The Kanha kaleidoscope....

Kanha is simply one of the most enchanting forests of India, spread across the districts of Balaghat and Mandla, in the state of Madhya Pradesh. One of the last bastions of the Indian Swamp Deer and providing sanctuary to a thriving population of wild tigers in India, Kanha is a land of magic and wonder.

The forest comprises of a variety of landscape and vegetation, making it a treasure trove of biodiversity. Towering Sal trees give way to rolling grasslands, popularly known as meadows, while countless rivers and brooks provide perennial source of water. The verdant forests of Kanha provide safe haven to a multitude of animals and birds, including the signature hard ground Barasingha or the Swamp Deer. The throbbing heart of Kanha however continues to be its enigmatic tigers, some of whom have etched their names on the minds of wild life lovers for eternity.

Kanha is divided into four major zones, viz. Kisli, Kanha, Mukki and Sarhi. Each zone is blessed with stunning landscapes and vistas and teeming with wildlife. While Mukki and Kanha top the charts for tiger sightings, Kisli and Sarhi also have strong population of tigers and other wildlife such as sloth bears, leopards, spotted deer, sambars and Indian bison.

After countless visits to this forest, here's an ode to one of my favorite patches of wilderness...The Kanha Kaleidoscope...

While there are a number of hotels across Kanha, both at Mukki as well as Kisli gate, my favorite haunt is Pugmark Resort in Kisli. A budget, yet value for money property operated by one of the most endearing families I have known. Their warm smiles and impeccable hospitality shall draw you back to this place over and over again.

A quick verification of your permits at the forest gate and you are all set to enter the land of the tiger

The great Banyan Tree that welcomes you at the entrance of the Kisli gate looks ethereal on a cold winter morning

One of the innumerable seasonal rivers that dissects the Kanha landscape providing life giving water and rendering some stunning landscapes

Pristine sunrises of Kanha...

The vast and expansive meadows of Bishanpura sustain large population of Spotted Deer and Barasinghas, that form the massive prey base for tigers

Kanha boasts of some gigantic male tigers. Seeing one of them walking head on is absolutely exhilarating and an experience to behold for a lifetime

Summers can be harsh in Kanha with temperatures soaring up to 48 degrees. Tigers can often be found resting in the shaded areas of the forests and waterholes to beat the heat

One of the most fearsome denizens of the forest, the Sloth Bear, is rarely sighted during the daytime, yet when they do turn up once in a while, they are beautiful to observe. The months of spring make these creatures more active, as they forage the forest floors for fruits and berries

A spot bellied eagle owl strikes a pose on a dry branch. Kanha boasts of a rich avian population and is a birder's paradise as well

Winters of Kanha are absolutely spell bounding, as a thick layer of mist cloaks the grasslands, and creates wonderful hues and colours ...

Here's what you should do when your road gets blocked by a herd of Bisons....Wait till they pass !!! Kanha has a thriving population of these beasts and they are scary to the say the least

The signature species of Kanha, the Barasingha or the Twelve Horned Antelope is a majestic creature with massive branching horns which has inspired their name. Kanha has turned out to be one of the most successful conservation stories for these beautiful creatures

Sambars are a common sight in Kanha. These large sized antelope are bold and often can be seen grazing in close proximity to the safari vehicles.

Kanha reopens for tourism soon after monsoons in the month of October. The first few weeks in October are absolutely marvelous, as the jungle drapes a lush green cloak, and water bodies are filled to the brim

The ubiquitous spotted deer can be found in massive herds, grazing across the grasslands, and form one of the most vital species for the prey base of tigers and leopards

One of the silent assassins of the forest, the Indian Wild Dog is found in packs across Kanha. Although not regularly sighted, and quietly living in the shadows of the tiger, these creatures are the perfect killing machines and take down preys may times larger than themselves through coordinated hunting techniques and relentless perseverance

The buffer forests of Kanha are spectacularly beautiful. The Phen Sanctuary which is one of the buffer regions of Kanha, boasts of magnificent landscapes and a healthy population of wild animals. A day trip to Phen would remain etched in your memory for lifetime.

As the afternoon safari draws to an end, vehicles make a beeline back to the main gate

Useful Tips for your Kanha visit

Hope you enjoyed a brief journey through the wildlife wonderland of Kanha...Here's a few useful tips for your Kanha visit.

Kanha can be approached from Raipur, Nagpur and Jabalpur conveniently and road conditions are in general good.

The bookings for Kanha can be made very easily through the MP Forest Department portal (https://forest.mponline.gov.in/). Plan for a minimum 6 safaris to enjoy the various zones and soak in their beauty. All 4 zones are wonderful and worth paying a visit. Mukki and Kanha definitely offer better chances of tiger sightings, however, Kisli and Sarhi are equally beautiful and might surprise you with spectacular sightings.

Summers are harsh and winters are bone chilling cold. The months of October, February and March offer the most salubrious weather. Tiger sightings are a matter of luck and hence don't fret too much over the same. Rather enjoy the forest in totality, and you are sure to come back with loads of wonderful moments. Book your safaris well in advance and don't expect to get tickets in case you land up without prior bookings.

There is a glut of hotels in front of both Mukki and Kisli gates, however, choose your hotels wisely according to your budget. Pugmark Resort is one of the best options in case you are planning a budget trip (http://www.pugmarkresort.com/)

Thanks for reading through...Stay safe and healthy...Signing off till my next blog