By Sharell Cook
India Travel Expert, about.com
Kanha National Park has the honor of providing the setting for Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel, The Jungle Book. It’s rich in lush saal and bamboo forests, lakes, streams and open grasslands. The park is one of the largest national parks in India, with a core area of 940 square kilometers (584 square miles) and surrounding area of 1,005 square kilometers (625 square miles).
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Kanha is well
regarded for its research and conservation programs, and many
endangered species have been saved there. As well as tigers, the park
abounds with barasingha (swamp deer) and an extensive variety
of other animals and birds. Rather than offering one particular kind of
animal, it provides an all-round nature experience.
Location
In the state of Madhya Pradesh, 160 kilometers (100 miles) south east of Jabalpur. The park has three entrances.
Entry Gates
[post_ads]The main one is the Khatia Gate, which leads into the park's buffer zone. A few kilometers ahead of it lies the Kisli Gate, which leads into the park's premium Kanha core zone.
The other two gates are Mukki, and Sarhi (a relatively new gate). Kisli-Khatia and Mukki are located at opposite ends of the park. It's possible to drive between them although it takes around 4 hours. The Kanha Zone is most popular as tiger sightings are more frequent at that end of the park. However, tigers can also be seen in the Mukki Zone.
The other two gates are Mukki, and Sarhi (a relatively new gate). Kisli-Khatia and Mukki are located at opposite ends of the park. It's possible to drive between them although it takes around 4 hours. The Kanha Zone is most popular as tiger sightings are more frequent at that end of the park. However, tigers can also be seen in the Mukki Zone.
How to Get There
Air India and Spicejet
fly directly to Jabalpur from Delhi, then it’s around 4-5 hours by road
from there to the park. Alternatively, Jabalpur can also be reached by
rail.
When to Visit
March and April, when it starts
getting hot and the animals come out in search of water. Try to avoid
the peak months from December to January, and March during the Indian
Holi festival, as it’s very busy. It can also get extremely cold during
the winter, particularly in January.
Safari and Opening Times
There
are two safaris a day, starting from dawn until late morning, and mid
afternoon until sunset. The best time to visit the park is early in the
morning or after 4 p.m. to spot the animals. The park is closed from
July 1 to October 31 due to the monsoon season. It's also closed every
Wednesday evening from April 2011.
Entry Fees and Charges
[post_ads]Note: Entry fees to Kanha National Park increased
in October 2011. When going on a safari, separate fees must be paid for
jeep hire, guide, and jeep entry. The cost depends on nationality
(Indian or foreigner) and the zone. The latest jeep entry rates for the
premium Kanha Zone per jeep, carrying up to six people, are 4,010 rupees
for foreigners and 2,030 rupees for Indians. If you don't want to pay
the costly entrance fees for the Kanha Zone, you can go on a jeep safari
in the park's other non-premium zones. Jeep entry rates in these zones
are 1,370 rupees for Indians and 2,690 rupees for foreigners, per jeep.
If there's a mixture of foreigners and Indians in the jeep, the
foreigner rate will be charged.
A guide costs 300 rupees. The cost
of a jeep and driver is about 2,000 rupees. Jeeps can be hired from the
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation at Baghira Log Huts at
the Khatia entrance, or the Kanha Safari Lodge at the Mukki entrance.
Jeep safari bookings for all zones can be made at the MP Forest Department Online website.
Book early (as much as 90 days in advance) though because the number of
safaris in each zone is restricted and they sell out fast!
Where to Stay
Baghira Log Huts,
operated by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation,
provides rustic accommodations amidst the forest buffer area between the
Khatia and Kisli gates. Rates are high (expect to pay around 5,000
rupees for a double, per night) and there aren't many amenities.
However, the big attraction of this place is having wildlife right at
your doorstep. If a log hut isn't within your budget, try staying in a
dorm room at the nearby Tourist Hostel instead (around 1,000 rupees a
night).
For a relaxing escape, Wild Chalet Resort has tranquil cottages by the Banjar River, a short drive from Khatia. The cottages at family operated Pugmark Resort are recommended as a budget/mid range option, near Khatia Gate. The Kanha Jungle Lodge, at the Mukki Gate, is pricey but worth it. Alternatively, Muba Resort
is a popular budget option at Mukki. If the thought of a secluded and
rejuvenating and stay with organic farming interests you, try Chitvan Jungle Lodge, also near Mukki Gate.
Travel Tips
Tiger
sightings on jeep safaris aren't very common at Kanha National Park. If
you really want to see a tiger, tiger shows are usually offered in the
mornings. Tigers are tracked, and if found, an elephant will take you to
where they are. The ride lasts for around 10 minutes.
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It's well
worthwhile taking a walk in the surrounding forest and exploring its
natural beauty. Also, don’t miss experiencing in a sunset at Bamni Dadar
(a plateau, at the Mukki Gate end of the park, that’s also known as
sunset point). It provides a mesmerizing view of the park’s grazing
animals as the sun disappears down the horizon. There are nature trails
at Khatia and Mukki, in the buffer zone, that can be explored on foot or
bicycle.
Hotels also organize and run safaris. Private vehicles aren't allowed into the park.
