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. 

Kanha National Park – The Paradise of Tigers

Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the picture-perfect Kanha Tiger Reserve India was once the inspiration behind unforgettable classic by Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book. The charm of Kanha will always remain the same over time. If you are on the point to the heart of India, there are chances that you will get the glimpse to the forests of Halon and Banjar valleys, forming the eastern and western parts of Kanha Tiger Reserve which have been popular for diversity of wilderness. The park was built in the year 1955 with a special law.  Since then, it has been dedicated to preserve different animal species.

There are several endangered species which have been saved in this national park. Currently Kanha is one of the most beautiful and scenic wildlife reserves in Asia. It is the home to both prey and predators. The best part of this reason by far is the most exciting features are the lush green meadows where swamp deer, sighting blackbuck, chital and sambar is common. If you can travel back in time, you would see the places where barefooted Mowgli once came and paddled along the dusty trails. It is truly the land of Jungle Book.

If you haven’t seen the tiger before, it’s time to witness this mighty creature in its natural habitat. Here, there are many chances that you can spot tiger. You can feel the thrill that you cannot get in zoo and circuses. You may see the tiger roaming in the wilderness of the forests and fields. There is no lack of tiger reserves in the country which are preserving this furious beast. But you cannot see them more often until you are in Kanha National Park.  The park is positioned in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh and extends over 1940 sq. km.

Kanha National Park – Major Wildlife Attractions

Some of the major wildlife attractions in Kanha National Park Madhya Pradesh are tiger, gaur, sambar, bison, chital, barking deer, bara-singha, black buck, nilgai, chousingha, sloth bear, mouse deer, porcupine, jackal fox, jungle cat, hyena, pea fowl, python, monkey, hare, mongoose, leopard and tiger.  The park also has bird species like teals, storks, pond herons, pintails, peacock, egrets, jungle fowl, pea fowl, spur fowl, quails, partridges, spotted parakeets, ring doves, rock pigeons, green pigeons, papihas, cuckoos, bee-eater, rollers, drongos, hoopoes, warblers, woodpeckers, kingfishers, orioles, finches, owls and fly-catchers. Barasingha is definitely one of those animal species which represents Kanha. 

The swamp deer are very unique in the jungles of Kanha. They are known to be the hard ground variety which is known to populate large open tracts amidst the forests of bamboo and teak. Around 20 years back, Barasingha was facing extinction. There are some of the desperate measures, such as fencing off some of the animals which helped saves over and over again. There are open meadows teeming with swamp deer in the cold winter and there are lots of tigers roaming around the fringes. A tigress with two little cubs might be roaming for 2 to 3 times throughout the day as well as the swamp deer that would go berserk.

The Sher Khan is actually a blue-blooded royalty which is far from being the smart, cunning aleck, as seen in Disney’s Jungle Book. Kanha also has museum which depicts the activities and attributes of the park as well as tribal culture. The park remains closed every Wednesday. This area receives tropical climate. Summers are usually humid and hot with temperature ranging from 40.6 °C max to 23.9 °C min. In this national park, winters are known to be pleasant with temperature ranging from 23.9 °C max to 11.1°C minimum.

Gone with the Wild

Five in the morning and I was getting ready for Safari in Kanha. It was my seventh safari in various National parks of India and not spotted the tiger. I met Sharad in one of the journeys and heard his jungle stories. So I decided to give Kanha a chance. This morning time always reminds me of stock exchange early in my trading career. I used to get ready to reach my office by 8 am. I came to the meeting point which was under a majestic Saja tree. Saja Tree is sacred to the Gonds tribe of Central India.

We were getting ready for the briefing by Ashwini Ji – General manager of Chitvan Jungle Lodge. He is 55 years and active like a 25 years old. Ask him and he tells you its proximity with nature which keeps him energized throughout the day to run his 14 acre property. He told us few do’s and don’t’s about jungle safari. He also told us that Tigress yesterday was spotted in Kanha zone. He also informed caringly that breakfast is freshly prepared and kept in the safari jeep

It took me back to my manager’s briefing. “Yesterday Market had closed on all time high and today we watch the first hour. If it does not breach yesterday closing then day traders will kick their buys and market will take new highs.” Ashwini ji said, “The tigress was spotted in Kanha with her young ones yesterday and if you see fresh pug marks then chances are that we will spot the tiger.”

Mornings are famous for two things in Kanha – Its sunrise and smiling faces of the hotel staff. We crossed the hotel’s gate and saw the playful herds of leaf monkeys. Sighted couple of Drongos and Crested serpant eagle hovering near the artificial water body created by the villagers in the midway. With in no time we were at the Mukki gate. The freshness of Kanha – I can’t describe to myself so only thing I did was to take a deep breath of jungle air. Fresh Air – which is pervasive but scarce at the same time in our big cities.

Big Sal, Saja and Banyan trees in the surroundings just relaxes you and refreshes your soul. The view of old fallen leaves on damp ground just leave you in trance. My small rendezvous with nature got disturbed when my guide said we are entering the national park. I was calculating in mind that Forest office on our left would be last building to be seen for few hours. And yes …. I was thankful for that.

I was quietly watching the games of the game in Kanha. Some playing near water bodies, some under the trees, some playing hide and seek near the shrubs and bushes. Saw the Hard Ground Bara Singa and my naturalist Sanjay proudly told me the resurgence story of this species in Kanha.

It was more than two hours I was in the jungle and did not realize that time had flown so fast. It was like time I used to spend in front of my trading terminals watching stocks going up and down so fast that value of time gets dissolved without knowing. I used to start at 9 am and before I realized it was closing time 3:30 in the afternoon. I never used to remember if I blinked an eye or not. The exhilaration was when movement of stocks was in your favor and you see your balance clocking few thousand rupees or so.

Now the same time was about to come in the safari and I was about to experience the same exhilaration. It was Deer giving the alarm call and whole forest became alive with it. Sanjay got up and Driver raced towards the spot. It was like unsaid conversation between driver and my naturalist and both understood what was about to happen. I saw changed expression and subdued joy on both their faces – when leaf monkeys (langoors) joined the call. In hushed words he said “Tiger”.

We were next to the firing line in the forest. Tigress looked at us and looked behind. Three cubs came out like decent kids all dressed for a party. That was exhilarating, ecstatic, electrifying, exciting and enticing for me to see mother tigress and her cubs in the wild.

She lied down in the grass, half in shade and half in sun. Cubs beautifully started playing with her paws, face, and neck. She just laid silently and yet responded completely to her motherhood. But mother instinct completely overtook her in between at times she used to put her paw around her young ones and roar a little to tell them don’t go too far. Cubs were playing hide and seek with the sunlight and were very mindful of mother’s presence.

For fifteen minutes my camera responded and I went clicking my heroine of the jungle safari. We were joined by couple of jeeps and only thing I heard was clicks of the camera. Finally, she knew that she has given enough shots and was happy to show her celebrity cubs to the world. It was time for her to vanish back to where she belonged. But before disappearing she gave a last look back to make sure all her cubs are with her and no threat is following them.

Still can’t get enough of her and I promised to come back soon to see her kids claiming their own kingdom

Tigers in Mukki zone, Kanha National Park,

TIGERS IN MUKKI ZONE, KANHA TIGER RESERVE as on 29th Feb 2012

1.NAVPATHARA Tigress - Tigress of 07 years moving with 03 cubs of 02 yrs out of which 2 are female and 1 is male. This female covers an area of approx 25sq km and seems to be of very shy nature. Mostly sighted around Nawpathra road and Aurai meadow.

2.Harradadar Tigress - This 5 yrs old tigress covers the territory around Algidadar and Bamnidadar, and sometimes sightted in the non tourism area around Bhesanghat,covers an area of about 20 sq km. Though shy in nature but sighted quite regularly. No litter reported so far.

3.Mahaveer Tigress – This beautiful Tigress is like a queen. Very popular in the area and carrying a litter of 3 cubs of 4 to 5 months and sighted off and own with the cubs. If she is alone then gives a good sighting. Covers Andhkuan, Mowala ,Kiwardabra and Jamjhola region, territory of 35 sq kms. The 02 cubs of its last litter a male and a female are successfully separated from her and for the time being sharing their mothers territory .

4.Queen Minkur Tigress – One of the very successful tigress have seen the sal forest shedding its leaves for the 12 th time this year, looks still pretty healthy even after loosing the upper left canine. The 03 cubs of its last litter one male & two females are separated from her and still found sharing their mother’s territory . Minkur is very shy to face the safari jeeps but it is been noticed that she loves to be seen from the elephants back and stays around for longer during the Tiger show. Hence called the “Tokan wali Mada” also. Minkur coveres area of about 40sq kms.

5.Minkur’s badi beti- This young tigress of 04 years is sighted during the jeep safaris and also very often during the Tiger show also. She is a very successful predator in the Mukki zone and mostly sighted with her kill. Stiil sharing Mother’s territory as mentioned above.

6.Minkur”s choti beti- This 4 years old tigress from Minkur’s same litter is comparatively shy and generally sighted around Bisanpura meadows that lies under her mother’s territory.

7.Minkur’s Beta – This 4 years old sub adult still hesitates to face the tourists, sighted occasionally and has not yet established his own territory, still sharing his mother’s territory.

8.Minkur’s elder Beta – This 5.5 years male from queen’s previous litter seems to be very shy and still keeps hiding in mother’s territory. Rarely sighted. and the reason could be a big fear, since his two sisters were killed by the other transient male in front of him.

9.Chimta Camp Male – This handsome, a bold male of 09 years covers the area of Baba Thenga and Jila line in Mukki Zonne and also covers Nakti Ghati, Raja Kachar and Chimta camp are in Kisli Zone too. All together covers about 45 sq kms. This daring male has also been found hunting on the largest Indian Bovine the Indian Gaur(Bos gaurus).

10. Mahaveer’s Beta – This 3 year old male has just established his own territory of about 30 sq km in mothers territory only. Generally sighted by the Jeeps. Sharing territory with his own sister from the same litter.

11. Mahaveer’s Beti- This three years old female also seen sharing mother’s territory with his brother even after getting separated from the mother. Comparatively less sighted after the separation.
Vijay Joshi / Sanjay (Naturalists at Chitvan)

A very common problem encountered by the tourists during safari was that the Kanha National Park has no toilets. In a 4-5 hour safari it is something that was of a concern to everyone. Our General manager Mr Ashwani Agarwal designed this convenience for the tourists. Currently this is kept at the Soundhar Camp in Mukki range. Just installing was not enough, one person has been deputed to maintain the same after due permissions from the Forest department. Now you may enjoy the Safaris in a more relaxed manner.

Tiger census in Kanha National Park

This was one of the methods to do census of Tigers and other wildlife in the Wild in our National Parks in India. This video has been taken by our guest Mr John Uscian in Kanha National Park, India. Now, this method is being replaced by camera traps considered more accurate as they get the stripes of the Tigers in the photo. And just as no two humans have same fingerprints, no two Tigers have the same stripes. Interesting, isn't it?

Feedback from our guest Ms Shilpa Seth

From: Shilpa Seth
To: 'Chitvan'
Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 9:24 AM
Subject: RE: Chitvan Jungle Lodge, Kanha National Park

Dear Sharad

just back from a very rejuvenating break @ chitvan…the property is beautiful & kids friendly –they had a gr8 time @ organic farm & village fields….we loved the fresh, delicious and homely food ….

hospitality @ chitvan is truly commendable - better than the tajs or the oberois!

special thanks to ishaan, ajay and sanjay for making our stay so special… and we were lucky to get the tiger show on our first safari!

planning to gift my parents and in-laws a holiday @chitvan…. and looking forward to come back next year

thank you once again….

Best Regards
Shilpa Sheth
Private Wealth Management

A dawn in Kanha:

No matter how dark the night, somehow the sun rises once again, and shadows are chased away.

Today was an unusual morning. It was 1st January 2012. I entered the Mukki gate. Few moments inside the park, and my mind had a bizarre reflection. We celebrate New Year, make new resolutions to improve ourselves, I wondered, don’t these inhabitants of the forest do the same, that too, daily?

Every sunup in Kanha, a deer awakens knowing it has to outrun the fastest predator, or be hunted to death. Also, at every crack of dawn in Kanha, when the sun rises, a predator awakens knowing it has to outrun the slowest prey, or be starved to death. Daily goals, daily performance, leading to perfection. Aren’t these 4 legged souls more disciplined and superior than Humans? Isn’t every morning a New Year morning for these denizens (as I dislike to dub them as animals) of the jungle. This contemplation made me believe more in my work of being a wonderer in these forests.

Few dozen tourists had entered the park, some enduring the chilly weather, some thinking if they were possibly better in their beds, some craving for a hot cuppa, but none of them devoid of enthusiasm to a degree that almost 80% of them hoped to be the first tourist to see the Tiger in first 100 metres of the drive, and another 10% in 200metres. I guess only 10% would have the patience and enthusiasm to last the whole safari, and only 5% perhaps who would come out of the park not being disappointed if they did not sight one.

Some 4 kms of a lovely wooded drive, we arrived at a Suar-kachhar lake, a herd of hard ground Barasinghas were on breakfast. We stopped; I let the whole lot of Jeeps pass. Some asked if we were seeing the Tiger, on hearing a denial, they just could not fathom that we can halt for anything else as well. I wondered when we will embark on discovering splendor in every speck and atom in nature, which is scattered all around us.

My mind, my lens, my attention, turned back to the grazing Barasinghas. I knew that the show was about to begin any moment. And, then commenced, what I had come today in the park for, a mesmerizing sun rise. The thrill of being in the Jungle at sunrise cannot be expressed in words. The tall grass (sacrum spontaneum, also known as wild sugarcane), was rising from the earth, as if to offer the few dew drops, atop it, to the Sun. And then the color of the dew drops changed to light orange, and it seemed they were also smiling and welcoming the Sun.

I dropped my camera in the Jeep, and wanted to capture the whole frame for eternity in my mind. After all, few things cannot be captured by a camera. The camera has only one sense of sight, while we have 5 to experience. A beautiful sequence followed, two male stags of Bara singhas locked horns to appease a female. The lesser one had to go, and then the dominating male, walked towards the female, and both of them went into the sunrise, as if two lovers walking arm in arm, they disappeared in the tall grass.

Sharad Vats

Tiger Safari in Kanha, India

Just like 2 humans do not have same fingerprints, no 2 Tigers have similar stripes.

We at Chitvan Jungle Lodge, Kanha National Park, M.P. are delighted to announce that the PUG Audit team, on behalf of TOFT had audited our footprints, and has subsequently awarded Chitvan operations with a PUG rating of "Outstanding Practice", in accommodation provider section.

This accreditation makes us even more vigilant to further graph, and enhance every process, leading towards improving the well-being of local community, environment, and guest delight. We take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your support and confidence in Chitvan.

Hope this New Year brings more triumphs and tranquility to everyone.

With Warm Regards

Sharad Vats

Drive through Kanha to Chitvan

It was that time of the year when my soul desired for some peace, some solitude. I packed my camera equipment and set out to Kanha National Park. My overnight train reached Jabalpur in the morning, I couldn’t wait to get off the train and set out on road to Kanha. Had breakfast en route, about 50kms short of Kanha and entered the Jungles which Kipling immortalized.
The tall Sal trees on both sides of the meandering road, every bend of the road saying slow down, do not be in a hurry to reach the destination, enjoy the journey. I listened, and asked the driver to change gears. Stopped the a/c of the car, rolled down the window panes, and I was hit on my face by this intoxicating daft of fresh air. I felt I was breathing, as if my lungs had come alive, my heart was rejoicing, my mind focused only on the present, past did not exist, future did not matter. This moment had to be lived to eternity. The ground was full of leaves shed recently by the Saja trees. Sal stood tall and green, Teak completely barren, and Gulmohur interspersed occasionally and adding soothing red somehow completed the painting. Looked up to the smiling clear blue sky, which was welcoming me, just like an aging father welcoming his son back home. Some rays of sun piercing through the trees, falling on some leaves, making its presence felt, and telling the denizens of the forest you are blessed to be living this day.
Some old Bollywood songs came to mind, began humming, but was cut short by the wonderful sound of Indian Koel, moved on, and the Indian Cuckoo was on song, Coppersmith Barbet did not want to be left behind, and behold the orchestra of Kanha had come alive. My Bollywood tunes took a back seat, and I merged in this evergreen melody of nature.
Einstein’s relativity came to fore. How and when did that hour pass, did the time fly? Did it freeze, as I do not recall when my driver said, Sir, we have reached Chitvan.
A spellbinding drive through the forest came to an end, but I knew this was not the end, but the end of a beginning…

Sharad Vats

Tiger tourism

A huge relief for the Tiger fans, and the biggest relief to the Tiger itself, the proposed ban on Tiger tourism by some conservationists is not being implemented. Only some more regulations and some more restrictions will come into effect, which in a way is much desired. The current scenario in few national parks is a bit disappointing with loads of Jeeps waiting to get into the park, and few times competing with each other to get a closer and a better look of the Tiger.

Some quarters felt this disturbed the Tiger and its habitat, to some extent the same is true but if one views the impact of tourism on the habitat, which is negligible and to the community which is priceless. The surrounding villages are mostly dependent on the tourism coming into the area. With lot of staff getting employed in the lodges, as drivers and as guides, the economy of the area has changed. Imagine if there was no tourism tomorrow in the area, what wuold the locals do in such remote area. MOre dependence on the forest for daily livlihood, would mean more depletion of the forest, it would also mean more man-animal conflict.

Today a Tiger is used to tourists, tomorrow with no humans going in, once the Tiger sees humans chances of such conflicts will be very high. Today for about 8-9 hours tourists are inside the core area, which means there is unofficial patrolling happenning of the area. This implies that poachers do not get inside the parks when the tourists are there. Poaching mistly happens during the monsoon times and also after sunset or before sunrise when the tourists are not present in the parks. Imagine a situation if the parks are opened 24X7, would poachers have easy access, i doubt very much.

But a humble request to all tourists to conduct themsselves better inside the park. Tiger is such a joy to watch, let us do it silently, patiently, and besides Tiger the forest is full of such wonderful moments watch them as well simultaneously.

Hope to see you soon sometime.

Sharad

Chopper landing in Chitvan, Kanha

With great delight we announce that Chitvan became the first Lodge in Kanha to have its own helipad within the Lodge, and the first landing of a chopper took place on 29th Jan 2010. The Captain of the chopper rated our helipad to be one of the best he has landed on. Please see some attached shots