Kanha National Park in MP, India, is well known throughout the world since several endangered species live here. Besides the reclusive tiger, the park has a fair number of swamp deer or barasingha besides other mammals that include leopard, gaur, sloth bear, the Indian Jackal, sambar, Jungle Cats and langur among others. There are blackbucks too as well as Indian Wild Dogs. There are about 300 species of birds that include the resident and the migratory birds. Some of these include the Indian grey Hornbill, Indian Roller, Bee Eaters, Black Ibis, Peafowl, Kingfishers, Steppe Eagle and many others. There are reptiles too such as the python, Russell’s viper, Indian Krait, Common Skink and Indian Monitor.

The forest is rich in more than 200 species of flowering plants. Some of these are the Sal, Dhawa, Palash and Mahua besides the Sendhoor or the Vermillion Tree from which vermillion is extracted and made. There are several places to see and lots of things to do in and around Kanha National Park as discussed.

A wildlife safari in Kanha National Park is a thrilling experience. The Park has 4 safari zones and these are Kanha, Kisli, Mukki and Saand. It is not necessary any longer to pay more for the Kanha zone and the rate is the same for all the zones. There are two safaris every day. One in the morning and the other in the afternoon till sunset. Guides say that the best times to spot wildlife is either in the early hours of the morning or after 4pm. The park remains closed on 16 June till 30 September on account of the monsoon season. It is also closed on Wednesday afternoons as well as on Diwali and Holi. Wear neutral coloured clothes, stay alert and maintain silence and who knows you may see the elusive tiger.

The elephant safari is more of a joy ride and is conducted during the morning hours. This ride takes place only in Kisli and Kanha zones. The elephant safari cannot be booked in advance and you can find out about the details only in the morning of the day the safari is to take place. You will also need to book tickets for the jeep safari on the day you wish to go on the elephant safari. The elephant safari is an enjoyable experience since there is no noise as from the jeep in the jeep safari. You are perched high on top of all the trees and your sight is clear in the jungle. The other important point is that the elephant safari takes you to places which are not navigable by the jeep.

The night safari has been recently introduced in the park and one can go to this type of safari only in the Khatia buffer zone. No flash light is permitted and only the headlights of the jeep are authorized. This is to prevent disturbing wildlife. The night safari lasts for two hours and these tickets are not on sale online. The tickets need to be purchased at the park gate. It is possible for your lodge to book these tickets for you. Do take your kids to the night safari since they enjoy such safaris enormously.

Nature Trails at the National Park in Kanha attract dozens of lovers of nature. This is an excellent option for those that wish to explore the forest and wildlife while on foot. There will be a guide, a wildlife expert, who will give you some of the most interesting information on wildlife. Wildlife here includes not only wild animals but also the flora and the insects, the birds and the reptiles. Nature Trails are conducted only in the Khatia zone of the National Park. Such trails are enjoyable, exciting as well as most informative. With a little bit of luck you will also be able to see not only wild animals but also some of the most beautiful birds that are found in this park, some of them being migratory.

Trekking in the Kanha National Park is a relaxed experience where one can take one’s kids. There are a number of such trails available for trekking and while on such a trek one can gain familiarity with the diverse types of birds and trees. The trees one can get to see include not only the humble bamboo but also the sal and mahua besides the lendia, palas and aonla among several others. The birds you may get to see include the Jungle Babbler and the Asian Paradise Flycatcher besides the Eurasian Blackbird among many others.

According to reports the elephant bathing show for tourists has started two years ago in response to an appreciation that tourists, especially the foreigners, love to watch elephants bathing and generally splashing water all over themselves. The show is truly most enjoyable especially for the children. At the time the report was received there were more than a dozen elephants that were being used to put up the show at the local river. The show was held daily in the afternoon on the banks of River Banjar that flows through the Mukki range of the Park reserve.

The Kanha Museum has been placed under the Forest Department. It is the best place for anyone to obtain information about either the topography or any other areas of interest concerning the park. The museum is spread over a large area. It exhibits skeletons of diverse carnivores and reptiles as well as herbivores. It has detailed description of interesting facts and exciting experiences thereby being of great use to those that are interested in wildlife. Visitors are advised to see the major attraction which is the show that is conducted in the evening.