Imagine spending your first holiday after the monsoons at Kanha Tiger Reserve – one of India’s most beloved wildlife destinations. Kahna Tiger Reserve certainly gives you a great opportunity to reconnect with the wild and cherish some momentous memories for a lifetime. If you are a nature lover, a photographer, or just one of many who love adventures in the wild, then a jungle safari at Kanha Tiger Reserve will surely leave you awestruck.
And all that you need to know about Kanha Tiger Reserve will be found here in this 2024 guide so that you can have the perfect thrilling adventure of a jungle safari.
Kanha Tiger Reserve
Established in 1955, Kanha National Park was renamed as Kanaha Tiger Reserve is flanked by a breathtaking rugged landscape that yields unmatched thrill to the wildlife enthusiast and the nature lover at large. Spread over an area of 940 sq. km. Kanha Tiger Reserve is known to be one of the largest Tiger Reserves in India, thus becoming an integral part of Project Tiger. It is known for its thriving population of tigers, extensive and beautiful landscapes, and overall biodiversity.
Bengal Tiger being photographed by tourists
Why Visit Kanha Tiger Reserve?
Kanha Tiger Reserve is considered India’s best-managed national park. The varied landscapes, the Sal and Bamboo forests, grassy meadows, and rivers, make this location a haven for diversified wildlife. This area is also an important part of Project Tiger, taking efforts to conserve the natural habitats of the Bengal Tiger.
Jungle Safari
A jungle safari is one of the most exciting activities that can be done in Kanha Tiger Reserve as it promises to provide you with an enthralling experience of wilderness. The forests of Kanha offer a plethora of wildlife to explore from and the variety of flora enchants your olfactory senses. Most of the stays offer their personal safari vehicles in order to ease out the travellers and their guests, but you can also book a jeep safari or an elephant safari to view the wildlife and the beauty of the park up close. There are the early morning safaris and the late afternoon safaris when animals are highly active.
Types of Jungle Safari
Jeep Safari
Open jeep safaris are the most prominent modes of exploration through the park. Every jeep takes six passengers and is accompanied by an experienced naturalist who guides you through the jungle tracks. It takes one deep into the jungle and affords the chance to spot tigers, leopards, and other wildlife within their respective habitats.
Tourists enjoying Elephant Safaris in Kanha Tiger Reserve
Elephant Safari
Although fewer now, elephant safaris are a great way to get a glimpse of the park from a different angle. Riding on top of an elephant gives you a superior view to spot animals hiding in the thickest patches of leaves.
Walking Safari
The latest trend that has walked its way into the park is the walking safari, seen in specific areas of the park, with guests viewing the flora and fauna up close and personally, under the supervision of trained park authorities.
Buffer Zone Safari
In addition to the core area, Kanha also offers buffer zones open for safaris. These areas offer good chances to spot wildlife and are quite less crowded than the main zones, providing a very relaxing experience.
Best Time to Visit Kanha Tiger Reserve
The national park remains open for the visitors from October through June, while it remains closed from July to October during the monsoon season. The ideal time to visit is between October to February as the climate within the jungle is quite pleasant, and the jungle basks in its glory of lushness, thanks to the post –monsoon greenery, making it a paradise for photographers.
The Summer months, from March to June, are also recommended to wildlife enthusiasts and wildlife photographers as animals are frequently spotted around waterholes and the reduced vegetation offers clearer visibility, making it easier to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Key Wildlife Species
Though the Bengal tigers are really the main attraction, the jungle safari experience at Kanha has much more in store for the tourists. Some of the wildlife that you would likely encounter are as follows:
A couple of Barasingha (Hard-ground Deer) soaking in the sun
Barasingha (Hard-ground Deer)
The Jewel of Kanha, also known as Barasingha or Hard-ground Deer, is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh and an endangered species of deer. In fact, the moment one gets a glimpse of this majestic creature grazing in the open grasslands, it indeed becomes quite an experience to see this every day on a jungle safari within the Kanha Tiger Reserve.
Leopards
Where tigers are rarely spotted as they are shy and in the deep interiors of the dense jungles, leopards are often more adaptable and frequently seen on the fringes of the national park or in the buffer zones.
Gaur (Indian Bison)
Gaur also known as Indian Bison are massive herbivores often seen grazing in open grasslands in either small groups or alone in Kahna Tiger Reserve.
Other Wildlife Encounters
You may also be having very many other wildlife experiences in the safari including sloth bears, wild dogs (Dholes), jackals and foxes. There is much to view everywhere in the as well park, including spotted deer, or Chital, Sambar, and various monkeys.
Birds of Kanha
Kanha is a haven for the birding enthusiast – with over 300 species of avifauna recorded in the park, this one has such common birds like the Indian roller and the crested serpent eagle, but more importantly, such specialties as the Malabar pied hornbill and several species of woodpeckers.
Accommodations
There are numerous accommodation options in Kanha that vary from luxury eco-friendly jungle resorts to budget-friendly resorts. There’s an option to suit every pocket. If you have a penchant for the top-end, you will love the luxury resorts.
Singinawa Jungle Lodge, an eco-friendly yet luxurious lodge situated in Kanha Tiger Reserve
Luxury Resorts
If you are looking to splurge on a luxurious experience, resorts like Singinawa Jungle Lodge offer all-inclusive packages that cover luxurious stay with all the modern facilities and guided safaris by their expert naturalists.
Mid-range Hotels
If one wishes to enjoy their comfort without breaking the bank, there are quite a number of mid-range hotels that would serve one with a comfortable stay with views of the jungle and guided tours of the safari.
Budget Stay
Economical stays can also be availed in government rest houses and small lodges with clean, basic rooms and easy access to all the attractions of the park.
Some Important Tips while going on a Jungle Safari
Pre-Bookings
Safaris sometimes sell out quite quick, especially in the peak seasons i.e. during October to February. It is, therefore, advisable to book safari tickets well in advance by logging in to the official website of Kanha National Park or ask to arrange them at your accommodations.
What to Wear
For a jungle safari, proper dressing is important both for comfort and safety and even for blending with the surroundings.
Always choose clothing with Khaki, olive green, brown, or beige colours for jungle safari
Clothing Colours
Neutral and earthy tones are preferred. Khaki, olive green, brown, or beige colours are preferred. These colours allow you to merge in the background and not shock or provoke wildlife. Bright colour or white might provoke or frighten animals.
Layered Clothing
It is wise to layer up, as mornings might be chilly while midday temperatures rise. Good layering pieces are to be found in a light jacket or fleece. Long-sleeve shirts and long pants can protect against bugs and sunburns and a wide-brimmed hat to block much of the sun’s radiation. Take a light scarf or bandana along for dust coverage or to wrap it around your neck in case the temperature gets colder.
Comfortable Pants
Use light, loose-fitting pants. Cargo pants with pocket space are useful for carrying small things. Avoid shorts to keep mosquitoes and scratches from brush off your legs.
Footwear
Use comfortable, sturdy closed shoes or boots. Hiking boots or rugged sneakers will give you protection and grip. Avoid sandals or open shoes because they expose the feet to insects and dust, or sharp objects.
Insect Repellent and Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days, and don’t forget the bug repellent to avoid bites from insects.
Always choose clothing with Khaki, olive green, brown, or beige colours for jungle safari
Accessories
Good pair of sunglasses with UV protection to make it comfortable for you to gaze out during the day. A small backpack for carrying water, snacks, and essentials such as binoculars, camera, and a field guide helps.
Good binoculars to spot animals from distance and may be a good camera to capture the moments spent in the safari.
Avoid Perfumes
Strong Smell of perfumes or strong smelling lotions can attract insects or disturb the wildlife. So avoid such things while you are going for the jungle safari. Thus by dressing smartly one can enjoy their jungle safari in comfort and also respect the nature.
Follow Park Guidelines
Always follow the guidelines of the park authorities. Be in your vehicle, do not make noise, and feed or bother the animals at no time.
In conclusion, Kanha Tiger Reserve offers exhilarating jungle safaris for wildlife and nature lovers alike, providing the perfect opportunity to capture the magic of the wild through your camera lens or simply immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to Book a Jungle Safari in Kanha National Park?
Ans: There are two ways of making a safari booking at Kanha; first, you can book directly by visiting the official website of the Kanha National Park. Secondly, you can ask your accommodation services for the safari bookings as many resorts/lodges/stays are also authorised to make bookings at the Kanha National Park.
2. Best time for tiger spotting at Kanha Tiger Reserve?
Ans: March to June is considered the best period to view the tigers since they start gathering in large numbers at the waterholes because of hot temperatures.
3. Are walking safaris safe in Kanha National Park?
Ans: Yes, safaris are walking tours taken in sanctuaries under the monitored care of trained park officials. These are perfectly safe and a nice way to explore the rich biodiversity present in the park.
4. Are there other activities besides jungle safari for tourists in Kanha Tiger Reserve?
Ans:In addition to jungle safaris, there are bird watching and nature walks, visits to tribal villages or the Kanha Museum of Life and Art, which tells the natural as well as cultural history of the region.
