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.