Barasingha – The Jewel of Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park has a lot of amazing and exciting features that can definitely captivate the visitors across the corners and different kinds of wildlife attractions are to be seen to make the environment very blissful. This arena is known to have tropical central highlands to make it an ideal habitat for the wild animals.

The list of wildlife species is truly endless when exploring them during Kanha Tiger safari. It truly creates the overall aroma of the national environment a lot amazing. Kanha National Park hoses several wild animals or mammals, such as swamp deer, or Barasingha, Indian wild dog, and the most popular Tiger.

This park is well known as “Tiger Reserve” because of its large amount of tiger population in the land of Kanha. Along with that, Barasingha is found in large numbers here and it is well known as the “Jewel of Kanha National Park”.

Traditionally called as Dolhorina or Swamp Deer, Barasingha is the well known species native to Kanha Tiger reserve. This species is well regarded as the sub-Himalayan Terai in North India and the hard-ground species is the exclusive graminivorous which relies totally on the grasslands and grasses and it is based on the aquatic plants.  It is one of the most peace-loving species which interacts with Chital easily. They are found dipping its stifle in the water to feed water plants. 

Poaching, hunting and diversion of the long grassland in Central India for agriculture have been the major cause of depletion and the reserve official have taken some of the major steps to conserve the population. With the rewarding efforts of conservation by the park authorities, the national park focuses widely on the swamp deer’s preservation that were affected by poaching of their horns and skin. Around 500 Barasinghas were introduced to different locations in this national park. 

What to Know about the History of Kanha National Park?

Kanha National Park was basically the land of the Gondwanas. The Kanha Tiger Reserve forest was actually inhibited by two of the indigenous tribes in Central India, the Baigas and Gonds. The reserve is occupied by the villagers of such tribes. Located in Balaghat and Mandla districts, Kanha Tiger Reserve is well occupied by Banjar and Hallon Sanctuaries, spanning over 250 sq. km and 300 sq. km and it forms the total land of 1949 sq. km.

The forest was ruled by the Gond dynasty in 1800s since centuries and it was known since the burn and slash cultivation methods of both Gond and Baiga tribes. They had deep knowledge about animals as well as their behaviors. During the 19^th century, 1862 marks an epic year when government implemented the first forest management rules and cutting tree species like Teak, Sal, Shisham, Saja etc. were restricted without authorization.

The period from 1857 to 1871 had a great importance as Capt. J. Forsyth written “The Highlands of Central India” classic book and Kanha Tiger Reserve India came into existence. In 1879, it was announced as a reserve forest.  Year 1880 was known as the British Era and this region became more valuable when provinces were made the imaginations for Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”.

In 1933, Kanha forest became a sanctuary officially. But the Vijanagaram’s king shot 30 tigers in the forest reserve from 1947 to 1951. But the period from 1955 to 1975 introduced another national park to the forefront in conservation and wildlife research approaches. In the early 1990s, the features of Kanha Tiger Reserves have been improved, such as expansion of infrastructure, biodiversity, and the enviable record for research purpose. Kanha Tiger Reserve has also been awarded by the Department of Tourism as the Top National Park in India in 2000. Visit:  http://kanha.net/tiger-land-safari/

What to Consider when Going for Jeep Safaris in Kanha National Park?

You may easily observe the wildlife with 04 WD Open Jeep at the lush green and dense forest of Kanha National Park Madhya Pradesh. You may take 04x04 Open Jeeps for safari with group of individuals or tourists accompanied by a naturalist who is allowed at fixed timings in the park in early morning and afternoon. The jeep is advised to follow a given route and leave the park by the end of time. Most of the wildlife experts and photographs have captured and observed the tigers in jeep safaris. The animals are not disturbed as the jeeps follow only specified routes.

With jeep safaris, you may expect to stay amazed with the adventures and enjoy the flexibility to explore the amazing forests that are hard to travel through other transport modes. You can enjoy one-day jeep safari for two times - one in early morning and other in late afternoon with 6-seater open jeep. Only six passengers are allowed in each 6-seater vehicle with one guide and a driver. Before you enter the national park, complete some important paperwork at the gate, such as guide details, vehicle details, and your details. It takes around 15 to 20 minutes to complete the formalities.

Visitors have to drive slowly and carefully. Driving at the lush green meadows and rough terrains is different from driving in highways. Without any interruption, you may spot a deer on the road or tiger sitting along the roadside. It is really very exciting to see wild animals in Kanha. At the national park, it is prohibited to get close to the wild animals. Respect their privacy and keep safe distance from them. Remember bright colors may disturb them on safari rides. So, wear clothes in muted shades of brown, beige, green and mostly neutral and earthy-toned clothes.

Kanha National Park – Safari Zones and Booking You Should Know

Located in Central India, Kanha National Park is known to be one of the most well known tiger reserves in the country. When it comes to tiger tourism, there are some national parks in central India that come in mind are Kanha National park, Bandhavgarh, Tadoba National Park, Panna, Pench and others. Thousands of tourists from different parts of the world visit Kanha from October to June, which is the tourism season. The traffic of tourists is consistently increasing and park authorities are finding it hard to manage the crowd and meet their needs.

For better management, even distribution of visitors, and tourism management, they have introduced zone system. There are two entrance gates in 2010, i.e. Mukki Gate and Khatia Gate and there are two different zones – Mukki Zone and Kanha Zone. Because of constant increase in tourism, there are certain challenges for authorities like gathering vehicles at some areas are causing chaos and safari vehicles are disturbing the wildlife and violating the rules. To avoid these situations for better tourism, the authorities have opened some of the new areas for visitors and those areas are divided into safari zones.

Currently, there are four zones for Kanha Tiger safari where tourists can take safari vehicles. Tourists can go to only one zone at one drive. This way, they have to take four drives to visit all four zones. Earlier, Mukki and Kanha were the only zones. Later on, the authorities opened Sarhi zone for visitors. Kanha is the most sought after and premium safari zone where ticket price is more than other zones.  Later on, Kisli safari zone was also introduced derived from Kanha safari zone. One can easily book entrance tickets in advance. You can book guide and safari vehicle on arrival. You have to pay a certain fee to hire a guide from entrance gate. 

Kanha National Park – Serene Landscapes Having Great Wilderness

Spread over the Mandla District of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park and Kanha Tiger Reserve India extends over the serene greens of around 1940 sq. km. The important part of the interesting topography is that the whole area of the park is fully covered by the spurs of Mekal and the horseshoe shaped valley. The serene Surpan River wanders well through the central plains of Kanha and grasslands covering the extensive greens. It features the sharp Rocky Mountains to provide the serene vistas of the valley. The lush bamboo and Sal forests, ravines and grassy meadows of the national park are supposed to be the inspiration to Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”.

The national park came into existence in the year 1955 and it forms the very core of tiger reserve in 1974 as part of Project Tiger. The landmark achievement of the park is preserving the rare Swamp Deer known as Barasingha and rescuing it from extinction. The park authorities have conducted strict conservation programs for the protection of flora and fauna of the park. Hence, Kanha is one of the Asia’s most well maintained national parks. Also known as Sunset Point, Bamni Dadar is the most sought after tourist attraction here which is offering the awe-inspiring vistas of sunset off the grazing Gaurs and Sambars.

Along with its diverse bird and wildlife population, Kanha is also known for frequent sights of Tigers roaming across the wilderness of Kanha Wildlife sanctuary and it is one of the most popular attractions here. There are several national parks in the country but there is nothing like Kanha National Park. You can easily spot the mighty Royal Bengal tigers. Even if there are zoos and circuses in India, you won’t get the thrill and experience over there that one can get all of a sudden in national parks where tigers roam freely in their natural habitat. 

Kanha National Park – Two Most Important Yet Unheard Attractions

Spread over the landscapes of 940 sq. km in Mandla District of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is the land of the mighty Royal Bengal Tigers which are found in large numbers here. It is one of the largest national parks in India and is respected widely for rescuing Barasingha from extinction. It is surely one of the most managed parks in Asia as Project Tiger reserve. Tiger safari in Kanha National Park Madhya Pradesh is truly a very exciting experience. But it is known also for other important reasons.

Lapsi Kabar – Devoted to a Lion-Hearted Guide who lost His Life to a Tiger

Lapsi was an expert, brave hearted guide and hunter who lost his life while saving his sportsmen colleagues and fighting against an unruly tiger. In 1930, he was a well known hunter-guide assisting his sportsmen fellows in hunting expedition. He was aware of every corner of the forest and had knowledge about animal nature. They faced a tiger in their expedition that attacked them. Lapsi showed his bravery to fight against the beast to rescue his colleagues. Sadly, he lost the battle. A gravestone was erected in his memory where he fought the animal. Tourists also visit Lapsi Kabar today to pay tribute to the brave guide.

The Untold Story behind Shravan Tal

One of the most ideal sons in epic tale Ramayana, Shravana was killed by King Dashratha as he was mistaken for an antelope. He was the only son to his blind parents. He was taking his parents to a pilgrimage destination. His parents asked him to bring some water from the lake on the route. He carried the pitcher to collect some water. He dipped the pitcher on the water as he didn’t know that someone is hunting for an animal. The sound alarmed the king and he shot the arrow towards Shravan. Later on, he regretted his mistake for killing the guy for a deer.

Kanha Tiger Safari – Explore the Unseen in Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is definitely a paradise to explore the wildlife species which brings natural habitat. It is the national park which is full of large varieties of fauna species and it is well known for Barasingha or swamp deer and it is well known as the “Jewel of Kanha’. Kanha tiger safari is truly a great choice for nature lovers. When you get to the trip to Kanha Tiger reserve, you will explore the widespread arena of lush green habitat of wildlife creatures. You can enjoy the wonderful encounter with jeep and elephant safari to all such species. You can take a glimpse to the wilderness and wild animals with jungle safari and capture the magnificent images in the cameras.

The jeep need to follow fixed route and leave park by the end of time given. A lot of popular wildlife experts and photographers have photographed and observed the tigers in Kanha National Park during jeep safaris. Jeeps follow their predefined routes without disturbing the animals. You can stay amazed in jeep safaris for the adventure and enjoy the flexibility to explore such places that are hard to reach through other transport modes.

You can enjoy jeep safari two times – one in early morning and other in late afternoon in 6-seater open jeep. Maximum 6 passengers are allowed in each vehicle to travel along with a driver and naturalist. Before you enter into the park, you need to complete some of the important paperwork at entrance about naturalist details, visitor’s details and vehicle details. It takes usually 15 to 20 minutes to complete the formalities. Visitors must drive with care and slowly. At national park, driving is different from highway or city roads. A tiger along the road or deer on the road give more amazing view without interruption than the one which runs away.