The vast grasslands of Kanha National Park, stretching over an area of 2,000 sq km, are surrounded by the Satpura Mountains, which stand at heights ranging from 450 and 900 m. comprising the Banjar and Halon valleys of the erstwhile princely provinces of Central India, Kanha became a hunting ground for the British between 1879 and 1910. In 1933, it was established as a sanctuary and was eventually declared a National Park in 1955. The park has a rare species of barasingha (swamp deer), which lives in a hard-ground habitat. It is believed that the name Kanha came from the texture of the soil found in the area. The soil is sandy in Banjar Valley in Kanha, Kisli and Mukki ranges. In the lower pockets, it is finely textured and somewhat clayey. It is locally called kanhar, thus the name.
The State animal of Madhya Pradesh – Hard Ground Barasingha is found exclusively in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Through holistic conservation approach and effective management practices, the Tiger Reserve has seen rise in population of this symbolic deer species which was once on the verge of extinction from the Earth.
The lush green forests of Kanha, composed majorly of Sal (Shorea Robusta) and other mixed forest trees, supports the growth of rich and varied flora and fauna.
Kanha best known for its evergreen Sal forests, is home to about 300 species of Birds, 43 species of Mammals, 26 species of Reptiles and more than 500 species of Insects.
General information
Core: 917.44 Sq Km
Buffer: 1134.361 Sq Km
Total: 2051.791 Sq Km
Kanha National Park has been bifurcated into eight Zones, four in the core area ( critical Tiger habitat ) namely Kanha ,Kisli, Mukki, Sarhi, one ( Buffer ) in adjoining Phen Sanctuary and the rest three are in buffer areas of the Tiger Reserve adjoining the core, namely Khatia, Khapa and Sijhora.
From Mukki – Mukki, Kanha & Kisli, From Khatia – Mukki, Kanha, Kisli & Sarhi, From Sarhi – Kanha, Kisli & Sarhi
Daily there are two rounds of safari’s, the morning one from dawn to around 11.30 am & the noon one from 3 pm till dusk. The timings are rescheduled as per the season. Please be advised that there are no afternoon safari’s on Wednesday evenings & the day of Holi & Diwali, the Park remains restricted for tourists.
4x4 customized gypsies, pre registered with the Forest Department are used for the game drives.
It is mandatory to have a guide, registered with the Forest Department, during the excursions. The guides, although local, are well versed in the flora & fauna of the Park & showcase the Park aesthetically.
The best time to visit the Reserve is from 1st Oct to 30 June.
Kanha being situated in Central India is subjected to tropical monsoonal climate. The month of January may also witness sub-zero temperatures and frost. Monsoon arrives in the second week of June.
The Park remains closed from 1st of July to 30th of September each year. However, during this period, the buffer zones are open for tourism. Wildlife sighting is extremely high during summers whereas winters offer a spectacular view of the fog & mist settling on the meadows. The forest is also lush green during this period.
The permits which authorize a tourist to avail the safari’s are under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh. There is also a restriction on the number of permits issued each day & each zone. Hence, they are very sought after & exhaust soon. It is advisable to plan the trip well in advance. i4u Travel Services assists & facilitates tourists in arranging the safari. We also offer pickup & drop from the resort for all the safari’s.
Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at +91 94251 57188