Kanha National Park.

Kanha National Park, a magnificent expanse of 772 square miles (2000 square kilometers) of lush Sal forest, is located in the eastern region of Madhya Pradesh, India. Its breathtaking landscape served as inspiration for Nobel Laureate Sir Rudyard Kipling’s renowned work, The Jungle Book. The park is known for having some of the largest tigers in India, and experts believe it could be a critical refuge for tiger survival if they faced extinction. Kanha also plays a vital role in supporting neighboring parks, assisting in wildlife management and helping species on the brink of extinction to recover.

Centered around the Banjar and Halon rivers, Kanha National Park provides an ideal habitat for tigers. The evergreen forest, with its dense undergrowth, offers perfect ambush opportunities for these apex predators. Rolling grasslands and meandering streams support a thriving population of herbivores, ensuring a plentiful food source for the tigers. Kanha is recognized as one of the best-managed forests in terms of wildlife tourism, striking a balance between conservation and visitor experience.

One of Kanha’s notable achievements is the successful reintroduction of the hard-ground Barasingha, also known as the “Jewel of Kanha.” These deer were once on the verge of extinction, but through dedicated conservation efforts, including special enclosures to encourage breeding, their population has rebounded significantly. From a mere 66 individuals, Kanha now boasts a thriving population of 600-700 Barasingha. These efforts have earned Kanha recognition as one of the best tourism-friendly national parks by the Government of India.