The park is home to approximately 43 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, and numerous reptiles and insects. The star attractions are the Bengal tiger, barasingha (hard-ground swamp deer unique to Kanha), and gaur (Indian bison). Other prominent wildlife includes leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs (dhole), jackals, and various deer species like sambar and chital. The park's bird life is equally impressive, featuring species like the black ibis, hawk eagle, and various hornbills. The successful conservation of the barasingha, brought back from near extinction, is one of Kanha's greatest achievements.
Kanha's vegetation is remarkably diverse, featuring over 1,000 species of flowering plants. The forest is primarily composed of sal trees (Shorea robusta) in the valleys and bamboo thickets on the slopes. Other prominent species include mahua, tendu, and jamun trees. The park's famous meadows, created through centuries of forest-village interaction, are now maintained by careful grassland management. These meadows, dominated by species like Imperata cylindrica, play a crucial role in supporting herbivores. The park also contains important medicinal plants and rare orchid species.
The park lies in the Maikal range of the Satpura hills, characterized by a series of plateaus interspersed with valleys. The terrain varies from steep rocky escarpments to wide meadows known locally as 'maidans.' The landscape was formed through ancient geological processes, primarily consisting of old crystalline rocks of the Archaean era. The park's elevation ranges from 450 to 900 meters above sea level, creating diverse microclimates that support varied vegetation. The soil composition varies from rich black cotton soil in the valleys to sandy soil in the uplands.
Established in 1955, Kanha National Park was one of the first areas to come under Project Tiger in 1973. The park's history is deeply intertwined with conservation efforts, particularly for saving the barasingha (swamp deer) from extinction. The area was originally part of the Gondwana kingdom and served as hunting grounds for British colonial officers. Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book' was inspired by the landscapes of this region, though he never actually visited Kanha. The park has since evolved from a hunting reserve to one of India's most successful conservation stories, particularly in tiger protection and species rehabilitation.
Kanha's most distinctive features include the Bamni Dadar (Sunset Point), offering panoramic views of the park, and the extensive meadows that create a savannah-like landscape unique to Central Indian forests. The Kanha Museum provides insights into the park's biodiversity and conservation efforts. The park is divided into four zones: Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi, each offering different wildlife viewing experiences. The interpretation center at Kisli helps visitors understand the park's ecosystem and conservation programs. The park also features several machans (viewing platforms) and water bodies like Shravan Tal, which are excellent spots for wildlife observation.
Kanha National Park experiences three distinct seasons: summer (March-June) with temperatures reaching 40°C, monsoon (July-September) with heavy rainfall and high humidity, and winter (October-February) with temperatures ranging from 5-20°C. The best time to visit is between October and June, with peak wildlife viewing opportunities during March to May when animals frequently visit water holes. Winter mornings can be quite foggy and cold, requiring warm clothing for early morning safaris, while summers are hot and dry, making afternoon visits challenging but excellent for wildlife spotting.
India
22.3330°, 80.6330°
1955
940
Kanha National Park is one of India's largest tiger reserves and inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. The park features extensive sal forests, meadows, and bamboo groves. It is home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and the rare hard-ground barasingha.