and they have kept lots of information about wildlife in display . One can go for elephant safari from same place , 200 INR extra charges for Elephant Safari.
Things to do :
One Should plan for at least 3-4 Rides ( Safari ) for tiger sighting , unfortunately due to limited time we stayed only for one day and managed to get single ride which was not at all sufficient when place comes like Kanha. when you book any hotel / Resorts they can book for you ride/Safari on behalf of you , you should confirm this safari booking process with hotel /Resort manager upfront while booking for your stay , if you get chance for elephant safari then don’t miss it, Kanha is famous for 5 Pair Owlets , present at Banyan Tree near Kisali Gate , you can request your Guide / Driver to wait for some time near banyan tree , believe me watching those owlets group is amazing , but please , you and your group should be quite while watching them .
Where to Stay :
There are many good resorts / hotel , while we were planning for Kanha trip, we have gone through many travelers review for hotels / Resorts , i have seen really good review for these hotes / Resorts ( 1. Muba at Mukki 2. Kanha Jungle Lodge 3 . Tuli Tiger Resorts ) , there are some luxury resorts too , Our Budget was Limited as we were gonna have kanha trip just After Tadoba , so we have booked a budget hotel ( Motel Chandan ) it is very near to Kisali gate, and really good place for enthusiastic bird watcher / Photographer , i would say in given budget they have provided really good amenities and manager dinesh makhija was so cooperative , we felt great hospitality and help from staff and Dinesh.
How To Reach :
We have booked a Scorpio and started our journey from Bhiali, Chhattisgarh,
Kanha is nearly
250 km from Bhilai.
270 from Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
240 from Nagpur, Maharashtra.
150 km from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
one can fly down any of these places ( Raipur, Nagpur or Jabalpur) and can book suitable vehicle like Qualis or Scorpio. Road from Balaghat to Kanha is not so good , before traveling one should inquire about road condition also.
Best Time to Visit :
This Park is open from Mid of October to End of June , During rainy season park will be closed. Best time to visit would be summer, though place would be so hot but for enthusiastic wildlife photographers and for those who are anxious for tiger sighting, summer is the best time.
Safari Timing : Morning Safari – 6 A.M. to 11 A.M. Evening Safari – 3 P.M. to 6 p.M.
Some Photographs :
Please do share with Friends and Family , This information can be helpful for those who are planning to visit Kanga.
Regards