Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh. Kanha National Park is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Asia and is one of the first Project Tiger reserves in India. This national park is in the shape of a horseshoe, surrounded by the spurs of the Mekal ridge. This national park was established in the year 1974.

The grasslands in Kanha National Park are interspersed with Sal and Bamboo forests. The Surpan River meanders through Kanha's central grasslands that cover the extensive plateau. The steep rocky escarpments along the edges offer breathtaking view of the valley. Kanha national park extends over an area of over 1,940 square kms.

Out of the total area, the core area, which is about 940 square km, is the national park and around it is the buffer zone. It was here at Kanha that the eminent zoologist, George Schaller, undertook the first ever-scientific study of the tiger.

Wildlife Attractions in Kanha National Park
The major wildlife attraction in Kanha National Park is the tiger. After 1976 the total population of tiger has doubled. Other major attraction of the Kanha National Park is the rare hard ground 'Barasingha'. Once there were only about 66 Barasinghas in the national park, but careful conservation and management increased their population to more than 400. Other wildlife animals in the park include Spotted deer, Blackbuck, Porcupine, Grey Langurs, Mongoose, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Nilgai, Gaur, Indian Bison and Wild Pig.

Apart from various wildlife animals there are about 175 varieties of birds in Kanha. Some of the birds, which can be seen in this park, are the Racquet Tailed Drongo, Crimson Breasted Barbet, Crested Hawk Eagle and Golden Oriole.

Best time to visit
The best season to visit Kanha national park is from the months of April to June and November to January. The park is closed from July to October that is during the monsoon season.

How to get here:

By Air:
The nearest airport is at Nagpur, which is about 266 kms. Nagpur is connected with various other cities.

By Rail:
The nearest railway station is at Jabalpur, which is about 175 kms.

By Road:
Kanha National Park is connected by road with Jabalpur, Khajuraho, Nagpur and Raipur. There are regular bus services available from Jabalpur to Kanha.