What can
you do at Kanha?
Kanha National Park
is spread over 2000 Sq. Kms including core and buffer forest area. One of the best
managed Tiger reserves of India, it is visited by tourists from all over
the world to enjoy wildlife safari, spot tiger and other free roaming
animals in their natural habitat. With most of the hotels at Kanha and
tour operators, selling tiger safari packages people tend to miss that this one
of the most beautiful forests of central India has so much more to offer.
Visiting Kanha
tiger reserve only to see the big cat is, I personally feel, the
biggest blunder any tourist can make. But, due to dearth of information about
other activities and attractions around Kanha I will certainly say it is
not the tourists fault since the accommodation
providers, wildlife tour operators as well as tourism department does not provide detailed information. Most tour packages for Kanha National Park
only have tiger safari options. Here I present a list of activities and
attractions which most of the resorts at Kanha and wildlife lodges at Kanha will be able to help you
with.
Tiger Safari:
Certainly the most famous activity for this world famous national park. It is
conducted in two parts morning and noon wherein tourists visit the core area in
4 x 4 Gypsy vehicles. Safaris are conducted on designated zones and
roads with a guide provided by the forest department.
Elephant Safari:
A very good way to see the dense forest where your safari Gypsy cannot take you
due to lack of roads is on elephant back. But, I personally am against this since we need the elephants
for patrolling and not joy rides so best avoided as there are other better ways of
exploring the forest like – on foot.
Jungle Walk:
Tiger reserve management has made few pathways in the buffer area of
tiger reserve where you can take a walk with help of a guide which is made
available on payment of a small amount at the Khatia / Mukki entry gate. I will suggest – sacrifice
a safari for it and you will never regret your decision. Here you will be able
to enjoy the forest more, see those small things which we normally miss sitting
on a safari vehicle and certainly be able to appreciate the bio-diversity in
much better way. Guide fees of 200/- has to be paid at the ticket counter including which the total cost comes to around 750/- per group of 6 people.
Bird Watching:
Kanha forest has more than 280 bird species which can be seen inside and
outside the core area. Different species of birds choose different type of
forests from open to scrub to dense or grass land. Every season has its own advantage like in winters many migratory birds visit this area but some locals one migrate to further southern region and come back in summers. Near water body or around it
is the best area to see birds. You can visit the core area to see those flying
wonders that prefer dense forests and take walks in the buffer area to
appreciate ones which do not hesitate of humans. Check list of birds in Kanha is available and can be purchased at local store or downloaded from www.kanhavillage.com.
Wildlife Photography:
One beautiful photograph can change heart of so many making them fall in love
with nature and wildlife converting them in to conservationists. Today wildlife
nature photography as a hobby is catching up very fast amongst our younger generation
and why not, it is one of the best ways to appreciate our natural heritage
and wildlife. When at Kanha you can take wildlife safari in the core
forest as well as walks in the buffer area to do photography. Here I
would certainly request that always keep photography ethics in mind and do not
ever force your guide or driver in any way to break any rule just to take one
unusual photograph.
MPCA visit:
Medicinal Plantation Conservation Area (MPCA) located near village Boda
Chhapri, in buffer of Kanha Tiger Reserve is one place you should visit to see the diverse plant species
found in Kanha landscape. Here you will be able to observe some of those
rare herbs which are used in traditional medicines and are even raw material
for modern medicine. Ask your accommodation provider in Kanha to arrange
a local Vaidya or Ojha who will be able to describe in detail about all
trees and herbs you see and tell about its medicinal properties. This costs around Indian Rupees 750/- to 1000/- per group of 6 people.
Tribal village visit:
Plan to visit one of those Baiga villages around Kanha to see how the actual
guardians of central Indian forests used to live. Baiga tribal are one
of the oldest inhabitants of our forests and understand the local biodiversity
as the back of their palm. One of the most famous of them was Late Manglu
Baiga about whom we hear stories that how he has helped officers earn their
Doctorate degrees but he himself always remained what he was from the first
day, a true nature warrior and lover of Kanha’s vast natural heritage. Although
modern world and influx of tourists has certainly changed their life style to
certain extent but visiting a Baiga village has its own appeal.
Yoga and Meditation:
Today’s demanding life sucks out all life juice from our mind and body. Just
sit back and relax under any tree enjoying the beautiful natural heritage
around, listening to the music of nature, reading a book, making a painting or
sketch. Believe me even though resorts in Kanha do not offer it but this
is one of the best activity and least harmful for our forests. If a group of
people are planning they can take a Yoga or spiritual guru along and take full
advantage of calm atmosphere of Kanha.
Rejuvenation and
wellness: Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere around Kanha
is one of the best places to rejuvenate and re-energize your mind and
body. Hotels in Kanha can arrange massage for guests which along with jungle
walks, swimming and simple food can help a lot. Although we do not have specialized
spa and wellness resorts at Kanha but facility for same can be arranged by
many.
Star gazing:
‘Twinkle Twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are’ – we all have
heard of this beautiful poem sometimes or other. In cities we do not see those
twinkles due to lighting all around, pollution and Television. At Kanha you can
sit out with all lights shut off and see the stars and constellations, remembering
those good old times when you were young and so fascinated by those diamonds in
the sky and lady on the moon.
Kanha national park
is in Mandla district with its head quarters just 45 Kms from Khatia.
Interested people can see Fort and Palace of Gond kings, some old
temples or take a dip in holy river Narmada. There are a few souvenir
shops in Kanha where you can purchase items made by local tribal and
villagers for your loved and dear ones.
Before I forget, one
activity which I like the most when at Kanha, forget all your work, just
give time to your other half and try to understand him / her better. Take a
stroll with her / him while birds singing in the background provide perfect musical
romantic mood and trees ideal ambience.
Come Celebrate Nature Celebrate
Life
