Tiger, the national animal of India is a majestic animal; known as the king of the jungle it is not easy to have an audience with him or see him. People from all over the world visit different national parks in India to see a wild tiger. But, with 39 tiger reserves where should you head to so as to have a good sighting of this endangered species. Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra are three states where most tourist flock to see wildlife especially tigers but with 12 tiger reserves it is not easy to choose the right destination.
Every reserve has its own advantages and disadvantages so you have many options. If you can takeout enough time i.e. around three nights for each national park and visit three to four of them that's a good way but than it needs a lot of travelling, packing and unpacking and again packing. Another option is to go to any one or two for 5 to 6 days each which will make your trip less tiring and you will also have time to go around local villages and enjoy and understand local tribal culture.
Every area is different and I have visited most of them but any day my first preference will be Kanha National Park. Why Kanha? Well I love it here. It's green round the year thanks to Sal forests. It has different landscapes hills, plains, dense forests, grass land locally known as 'maidans' and water holes which are easily reachable. Kanha National Park got its name from Kanha village which in turn got its name from 'Kanhan' i.e. black loamy soil found in this area.
About Kanha National Park:
Situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is one of the most beautiful and well managed of all national parks in India. It is well known not only within the tourists, natural history photographers and wildlife lovers but also to public at large. Tourist throng here to see the magnificent big cat Tiger and one of the rarest deer the Hard ground Barasingha (Swamp Deer) also known as the ' Jewel of Kanha national park.
The park was created in 1955 by a special law and, since then, it has dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey.
Kanha national park cum Tiger reserve extends over an area of over 1,940 Sq. km's of which 940 Sq. Km's is designated core area and the rest buffer. Kanha's sal and bamboo forests and rolling grasslands, are by far the most striking features of this region where sighting Swamp deer, Sambhar, Chital, Gaur and other denizens of jungle is common.
How to reach Kanha National Park:
Kanha can be reached by road only and is very well connected by Jabalpur, Nagpur and Raipur all three towns having good rail connections and air traffic also. For effluent once you can charter a flight to Baihar which is around 20 Kms from Mukki gate of the park. From Jabalpur Kanha is 146 kms and from Nagpur around 295 Kms by road.
Best season:
Kanha Tiger reserve is closed for three monsoon months from July to September. Dates can fluctuate so do check in advance but if you are reaching by November its good. Every season has its advantages and disadvantages like summers (from April to June) are really hot and you can find mercury soaring up to 44 degree centigrade but wildlife sightings go up as more and more animals are found near water holes. Winter time (from November to March, temperature can go well below 2 degrees centigrade) is good as in the starting season i.e. just end of rainy period forest is lush green and you get excellent landscape shots. And this is also a very good time for bird watching as many winter visitors and migrating birds can be seen.
Kanha and Bird watching:
More than 250 species of birds have been noted from the reserve so it is a very good birding destination and as bonus you get to see other mammalian species and always a Tiger as super bonus. The birds species in the park include Storks, Teals, Pintails, Pond herons, Egrets, Peacock, Pea fowl, Jungle fowl, Spur fowl, Partridges, Quails, Ring doves, Spotted parakeets, Green pigeons, Rock pigeons, Cuckoos, Rollers, Bee-eater, Hoopoes, Drongos, Warblers, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, Finches, Orioles, Owls, and Fly catchers. Winter is the best time as you get to get to see many migrating birds along with resident species.
Other wildlife attraction:
The main wildlife attractions in the park are Tiger, Gaur, Sambhar, Chital, Barasingha, Barking deer, Black buck, Sloth bear, Jackal, Fox, Porcupine, Jungle cat, Python, Pea fowl, Hare, Monkey, Mongoose and leopard. Along with these you can see a number of butterflies, insects, reptiles, plants, trees and other creation of god.
Where to stay:
Kanha has a very well developed infrastructure for tourists with economical to luxury options. Madhya Pradesh forest department run guest houses and tourism board's hotel are good option near kisli and khatia gate. For real eco friendly experience Kanha Village Eco Resort can be checked which has cottages made of mud / clay but with all luxury and amenities.
Activities:
Wildlife safaris are the biggest attraction for every visitor to Kanha. Tourists are allowed to visit and enjoy the serine environment of the forest and view wildlife in morning and evening safaris. Generally morning safaris are of longer hours and Tiger shows or tiger viewing from back of elephants is allowed in this period (depending on tiger sighting and permission of the forest department). Evening safaris are limited to jeep safaris only but is one of the best times to see tigers on evening stroll.
Kanha has a museum at the centre of the park which can enrich you with lots of knowledge about the wildlife and forests and life in a forest. A visit to the museum is highly recommended. Here the forest department also manages a cafeteria where you can enjoy some snacks along with tea or coffee. Normally Tiger show tickets are issued from here only so most of the vehicles rush to reach and book the tickets so at times you can see a scene of city well within the forest.
Evenings can be spent either for evening gypsy safaris, nature walk etc., Forest department has developed a nature trail just outside the Khatia gate of the park which is worth a visit or plan a bird watching trip around the buffer area especially along river Banjar. If you want to make it different cultural village tour of any of the local tribal villages can be planned or visit the local market especially if you are there on Wednesday as this is local market day. Medicinal plantation visit with local herb physician known as vaidhya or bird watching trek are other good options.
About the Author:
Navneet Maheshwari is a wildlife activist and conservationist from central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. An avid photographer he has more than 200 acceptances and awards in nature and wildlife photography. He has resently started an eco resort near Kanha National Park which he claims to be one of its kind in central India.