Kanha Tiger Reserve

Situated in Maikal Hills at the end of Satpura range Kanha National Park is a tiger heaven and paradise on Earth. It is populated by Grand Sal trees, mixed tree species and dense thickets of bamboo clumps the landscape abounds in small rivers, lakes, rivulets and large grasslands locally called maidans. The core area is 584 square miles and 625 square miles of buffer act as a protection.

Tiger rules here as it is the prime carnivore and leopard manages to survive in the tiger domain. With luck this elusive predator can be sighted in the core and buffer zones especially near the hotels in Kanha and villages. I have seen one here. The leopard comes to pick chickens, goats and other small game in these locations. An ideal tiger safari destination Kanha receives many visitors every year. 

Kanha Location:

In Madhya Pradesh of Central India about 100 miles south east of Jabalpur town. The park has two gates at Khatia- Kisli and Mukki a thrid gate has been opened at Sarai. Kisli gate is busier and there are more wildlife resorts and jungle camps here than at Mukki.

How to Get to Kanha:

By Road from Jabalpur and Nagpur both are airports well connect with Delhi and other major towns in India. By rail from all major towns upto Jabalpur.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Set amidst Vindhayan Hills, Bandhavgarh is the best place to see tiger in India in my opinion. It small compared to Kanha but equally exciting with tigers, leopards and other game sightings being very good. 

Bandhavgarh has the highest density of tigers in India. This hilly undulating terrain is densely forested and supports forty or more tigers in the wild. Bandhavgarh has rich bird life and winter migrants make birding more interesting.

There many hotels at Bandhavgarh to stay at from budget to luxury resorts that offer packages as per season. During winter rush the rates peak while discounts are available during after February. Incidentally this is the best time for sighting wild animals in India.   

Bandhavgarh Location:

In Madhya Pradesh of Central India about 100 miles of Jabalpur town. The main gate is tala where hotels in Bandhavgarh are situated. The entrance timings are morning and evening rides into the park.

Reaching Bandhavgarh:

By Road from Jabalpur and Umaria which is 32 kms. Jabalpur has an airport connecting to Delhi and rail head connecting major towns in India. Utkal Express halts at Umaria station every day it is an overnight train from Delhi.

Pench Tiger Reserve

Pench is situated in Highlands of Central India or Satpura Ranges it is part of the Seoni Hills and is home to tigers, leopards and lot of other Central India mammals. Bird life is rich and Pench is a good place for birding.  Kiplings "Jungle Book" is set on these dense forests of Seoni Hills in MP.

There are at present less budget resorts in Pench whereas most of the Pench Hotels are luxurious and at expensive. The park is expereincing increased visitors and more and more lodges are being established to cater to tourists.

Reaching Pench National Park:

The best route is fly to Nagpur from Delhi, Mumbai and drive eighty kilometers to Pench or drive down approx two hundred kms from Jabalpur town. Pench and Kanha are interconnected with the distance being approx 200 kms.

The season is same as Bandhavgarh and Kanha but the heat arrives early. Winters is the best time for birders. The tigers are seen year around with luck a panther in the wild.