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Kanha
National Park, Madhya Pradesh
| Location |
-Madhya
Pradesh |
| Speciality |
-Chowsingha |
| Airport |
-Gwalior
|
| Railhead |
-Jhansi |
| Accomodation |
-Forest
rest house, Motel |
| Best
Time To Visit |
-February
to May |
One
of India's most septacular and exciting parks for both variety and
numbers of wildlife and well worth a visit. Originally proposed
to protect a unique type of chinkara. It is open forest and lake
national park. It is 120 kms. from Gwalior and 95 kms. from Jhansi.
This
is the place that has been described by Rudyard Kipling in his great
book "The Jungle Book". Picture this: thick sal forests,
long bamboos, swaying grasslands and meandering rivers. This is
what Kanha is all about. Located in the Mandla district of Madhya
Pradesh, Kanha national park is a tiger reserve that extends over
an area of over 1940 sq km. A horse-shoe shaped valley bounded by
the spurs of the Mekal presents an interesting topography. Steep
rocky escarpments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the
valley.
Realizing
the danger on the Tiger population in the country, the Government
started the "Project Tiger" at Kanha and in 1974 the area
was declared a Tiger reserve. The park is also the habitat of the
high ground Barasingha.
The
park was created in 1955 by a special law and since then it has
dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. Many
endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among
the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia. This
'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey.
Park Population :
It
was at the Kanha national park that the first ever scientific study
of the tiger was undertaken by the eminent zoologist George Schaller.
Another landmark at Kanha is the preservation of the hard ground
Barasingha .This was achieved by extending the grasslands, relocating
villages and by increasing habitat.There are 22 species of mammals
in the park. These are the three-stripe squirrels, variety of monkeys
and apes, hyena, wild pigs, deers and black bucks. The Indian jackal,
jungle cat, leopard, blue bull can also be spotted here.
The
mixed forests and bamboo forests are good breeding and nesting grounds
for many feathered species. There are almost 200 species of birds
in Kanha. Many of them are found on the grasslands too. Some of
them can be spotted around water holes. The ground opposite the
Museum is also a good place to watch the birds at play. Take binoculars
to watch them closely. Best time to observe the birds is in the
morning and evening. The park also sustains a sizeable number of
reptiles which are very difficult to spot.
Nearby Attractions :
The
Kanha national park in itself is so beautiful and full of adventure
that no other local attraction is needed.But Bamni Dadar is one
place which is visited by every tourist who come to the national
park. This also known as the sunset point. The Kanha national park
is at it scenic best at this point. The sunset from this spot is
mesmerizing. The eminent natural splendor of the park comes to the
fore here. The grazing sambars, barking deer, gaurs and other animals
make the ambience magical.
Park Trips :
Take
a forest department guide to go around the park. Guides take you
to the exact locations where animals can be seen at their natural
best. Touring is usually on jeeps. These jeeps can be hired from
the MPTDC. Elephant safaris are mainly to spot tigers. Jeeps can
be hired from the MPTDC manager at Kisli and Mukki. Remember to
book the jeep one day before.
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