Location: Mandla District, Madhya Pradesh

Main Wildlife: Tigers, Leopards, Bears

Area: 1,940-sq-kms

The Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh came into being in 1955 and forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The Park's landmark achievement is the preservation of the rare hardground Swamp Deer (Barasingha), saving it from near extinction. Stringent conservation programs for the overall protection of the Park's fauna and flora, makes Kanha one of the most well maintained National Parks in Asia.

Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha national park cum Tiger reserve extends over an area of over 1,940-sq-kms. The major feature of this region's interesting topography is the horseshoe shape valley and the whole park area is surrounded by the spurs of the Mekal. The Surpan River meanders through Kanha's central Maidans, grasslands that cover the extensive plateau. Steep rocky escrapments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley.

Flora and Fauna in Kanha National Park
The landscape and terrain inside the Kanha National Park is varied and fascinating. You can see the bamboo forests flowing into Sal forests and meadows. You can also spot the herds of spotted deer with smaller herds of the Black Buck. If luck is on your side then you may also get to see the timid barking Deer. The barking deer warns other animals of the forest of predator activities or movement. Sometimes Barasingha, the Swamp Deer is also seen.

Attractions of Kanha National Park
The Kanha National park/Tiger reserve is home to about 22 species of mammals and 300 species of birds. Commonly spotted animals in Kanha include the Common Grey Langur, Porcupine, Chital, Wild Boar, Nilgai, Sambar, Indian jungle fowl, Chousingha and Barasingha or Swamp deer. The Barasinghas were on the verge of extinction when measures were taken to revive them. Till 2006, there were around 1200 Barasinghas in Kanha forests. Kanha National Park is known more for its tigers and hence it is called the tiger country. Other animals in Kanha include leopards, the Sloth bear and Indian wild dog. Indian wolf is also rarely seen after dark. There are about 175 varieties of birds in Kanha and if you happen to be bird watcher then Kanha is certainly the place or you.

Elephant Safari in Kanha National Park
Like all other wildlife parks/ sanctuaries, you can view and enjoy wildlife at Kanha too from the elephant back. The elephant safari inside the Kanha National Park will give you a real chance to spot flora and fauna in the park in a better way. The open country also makes the chance of sightings quite good.

How to Reach Kanha National Park

Air: Nagpur at 266-kms is the nearest Airport to visit Kanha National Park and is connected by various domestic airline services with Mumbai.

Train : Jabalpur at 169-kms is the convenient rail head to visit Kanha.

Road: Kanha National Park is connected by road with Jabalpur 175-kms, Khajuraho 445-kms, Nagpur 266-kms, Mukki 25-kms, Raipur 219-kms. Within the park: Koshi - Kanha (9-kms), Kishi - Katia (4-kms), Kishi - Mukki (32-kms).

Best Time to Visit
The visiting season to Kanha national park is within the months of April to June and November to January. During other months (monsoon season) the park remain closed.

Park Visit Timings:
1. 15 November to 15 February - Sunrise to 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm to Sunset
2. 16 February to 30 April - Sunrise to 1200 noon and 4.00 pm to Sunset
3. 1 May to 30 June - Sunrise to 11.00 am and 5.00 pm to Sunset