Photographs of Kanha Village Eco Resort

Some photographs of Kanha Village Eco Resort, Kanha National Park. A award winning resort all made of mud, clay and other biodegradable material. Recently it got Best Eco Tourism Initiative Award 2010 at TTF Ahmedabad.

For further details see http://www.kanha.in/ and link below.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=54455&id=1061957587&l=0e89b0c7b6 


Navneet Maheshwari
09977853263, 09425153263
nature.luv@gmail.com
kanhavillage@gmail.com

8 new Tiger reserves

WWF-India Selects Youth Tiger Ambassadors Ahead of International Tiger forum Addition of 8 New Tiger Reserves- Jairam Ramesh



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19:56 IST

There will be an addition of new eight Tiger Reserves to existing 39 Tiger Reserves in the country within next 6 to 8 months. They will be one each at Satyamangala in Tamilnadu , Ratapani in Madhya Pradesh, Sonapeda in Orissa, the Biliriranga Hills near Mysore in Karnataka and two new Tiger Reserves each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. They will be Nave Goan Nagzira and Bor and Pilibhit and Suhelwa respectively. Introducing Two Young Tiger Ambassadors of India here today, Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Environment and Forests (I/C) said others talk of saving tigers, we actually save the tigers. “WWF is taking thise youngsters to Tiger Summit and I hope that many will join in their efforts to save tigers when they come back. The Ministry will mobilize help for their gigantic effort to save 1400 tigers that remain wild in India,” he added.



The Minister stressed India’s commitment towards conserving the big cats. He said, “ India harbors a large proportion of the world’s tiger population, we are committed to make all efforts to conserve wild tigers and their habitats.’’ He further added that’’ Our commitment to put the tiger on an assured course of recovery goes back 37 years when India launched the worlds most extensive and intensive tiger conservation programme since 1973-Project Tiger. We hope that this Tiger Summit will foster the political will and commitment at all levels, for tiger conservation efforts in all range states. Involving the youth will send the message that by saving tigers, we indeed save much more.



Giving details about recent loss of 3 tigers, 2 in Kaziranga where one tiger lost in a fight with buffalo and the third tiger died in Pilibhit in-fighting.At the same time he gave good news of 5 tigers cubs born in Pench. The tiger census will be released in about two week’s time, he added.Talking about very promising areas for tigers he said Kaziranga is one of them. It is known as a Rhinoceros habitat, but today it has highest tiger density in India. Kaziranga has 35 tigers per 100 sq. km. Some tigers in south also show good tiger density.



Disclosing Ministry ‘s efforts to improve tiger’s situation, Shri Ramesh said few important steps have been taken which include increase in allowance of ground staff in Tiger Reserves, more funds from Finance Ministry for voluntary relocation of families from core area of Tiger Reserves, decentralization of National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA) and partnership of local tribal’s and non-tribal people in tiger conservation.



The incentive of increased project allowance to 10,000 people at ground level staff will include forest guards, forest rangers, forest officers. It will be doubled.



The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) will be decentralized. There will be 3 new offices, each one in Nagpur, to cover central Tiger habitats, Bangalore to cover South Indian Tiger habitat and one in Guwahati which will cover eastern and north eastern tiger habitat. The NTCA at Delhi will look after northen habitat and coordination work.



Additional allocation of Rs 800 Crore in 2010-11 and Rs 1000 Crore during 2011-12 has been requested to Finance Ministry for relocation of families from the Core areas of Tiger Reserves.The Minister told, “50,000 families have to be relocated, out of which 3000 families have been relocated so far . This process will go on for next five years. Per family Rs. 10 lakh is given and it is done in a very democratic manner.”



As part of ‘Partners in Tiger conservation’, initiative giving recruitment as tiger guards and tiger watchers started in Corbett Park where local van-gujjars. In Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, of Andhra Pradesh, over 400 local tribal youth from the Chenchus have been recruited. This model is being followed in many tiger reserves. The local community must develop a stake in the conservation effort the Minister said.



Referring to tourism, the Minister appealed for sustainable tourism.He said, “ The Money earned by tourism is be used for local communities.” Giving example of Corbett Park he informed the earnings of Corbett park is about Rs 2 crore and Kanha national park earns about Rs. 3Crore a year. This amount will be retained by Tiger Reserve for eco-development, restoration and participatory activities. This will make a very substantial difference between relationship of man and tiger. Shri Ramesh said this transformation is visible in Sunderbans today.



Tiger Ambassador Anusha Shankar, a student of M.Sc Ecology and Environmental Science at Pondicherry University, said, “The natural world has always fascinated me. I decided, long ago, to pursue this passion professionally. The Youth Tiger Summit is a great opportunity for me to contribute to tiger conservation initiatives; I believe that the onus is on the youth to build a better tomorrow. It is our responsibility to develop a future that is better than the past, and I intend to use innovative and creative ways to spread awareness about this.”



Tiger Ambassador Devanshu Sood, who has been a core member of his schools’ Junior Tiger Task Force since the last 8 years feels that being a part of the tiger conservation programme has been a life-changing experience for him. He said “I feel that the youth are the future of the tiger, and I will continue to spread awareness about tiger conservation to the best of my capacity.”



Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr Ravi Singh, CEO, WWF-India said, “Holding a youth summit alongside the High level summit will be critical in conveying the voice of the youth at the International Tiger Forum thereby drawing the worlds’ attention to the fate of these big cats .The Youth Tiger Summit presents a wonderful opportunity to the young generation to learn from others, share experiences and contribute towards tiger conservation efforts in their countries. We hope that the interaction with other youth delegates from different tiger range countries at the Summit will enable our Tiger Ambassadors to develop a vision for the youth movement in India.”



Before the WWF Youth Ambassadors embark on their journey to Russia, both the delegates today signed a pledge of support to the cause of tiger conservation in the presence of ­Hon’ble Minister for Environment and Forests, Shri Jairam Ramesh.



World Wildlife Fund (WWF) selected these two Youth Tiger Ambassadors from in the age group of 18-22 years after a three step process of scanning application. Over 150 applications were received. 5 individuals were short listed on criteria’s of passion for wildlife, educational background, ability to learn about conservation, and the age limit. In final selection, two were selected. They will be a part of the delegation comprising representatives from all tiger range countries. They will visit Siberian tiger trails and get a first hand account of the state of wild tiger populations in Russia and measures being taken for their conservation.



They will represent India at the Youth Summit from 19-24 November 2010 in Vladivostok, home to the Amur tiger, at the same time as the high level International Youth Summit will take place.


Navneet Maheshwari
http://www.kanha.in/

Snake with legs?

Snake with frog catch at Kanha National Park

Rehabilitation of Gaur (Baysen) in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve sanctioned

Bhopal Posted On Friday, October 08, 2010


By Our Staff Reporter

Bhopal, Oct 8:

The Union Environment and Forest Ministry has sanctioned the project of rehabilitation of Gaur (Baysen) from Kanha Tiger Reserve to Bandhavgarh.

The Gaur species were extinct from Bandhavgarh National Park in the 1990s. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, in coordination with the Indian Wildlife Institute and Conservation Corporation of Africa (CC of Africa) had prepared a project in the year 2007 to rehabilitate this species at Bandhavgarh National Park. Under this project in the primary stage, 20 Gaurs are to be brought from Kanha National Park and leave them at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The Union Environment and Forest Ministry supported this project in September 2007.

Three officers of Indian Forest Service of Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, a veterinary doctor, and a veterinary doctor of Indian Wildlife Institute were given training in South Africa to catch these animals and transport them at the expenses of CC of Africa. At the same time special area were developed in Bandhavgarh National Park for their rehabilitation. The CC of Africa got two vehicles prepared especially as per the technique popular in South Africa to transport these animals and donated them to the forest department free of cost. The forest department has already imported necessary equipments and medicines needed while implementing this project.

Taking all these preparations into consideration the Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan had discussed the matter with the Union Environment and Forest Minister when the latter had visited Bhopal recently. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has informed in detail about all above preparations and again appealed the Union Ministry to permit to transfer 20 Gaurs from Kanha to Bandhavgarh. Now all arrangements will be made to bring Gaurs from Kanha and rehabilitate them at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

Navneet Maheshwari
http://www.kanha.in/

Tiger found dead at Kanha National Park

One male tiger of around 10 - 12 years was found dead near Khapa gate of Kanha Tiger Reserve. The forest department has atributed the tiger death to territorial fight as usual. As per information villager saw this tiger lying and informed the forest dpartment of same. On reaching the site the officials found that the tiger had died a couple of days back. Initial reports suggest that the death may be due to infighting as the tiger has been found dead with a deep wound around the neck said the forest officials.

But as per the rumours floating within the villagers this tiger had killed a local villagers cow and in retalliation this tiger was poisoned but it could not be skinned as the forest department got information of dead tiger and patrolling party reached the spot.

We will come to know of exact reasoning for tiger death only after PM report is published. As on now the tiger has been burnt as per tradition of the department.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Tiger-found-dead-in-MPs-Kanha-reserve/articleshow/6705390.cms

Navneet Maheshwari, http://www.kanha.in/

Barasingha - The twelve tined deer

The Barasingha or Swamp Deer (cervus duvaucelii) is one of the most vulnerable species of deer, native to India and Nepal. The name is derived from its antlers and means 12 tined or horned deer in Hindi which is its most striking feature although mature stag has anywhere between 10-14 tines, though some have been known to have up to 20. Barasingha are also known as swamp deer, they love to live in dry grasslands, wet swampy grasslands and reed beds bordering the major rivers. Their main diet is grass which is available from vast grassland of central and northern India and they also feed from the bed of wet swamps.

 

Barasingha has been divided into three races namely duvauceli (swamp-dwelling and found in the Terai of Uttar Pradesh and Assam), branderi (is found in Central India) and ranjitsinhi which is seen at Assam. The central Indian race is known as Hard ground Barasingha as they have adapted to central Indian plains and live in the vicinity of forests. Today it is found only within the limits of Kanha National Park and is rightly called as 'The Jewel Of Kanha'.

Swamp deer is a medium sized deer, which grows to a height of 130 cm and weighs around 170 – 180 kg. It has thick brown coat, which becomes darker in color as the mating season approaches. In monsoon season the females start showing white spots as in Spotted deer but they are not very prominent. Male deer has antlers, which can grow to length of 75 cm with girth of 13cm at mid beam. Barasingha can be seen grazing both in the daytime as well as at night. Female Barasingha mature at an age of 2 years or more.

 

They usually move around in herds, consisting of ten to twenty members. However, the size of a herd keeps on changing, as the breeding or mating season comes, the number of members in a herd goes as high as sixty. The dominance over a herd of female deer is established by a fight amongst the male Barasingha. The breeding season of the swamp deer is during the winter months of November and December when males long rutting calls can be heard. They have a long gestation period of 6 months. Mother Barasingha gives birth to single young one and for protection from predators they conceal them in tall grass. It has an acute sense of smell and depends on this capacity to sense any danger.

At one point of time, Barasingha used to inhabit most of the areas of northern as well as central India. However, habitat destruction and poaching has restricted them to the protected forests of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Madhya Pradesh. At a time the central Indian population (Hard ground Barasingha) had decreased to less than 70 and were on the brink of extinction when the forest department took in hand the precarious task of their conservation and due to hard work and dedication it has risen to a level of around 450. Their population worldwide is estimated at around 5000. The drastic decline of the Barasingha population is due to distruction or modification of its habitat, Poaching and shooting and Diseases introduced by cattle.

One can find the Barasingha (Swamp deer) in the following national parks of India:

• Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)

• Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

• Kaziranga National Park (Assam)

• Manas National Park (Assam)

To see Barasingha the best place to visit will be Kanha National Park and Tiger reserve since it has a well developed tourism infrastructure and also easy to reach. Meeting Dr. Shukla, research officer and an integral part of Barasingha conservation here can also make it a very motivating and educational tour.

Barasingha durin rutting  season (Kanha National park)

Barasingha at Kanha National Park

Hard ground Barasingha at Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park

Tiger at Kanha National Park

Planning a Tiger safari is not an easy task with places like Siberia to Indonesia, China and India on the list. Each of these tiger countries is different culturally and geographically so give an altogether different experience. With snow and icy cold winds of Siberia to tropical climate in India you can experience the diverse habitat where Tigers live.

I haven’t been to other countries for tiger safari but with what I have learnt and heard from other travelers India seems to be the best place for tiger safari. It is good not only for watching wildlife and tiger but also enjoying the diverse culture and especially tribal culture. The most famous national parks in central India are in state of Madhya Pradesh which also has large number of tribal population and they are around these NP areas only.

Kanha National Park and Tiger reserve is one of the most famous of the lot along with Bandhavgarh and Ranthambhore NP’s. Thousands of Tourists and wildlife enthusiasts come here to see wildlife and enjoy nature at its best. Sal and Bamboo forests and grasslands known as Maidans locally are excellent habitat for Tiger and other wildlife. It is here that Mogli, Sher Khan and other characters of famous Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling got shape. This famous forest tract also known as Kanha Landscape was the inspiration behind The Jungle Book and has helped understand Indian wildlife in many scientific studies including George Schaller’s.

For tourists this park is open from 16th October till 30th June every year. You can see the wildlife on Gypsy safari’s and on elephant back if tiger show is announced. Now the forest department has come up with a new scheme known as ‘Patrolling the Tiger land’ wherein you can get a chance to stay inside the park in huts made for the guards and see the forest and its inhabitants on foot. This is allowed in few areas and designated tracks open for tourists. This is not only pollution free way of enjoying trip to forest but also an experience in itself but surely this is not for week hearted once as chances of face to face encounter with wild animals although exciting is also dangerous. Only the very well trained and accustomed people should try to take this way of wildlife viewing on foot.

When on trip to Kanha national park you can stay at the forest rest house or MP tourism hotels which are in the core area or many privately owned once which are scattered in the Buffer region. Here you can get accommodation available for as low as 500/= INR to 60,000/= INR. Some good places to stay here are Kanha Village Eco Resort, Kipling Camp, Banjar Tola and Singinawa resort at the higher end and for low and medium end Chandan Motel, Panther resort, Mridu Kishore resort and Krishna jungle resort are good choices. Most of these hotels and resorts will also help to arrange for safaris on Gypsy.

It is advisable to reach here with advance booking in main holiday seasons of Dushraa and Dipawali (October / November), New Year (20th December to 7th January) and Holi (March). If you are a photography enthusiast try to plan somewhere in April when the hot day time increases the chances of wildlife viewing and photography. For further details on Kanha NP you can check http://kanhavillage.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html

Spotted Deer herd at Kanha National Park

Gaur (Indian Bison) at Kanha National Park

Dance for Goddess

Dance for Goddess

People in villages celebrate few days in reverence to Goddess Durga, here one such person is dancing to please her. If you visit Kanha Village Eco Resort you can also get a chance to see these cultural activities.

Rahul Gandhi - Tribal and farmers issues

Rahul Gandhi

Mr. Rahul Gandhi one of the most eligible bachelors in India, the most liked candidate for Prime minister visited Niyamgiri, Orissa and announced that mining will not be allowed in Niyamgiri hills and that he is with the locals and tribal community. He said that people of Niyamgiri should take him as their own voice in Delhi and that he will try his best to do everything to for the tribal and other local communities.

Rahul Gandhi met the Prime Minister in Delhi and asked to expedite the new land acquisition act which is believed to be much better and beneficial for the farmers. This was done just ahead of farmer rally at Delhi which was to be attended by small and petty farmers from all over the country. He told farmers and farm workers that he is with them and will see to it that new land acquisition act is tabled in parliament in next session.

These announcements will have a very long term implication politically and environmentally. I believe these are more of political announcements but when we look at the advantage and benefit the local people, tribal and farming communities will get and its direct or indirect implication on environment I believe it will be positive for all.

Both the announcements show that Mr. Gandhi has come long way and has become a much matured politician as well. We have seen him living at poor people houses, visiting tribal areas, trying to understand their problems and also opposition and many others criticizing all this as political stunts. But with these announcements I believe he has started understanding the real problems our people are facing and all his visits and eating with poor and under privileged class has actually helped him a lot.

But, what are the advantages here, if we look deep into both the announcements it comes out that these are the demands of people who were being effected by new mega projects. Be it forest land or private land in most of the acquisitions displacement of local people and petite compensation had always been criticized by all effected. Better compensation and say of local people in any project has always been heard and demanded but till now no step was taken and now it is being done. At places like Niyamgiri where mining is being proposed environmental implication has always been raised by concerned NGO’s and displacement and health problems by local people and now they will be happy that environmental degradation will not happen. At places where land is being acquired for new multi million projects or roads, farmers and local communities has opposed it by asking for better compensation and now they will get it.

Rahul Gandhi's announcement also shows that we have started looking into those issues which have always been raised but went to deaf ears. Be it change in age old laws, right of local people, rights of tribal community or other like issues. If these issues are given proper hearing I am sure this will be good and benificial for all. Today our environment and forest minister now knows that he has support from one of the strongest politician in the country and this will certainly give him strength to work better.

With this Rahul Gandhi has also tried to give a solution to Naxal problem our country is facing. If tribal communities are given better rights and importance in governance this will certainly benefit all and people will start leaving naxal movement. If the tribal communities start feeling that they have a voice at the centre and someone is ready to fight for their cause they may leave the violence path and join the development way. By telling the tribal people that he is with them and their voice and that he will oppose the new mining project he has certainly raised confidence within the community and I am sure we will see some positive developments soon.

Garibo ke Sipahi or Garibo ka Masiha (Soldier of Poor or God of Poor) what is he trying to show? This question was raised by one of the most famous TV news channel. Well I will say this is nothing more than maturity and what we are seeing is the right person for the prime minister post. Someone who understands problems our under priviledged, tribal and farmers are facing and I believe as a leader we can expect a lot from him.

Kanha Village Eco Resort gets Award

Eco Tourism Initiative Award 2010

Kanha Village Eco Resort near Kanha National Park and Tiger reserve our eco initiative gets award at 81st TTF, Ahmedabad. We thank the well wishers and supporters it's due to there wishes we have recieved this award. Thank you TTF board and jury for recognizing our effort to develop eco tourism around national parks.

Hard ground Barasingha (Swamp Deer) at Kanha National Park

Kanha national park is famous for tigers but Hard ground Barasingha or Swamp deer can be called the 'Jewel of Kanha'. This particular species of swamp deer is endemic to Kanha Tiger Reserve and National Park and is not found anywhere else.

Tiger at Kanha National Park

Tiger Yawning, taken at Kanha National Park

King of forest taking rest under a tree. It is always a pleasure to visit Kanha Tiger Reserve and having an audience with the king is certainly an unforgettable experience.

Trip to Kanha National Park Slideshow: Navneet Maheshwari’s trip from Jabalpur to Kanha National Park was created by TripAdvisor. See another Kanha National Park slideshow. Take your travel photos and make a slideshow for free.

Tiger and tourism

So we lose one more tiger to tourism. It was morning safari time at Bandhavgarh
National Park on 19^th May 2010 when some tourist vehicles saw a tigress at road side, in pain or not they were not sure but it was agitated of something and was charging on vehicles approaching. Some say it was limping and had blood on its nose and face.

1 Tiger with flehman face

One forest vehicle had crashed to a watch tower while backing and the vehicle driver is said to claim that this tigress had suddenly charged on them and so they had to retreat and in speed they bumped into this tower.

Tourist vehicle drivers and guide say that they had informed the department that the tigress is hurt and in pain but no immediate action was taken. Someone said the department was busy with some politician's son, you understand VVIP duty, well humans are VVIP's and tigers not, ministers and their family can help in getting good postings and all but will tiger help? So why waste time on them? Field director was not available as he had gone to state capital of Bhopal to attend some meeting.

2 Tiger on the move

So many stories and rumors started that everything became more confusing, no one knew what happened or was this a way of creating confusion and gaining time? A few stories I heard are:

1. Two tourist vehicles saw this tigress and called other vehicles who were at a distance, they sped through the forest (although the speed limit is 20 Km max) and suddenly this tigress moved on to the road and ----------------.
   
2. This tigress had eaten a porcupine a day earlier and so was in pain since one quail had pierced on its foot, so it was irritated and with tourist vehicle flocking around it moved on to a waterhole nearby where it drowned, well never heard of tigers drowning but ----------.
   
3. In continuation to story no. 1 three vehicles immediately left the park after the accident and one left behind to see what happens. Well they saw that tigress died -------------.
   
4. The forest vehicle actually met with an accident and dashed into the tigress, they tried to escape and crashed into the watch tower, they escaped and tigress escaped forever----------.
   
5. The vehicle which actually met with this accident was being driven by some high profile politician and so do not even expect any action against anyone and please stop asking of what happened those poor forest people will have to take action against someone and some poor guy will be made the culprit. Can't you keep silent, tigress has died now what can be done---------.
   

3 Tiger at water hole

Post mortem has been done and it is clear that the tigress died due to accident with some vehicle since it has internal injuries and fractures, but will our forensic experts or the department will ever be able to catch the culprit.

I am in favor of tourism in Tiger reserves but this kind of tourism? This is second incident in Bandhavgarh national park in last few years, why Bandhavgarh? They allow 45 vehicles in Bandhavgarh, 160 in Kanha and this they say is the carrying capacity of the park but we have so many resorts and hotels and total rooms can accommodate twice or more tourists. Earlier we had enough free space now resorts are coming up in corridor areas, they have no waste disposal system, no ethical working, why do we need tourism of this kind?

I keep silent but am not comfortable from inside, what can be done, no proof, no one knows what happened, well only the culprits can tell the whole real story and they will never come forward so just forget it, we have lost a tigress but does someone care.

Use of Elephants in Tiger Reserves: Tiger shows vs. Patrolling

Kanha national park is one of the most famous protected forest areas in the country with almost 2000 sq. km’s under it. It was declared under project tiger in the year 1972 but it got special protected area status well before that. Due to undulated landscape and dense forest elephants were called for patrolling the forest. This didn’t only make the task of keeping an eye on poachers and tree fellers easy but also helped the department in taking out the tourists (who were very less than) to see wildlife and especially tiger.

Everything changes with time and so it did here. Elephants which were called for patrolling had a little change of duty and today they are mostly used for tiger shows i.e. to show the visiting tourist tiger from elephant back and a small amount is charged for this few minutes glimpse of the maharaja. As any other VVIP it is certainly not possible to see the king of the forest easily but when the protectors of the king, its body guards indulge in the duty of showing the general public a glimpse of the maharaja where does the protection part goes? What will happen if the security personals of our VVIP netas let everyone visit and see them and start charging a fee for it?

When elephants leave early morning to track tigers this disturbs all the denizens of the forest and also wherever the elephants move they destroy a lot of forest area. As such elephants are not found in kanha region and we do not have historical records showing its presence. They were especially called to make the work of patrolling easy and to assist in forest management work.

If we look into the tiger track record being kept by the department or talk to local guides and gypsy drivers it is very clear that in those areas where tiger shows are being held tiger sighting by Gypsy’s goes down. Has ever the department tried to see the reason behind this? Certainly they must have done so or may be a few of them must have done so but why no action is being taken or maybe they think it’s not worthwhile to take any action. Are monetary returns more important than giving protection to forest as a whole?

Many forest officials say we see change of heart when people go back after seeing a tiger and when they have spent such a lot of money they should be able to see a tiger. I agree but at what cost? By playing with the security of the forest? Today we can see tiger on elephant back but what will happen when all tigers are gone? It seems no one is interested in looking for long term good.

As per my experience and knowledge also, tiger sighting by gypsy goes down in any area or range where the elephants are moved and moreover used for tiger tracking and shows. Moreover, if elephants are moved to the core area tigers and other animals start moving out and away from that area which means they will move toward buffer and near to villages. So, what happens here, they become an easy target for poachers. Whereas if elephants are kept in buffer area to keep an eye on poachers and encroachers we not only save our wildlife and forest even wild animals are not disturbed thus they remain in safe core area.

So, is this one of the major reason behind dwindling tiger population in famous national parks where elephants are being used for tiger shows instead of patrolling? Now this may be one of the reasons surely or may be a minor one at that but surely it should be considered and immediate action taken.

Check www.kanha.in for stay and tiger safari at Kanha National Park.

Kanha National Park


Situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is one of the most beautiful and well managed of all national parks in India. It is well known not only within the tourists, natural history photographers and wildlife lovers but also to public at large. Tourist throng here to see the magnificent big cat Tiger and one of the rarest deer the Hard ground Barasingha (Swamp Deer) also known as the – Jewel of Kanha national park.

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. The romance of the Kanha National Park has not reduced over time – it is still as beautiful as described by Rudyard Kipling in his famous book – The Jungle Book.

Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, 160 Km s from Jabalpur, Kanha national park cum Tiger reserve extends over an area of over 1,940 Sq. km’s of which 940 Sq. Km’s is designated core area and the rest buffer. 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.

Kanha's sal and bamboo forests and rolling grasslands, are by far the most striking features of this region where sighting Swamp deer, Sambhar, Chital, Gaur and other denizens of jungle is common. Just imagine, the feeling of seeing the king of the forests – Tiger, on an evening stroll or taking a nap under shade of tree or may be tigress teaching its cubs the nuances of jungle life. There is no comparison between seeing a Tiger in a Zoo or a Circus and here at its home, its natural habitat – forests.




Major Wildlife Attractions of Kanha

The main wildlife attractions in the park are Tiger, Gaur, Sambhar, Chital, Barasingha, Barking deer, Black buck, Sloth bear, Jackal, Fox, Porcupine, Jungle cat, Python, Pea fowl, Hare, Monkey, Mongoose and leopard.



The birds species in the park include Storks, Teals, Pintails, Pond herons, Egrets, Peacock, Pea fowl, Jungle fowl, Spur fowl, Partridges, Quails, Ring doves, Spotted parakeets, Green pigeons, Rock pigeons, Cuckoos, Rollers, Bee-eater, Hoopoes, Drongos, Warblers, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, Finches, Orioles, Owls, and Fly catchers. It is winter destination for number of migratory birds who visit central India and winter stoppage for many who take rest while passing over to their final destinations in southern part of the country.



However, if one animal species were to represent Kanha, it would probably be the Hard ground Barasingha, or the swamp deer. The species of Barasinghas found at Kanha are unique, as they have adopted themselves to the plains of central India and populate the large open tracts of grass amidst the forests of teak and bamboo. Twenty years ago, the barasingha was faced with extinction but some desperate measures by the forest department saved them and today their population has raised from meager 66 to around 400.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The climate of this region is tropical. Summers are hot and dry with a maximum and minimum temperature of 42°C and 24°C. Winters are cold with an average maximum and minimum temperature of 24°C and 1°C, respectively. The annual average rainfall is 152 cm. The park is closed from July to mid October during monsoon. You can enjoy the forest in any season but if you are coming to see the king of the forest His Majesty the Tiger summers is certainly the best time.

ACTIVITIES

Wildlife safaris are the biggest attraction for every visitor to Kanha. Tourists are allowed to visit and enjoy the serine environment of the forest and view wildlife in morning and evening safaris. Generally morning safaris are of longer hours and Tiger shows or tiger viewing from back of elephants is allowed in this period (depending on tiger sighting and permission of the forest department). Evening safaris are limited to jeep safaris only but is one of the best times to see tigers on evening stroll.

Kanha has a museum at the centre of the park which can enrich you with lots of knowledge about the wildlife and forests and life in a forest. A visit to the museum is highly recommended. Here the forest department also manages a cafeteria where you can enjoy some snacks along with tea or coffee. Normally Tiger show tickets are issued from here only so most of the vehicles rush to reach and book the tickets so at times you can see a scene of city well within the forest.

Evenings can be spent either for evening gypsy safaris, nature walk or other activities which can be planned with prior intimation. Forest department has developed a nature trail just outside the Khatia gate of the park which is worth a visit or if you want our naturalists are always ready to plan a bird watching and nature trail wherein we can go around the buffer area. If you want to make it different cultural village tour of any of the local tribal villages can be planned. We can also arrange a tribal dance and music program which can be enjoyed by all. And, if you are in a mood of relaxing and enjoying the natural surrounding around the resort with a book to read we have a library with books ranging from different subjects and you can soak yourself in them.

Check http://www.kanha.in/welcome.htm for details of our resort.