Kanha National Park
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The Kanha National Park, in Madhya Pradesh, forms the core of the
Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974, under Project Tiger. Stretching
over 940 sq km, the vegetation, chiefly made of sal and bamboo forests,
grasslands and streams, this park is the sole habitat of the rare
hardground barasingha.
The forests of the Banjar valley and Halon valley, respectively
forming Kanha's western and eastern halves, had even , at the turn
of the century, been famous for their deer and tiger population.
By a special statute in 1955, Kanha National Park came into being.
Since then, a string of stringent conservation programmes have been
launched, for the overall protection of the park's fauna and flora.
It is one of the most well-maintained National Parks in Asia, and
a major attraction for avid wildlife buffs all over the world.
Kanha boasts of about 22 species of mammals. Some of the inhabitants
of this park are the gaur, the largest of the world's cattle; the
sambar, the largest Indian deer; and the chausingha, the only four-horned
antelope in the world. Other frequent visitors include the Nilgai
antelope, the sloth bear, the dhole, or Indian wild dog, and an
occasional panther. Some 200 species of birds inhabit the park,
that include the cattle egret, black ibis, hawk eagle, and the red-wattled
lapwing. Shravantal is an old, earthenbound tank in the central
Kanha meadows, which happens to be an important watering hole, for
a large number of water fowl in winter. Bamni Dadar, known as Sunset
Point, is the most beautiful section of the park, and the view of
the sunset from this spot is absolutely mesmerising. Quite a few
animals can be sighted around this area which include the sambar,
gaur, the four-horned antelope and the barking deer.
The barasingha is undoubtedly, the jewel of Kanha, and drastic
steps have been taken to rescue it from complete extinction. The
enlargement of the grasslands, through village reallocation, has
been responsible for this impressive achievement. Barasinghas exist
almost totally on grass, and tall grass meadows are essential for
their security. At the height of winter, between December and January,
falls the rutting season of these animals, and huge groups can be
easily spotted in the Kanha and Sonph meadows. A small, but significant
number of blackbucks also inhabit the central Kanha meadow.
But for all the astonishing diversity in its wildlife population,
Kanha is best known as the habitat of the tiger. Sighting and photographing
this magnificent animal from elephant back, is an unforgettable
experience. It was here that the first ever scientific study of
the tiger was undertaken by the great zoologist George Schaller.
M P S T D C jeeps are available on hire for touring the park. For
tiger-tracking, elephants are used. Forest Department guides accompany
visitors around the park on circuits, which enable the latter to
view a good cross-section of the abundant wildlife.
When to visit
The park is closed from July 1 to October 31, because of the heavy
monsoon. The ideal time to visit Kanha would be the period between
February and June. A stay of at least 3 nights is recommended, in
order, to get a really good sighting of Kanha's more elusive animals.
How to get there
Khatia (3 km from Kisli) and Mukki are the two main entry points
to the Park. The nearest town is Mandla (65 km).
By air: Nearest airports are located at Jabalpur (170 km), Raipur
and Nagpur (270 km).
By rail: The closest railheads are at Jabalpur and Bilaspur.
By road: A daily bus service is available for Kisli and Mukki from
Jabalpur, and back. It is advisable to reach Kisli before sunset,
as vehicles are not allowed in the park after dark.
Where to stay
Forest Lodge (ITDC), Forest Rest Houses, M.P. Tourism Log Huts,
Kipling Camp are the available means of accomodation.
Contact
Field Director, Project Tiger, P.O. Mandla, Madhya Pradesh.
Check out also:
National Parks in India
Bird Sanctuaries in India
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