Kanha National Park
About
Often cited as the “King of Tiger Reserves,” Kanha is celebrated for its horseshoe-shaped valley and the sprawling Banjar and Halon valleys. This top-rated tiger reserve in India is famous for the reintroduction of the Hard-ground Barasingha, a species that was nearly extinct.
History
While it famously inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, Kanha was officially created as a sanctuary in 1933. It was the first tiger reserve in India to introduce an official mascot, “Bhoorsingh the Barasingha,” to create a deeper emotional connection with wildlife.
Wildlife in kanha national park
- Royal Bengal Tiger (approx. 145+), Indian Leopard, and the elusive Jungle Cat.
- Indian Gaur (the world’s largest bovine), Sloth Bear, and Wild Boar
- Barasingha, Chital (Spotted Deer), Sambar, Barking Deer, and Blackbuck
- Indian Wild Dog (Dhole) – often seen hunting in social packs – and Golden Jackal.
Zones
- Kanha Zone: Famous for the vast Kanha Meadows; the best place to see Barasingha and Tigers.
- Kisli Zone: Known for its dense Sal forests and high frequency of tiger sightings.
- Mukki Zone: Distinguished by its bamboo forests; excellent for spotting Gaurs and Tigers.
- Sarhi Zone: A quieter, scenic zone with dry deciduous forests, great for blue bull (Nilgai) and vultures.
Best Time to Visit
- October – June Park open for visitors
- November – February great for birding & photography
- March – May best time for tiger sightings
- July – September Park remains closed due to monsoon
Safari Timings
- Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Afternoon Safari: 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
(Timings vary seasonally)
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