Kanha National Park
Central India Region
Kanha National Park, also known as Kanha Tiger Reserve, is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh, India, covering 940 square kilometers across Mandla and Balaghat districts. Established in 1955 and declared a tiger reserve in 1973, it is famed for its rich biodiversity, including Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears, and the rare barasingha deer, which is adapted to swampy habitats. The park's landscape features a mix of lowland sal forests and highland tropical moist deciduous forests with bamboo and Indian ghost trees. It hosts around 300 bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Kanha is notable for being the first Indian tiger reserve to introduce a mascot, Bhoorsingh the Barasingha, symbolizing conservation efforts. The park also plays a critical role in tiger conservation, with efforts to maintain habitat corridors and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. The Baiga tribe, historically residing within the park, were relocated to protect tiger habitats, highlighting the complex balance between conservation and indigenous rights. Kanha's diverse ecosystems and conservation successes make it a unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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Tip: The best time to visit Kanha National Park is from October to June when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent. Booking safaris in advance is recommended due to high demand, especially in peak season. Visitors can benefit from various concession schemes for students, senior citizens, and groups. Early morning and late afternoon safaris offer the best chances to spot tigers and other wildlife. Carrying binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens enhances the experience. Visitors should respect park rules and avoid disturbing animals. Local guides can enrich the visit with insights into the flora, fauna, and cultural history of the region.
Interesting facts
- •Kanha National Park is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh and among the biggest tiger reserves in India.
- •It was the first tiger reserve in India to introduce an official mascot, Bhoorsingh the Barasingha.
- •The park hosts around 300 bird species, including rare species like the black ibis and Malabar pied hornbill.
- •The barasingha deer population at Kanha is adapted to swampy habitats, a unique ecological niche.
- •Kanha's tiger conservation efforts include creating corridors to connect habitats and reduce human-tiger conflict.
History
Kanha National Park was established on June 1, 1955, making it one of India's oldest national parks.
It was designated a tiger reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger, India's tiger conservation initiative.
Historically, the park area was inhabited by the Baiga tribe, who were relocated by 1968 to protect critical tiger habitat.
Over the decades, Kanha has expanded its protected areas and buffer zones to maintain ecological balance and support tiger populations.
Conservation efforts by organizations like WWF-India have helped stabilize tiger numbers through habitat corridors and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
Place Guide
Sal and Mixed Forests
The lowland areas of Kanha feature dense sal (Shorea robusta) forests mixed with other tree species, interspersed with open meadows that provide grazing grounds for herbivores like barasingha and gaur.
Highland Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
The highland slopes are covered with tropical moist deciduous forests, including bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) and Indian ghost trees (Sterculia urens), providing habitat diversity and shelter for many species.
Tiger Habitat and Conservation Zones1973
Kanha is divided into protected areas like Hallon and Banjar, which are core tiger habitats. These zones are critical for breeding and sustaining Bengal tiger populations, supported by buffer zones and wildlife corridors.
Bird Watching Sites
With over 300 bird species recorded, Kanha offers excellent birdwatching opportunities at waterholes, meadows, and forest edges, featuring species such as the Indian paradise flycatcher and crested serpent eagle.
Contact
Phone: 0755 672 0266
