Life, Art & History of Kanaha National Park

There is a very much kept historical museum inside the Kanha National Park. This is the spot from where you can gather information about the right geography of the park and details about all the species in the park. The best an ideal time to visit this historical center is in the daytime it takes one hour time to cover the whole gallery.

• You can take pictures inside the museum as cameras are allowed
• The museum exhibits skeletons of several carnivores, reptiles, and herbivores
• It is open to the public throughout the day
• An overview of the tribal culture of the region is also included among the exhibited displays

Wildlife of Kanha National Park

Kanha national park have rich faunal diversity. Here we can find about 297 bird species, more than 32 mammal species and many reptile species. Here we can find 10 varieties of Angiosperms (flowering plants) belonging to 506 benera and 134 families. We can also find 22 species of Pteridophyte belonging to 14 genera and 14 families.

• Popular carnivores of Kanha tiger reserve are Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Fox, Hyaena, Jackal etc
• Main herbivores, found in Kanha are deer, Barasingha, Sambar, Langur, Gaur Four-horned antelope etc
• Bird species which includes wetland birds, nocturnal birds, birds of prey, ground feeding birds etc
• Tiger reserve also offers ideal habitat to reptiles, feathered bipes, amphibians, fishes, insects etc

The Zones & The Entrance Gates

While doing any wildlife trip, jungle safari drive is the most important part of trip. For Kanha jungle safari drives you need to book separately entrance ticket, safari vehicle and safari guide. Tourists are permitted in only about 20% of Kanha National Park. Visitors can visit the park from October to June.

• The Kanha Tiger Reserve has four zones – Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi
• Khatia, Khapa, and Sijhora zones are in the buffer area
• Visitors to the Kanha Tiger Reserve need to carry the original documents of an official ID proof
• At the Kanha Zone, the safari is closed for visitors on Wednesdays

Lifestyle of Tribals

The forest of the Kanha Tiger Reserve was inhibited by two indigenous tribes of Central India, the Gonds and the Baigas. Before 19th century, the area was being ruled by the Gond dynasty since many centuries. Both the Baiga and Gond tribes were being dominated at that area. They had good knowledge of the animals and their behaviors.

• They live in plain mud cottages and lives without electricity
• They believe in basic, simple and regular living
• For a long time, they have utilized herbs from the timberland to make their medications
• They have beautiful tradition, and celebrate many festivals

Safari Safety Tips

Every safari has an element of danger; that's what makes it exciting. While many of the animals you'll encounter can be dangerous. it is extremely important to follow certain rules and regulations so that one does not spoil the nature's beauty and does not disturbs our wildlife animals. Remember to stay in your vehicle at all times.

• Don’t watch an animal at close range
• If you are on a walking safari stay downwind from the animals to keep them from catching your scent
• If you encounter an animal that doesn’t like your presence move back slowly and quietly
• Don’t walk around at night and don’t leave your tent at night

Have you seen The Colony of Pythons at Kanha?

Did you know that there is another reason to visit Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh? Tourists visit here to witness the iconic Bengal Tigers and rich variety of flora and fauna species. If you are planning to visit Kanha National Park this winter, don’t forget to visit Kakaiya village located in Anjaniya forest region which is located around 1-2 km from Kanha’s buffer zone. Tourists from different parts of India are getting there all the way to witness Ajgar Dadar.

Thousands of hundreds of pythons are found here in 2 acres of landscapes in Kakaiya Gram. You can easily witness pythons of all sizes from small to large ones. These pythons are listed under ‘very rare species’ by experts here. They are also focusing on the conservation of these species.

According to a forest official, conservation measures are being prepared to protect these pythons. If locals are to be believed, these pythons call this area their home over several years. They are mostly spotted during winters.

Why do These Pythons Live Here?

Igneous rocks are scattered around 5 to 7 acres of this region which have wide cracks. According to the forest officials, these rocks have huge cracks making enough space for pythons to live here. A python can stay at one place for several months. Wildlife experts believe that pythons don’t hunt another prey for several months after getting full. They can survive at their den for several months without eating.

Forest officers claim that it’s the first time in India when such a huge colony of pythons is found. When asked why so many pythons live here, they said these serpents can easily find their prey here. Rats are their favorite prey. This place has crumbled soil which is an ideal breeding ground for rats. This is the reason why such a huge number of pythons are found here.

What is Ajgar Dadar?

For your information, Ajgar Dadar is a rare species of python which comes out of their burrows only in winters for getting some sunlight. In addition, it is also the season for their breeding. Most of the time, these pythons live alone and gather in groups only when they have to reproduce. The geographical conditions of this region are ideal for these pythons. This is why they are found in such a huge number here.

This is the reason why this area is called Ajgar Dadar. It has been declared as a conserved area by the forest department. However tourists still visit there to see these rock pythons. According to the officials in the Forest Department, this place has up to 2000 pythons. They are mostly found in a group of 8 to 10 pythons.

Kanha National Park is already famous for its natural beauty and favorable atmosphere. A lot of tourists visit here to spot several wildlife species. Ajgar Dadar is another tourist attraction you may visit.