The Kanha National Park is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in India. It stretches across an area of 940 square Kilometers and is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The National Park is teeming with wildlife that includes the likes of the Bengal tiger, leopards, sloth bears, Barasingha, Indian wild dogs and much more. A visit to the Kanha National Park is a thrilling affair and an adventure one will never forget. But before one embarks on a voyage into the wilderness of the Kanha National Park, it would be interesting to know some of the awe-inspiring facts about it. This would definitely make the adventure more interesting. So let us roar ahead and look at some of the mind-blowing facts about the Kanha National Park.

 

Kanha National Park

The seeds of imagination of The Jungle Book were sown in Kanha National Park

 It is said that the inspiration for writing The Jungle Book for Rudyard Kipling came from Kanha National Park. The beautiful terrain of the Park with its lush bamboo forests, grasslands, ravines, and the thriving wildlife is said to have added fuel to Rudyard Kipling’s imagination. This finally culminated in the birth of one of the world’s best classics, “The Jungle Book”.

Barasingha- A story of returning from the Brink

The Swamp Deer or Barasingha, which literally translates into “12 Horns”, is the pride of the Kanha National Park. These subspecies are the only subspecies of Swamp Deer in India, apart from the Great Swamp Deer that is found in the Sundarbans. The Barasingha had veered very close to extinction when its total population dwindled to as low as about 66 during the 1970’s. However, the determined efforts of the authorities engineered a turnaround and the population of the Barasingha increased to over 500 and is slowly growing.

Kanha National Park featured in an award-winning documentary

The beautiful and Eden like environs of the Kanha National Park comes to life in vibrant colors in a documentary that was made on the Park in the 1980’s.

The Largest Animal in Kanha National Park

The Indian Gaur which looks like an Ox but is a wild bison is the most massive and the largest animal that can be spotted in the Kanha National Park. These can be seen in the meadows and near water holes in the summer months.

An Amazing Example of Co-Existence

The Chitals – a species of deer – can be seen grazing in the grasslands of Kanha National Park in the company of a group of Langurs. Both animal groups have a unique relationship. The Langurs feast on the fruits and leaves on the trees and throw them to the ground after a single bite, the Chitals finish off what is left and fallen to the ground. The Langurs from their vantage point on the top of the trees also raise a warning of approaching predators which alerts the Chitals grazing below. What a unique and symbiotic relationship indeed!

A Tribe uprooted by the Kanha National Park

In 1968, 28 villages that were inside the territory of the Kanha National Park had to be relocated. A semi-nomadic tribe called Baiga inhabited these villages and they were forced to relocate to a land which was barren. The tribe today struggles for survival, uprooted from their land as part of the drive to ensure the right habitat for the Tiger.

The Kanha National Park is indeed a place that is bound to send pulsating shivers of adventure through your spine. Its verdant and beautiful forests, streams and meadows are not only a haven for its magnificent wildlife; it is sheer joy for the visitors too. Time spent in the pristine environs of Kanha National Park will always give the nostalgic fragrance of fresh air whenever you think back.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to Kanha for a spectacular vacation now! This mind-blowing destination is one of the top 7 wildlife destinations in India and is also best enjoyed for wildlife photography. While you are here, make sure you stay at Sterling Kanha and enjoy the perks of luxury with Sterling Holidays.