Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park
1 Week In Tiger Country - Visit Bandhavgarh and Kanha for 250 Species
Overview
The forests of Central India have long been a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts, and the tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh even more so. Not only do these national parks have a high density of tigers, resulting in better sightings, but they are also home to a wide variety of landscapes, meaning that you get the maximum number of birds and animals possible in these areas.
Kanha National Park is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh, India. Created in 1955, the tiger reserve has significant populations of tiger, sloth bear, and leopard, as well as other mammals, as well as around 300 species of birds. The Southern Swamp Deer (or Hard-ground Barasingha) is found only in Kanha, although relocation efforts are underway in other places in central India.
Named after the Bandhavgarh Fort that now stands inside the park, Bandhavgarh National Park has one of the highest tiger densities in India. Originally the hunting ground for the Maharaja of Rewa, the tiger reserve was declared a national park in 1968. Apart from tigers, the park also boasts a healthy population of leopards, sloth bears, and other mammals, as well as more than 250 species of birds.
Exploring tiger country for a week
Kanha and Bandhavgarh will always hold a special place in my heart. Despite growing up in Madhya Pradesh, a state famous for its amazing tiger reserves, I was never really interested in wildlife. But a few summers back, just after I was done with school and before I was to start college, my parents decided to reward my good marks with a trip to a tiger reserve. Nature, they said, was the perfect way to relax. Perhaps it was fate that these tiger reserves should be the destinations for my first wildlife trip.
This was the trip in which I fell in love with nature. From the indescribable beauty of the tiger to the many birds of Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh that we saw, from Malabar Pied Hornbills to Indian Rollers to Egyptian Vultures, everything was just too good to be true. Not only did I get to see my first big cats (tiger and leopard), but thanks to the amazing guides that I had during my safaris, I also got into birdwatching.
Watching the habitats change, from evergreen forests to meadows, and scrub patches, was amazing. I had no idea that a single wild place could be so diverse. A little tip for travelers here: do not concentrate only on the big cats during your tiger safari at Kanha or Bandhavgarh. There are so many other interesting animals here, from Barasingha and Gaur to Wild Boar and Sloth Bears. Visitors to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve should not miss the Shesh Saya, a beautiful statue of Lord Vishnu, in the most serene surroundings.
Those doing a Kanha National Park safari should definitely visit the interpretation center, where a beautiful sculpture made of shed deer antlers welcomes you, and you, like me, can learn more about Kanha’s history.
In addition, I also had the chance to admire the beautiful landscape, architecture, and rural lifestyle of Central India, all in the comfort of unique accommodation of beautiful ecolodges with excellent hospitality.
In short, Kanha and Bandhavgarh offer you great sightings of tigers and other animals, a great birdwatching experience, all with a beautiful landscape, and excellent accommodation and hospitality.
Please Note, the Acronyms in Bird Species
R stands for Resident Birds
S stands for Summer
W stands for Winter
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tuli Tiger Resort
Fly from Delhi to Jabalpur in the morning. Your adventure begins as you drive from Jabalpur to Kanha National Park (a 4-hour drive). You will have the rest of the day at leisure to freshen up, chat with the in-house naturalist, or do a little more homework before you begin your tiger quest.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Tuli Tiger Resort
Explore the beautiful wilderness of Kanha National Park, and search for the stunning Tiger, with morning and afternoon safaris. This tiger haven is the largest national park in Central India and is home not only to Tigers, Leopards, and Sloth Bears, but also to the Hard-ground Barasingha (also known as the Southern Swamp Deer). From the lush evergreen Sal forests to the Kanha meadows, this park has a variety of habitats, each with its own unique mix of birds and mammals.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Tiger, Leopard, Golden Jackal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Hard-ground Barasingha, Changeable Hawk-Eagle(R), Crested Serpent Eagle(R), Indian Peafowl(R), Red Junglefowl(R), Red-naped Ibis(R), Yellow-footed Green Pigeon(R), Jungle Owlet(R), Sirkeer Malkoha(S)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Tuli Tiger Resort
Continue your journey in Kanha with another round of morning and evening safaris. Kanha is divided into four zones, each with its own unique landmarks and landscapes. Don’t forget to ask your guide and driver about Kanha. They are highly knowledgeable and their expertise is invaluable to your experience. If time permits, visit the interpretation center, where you can learn more about Kanha’s history and wildlife
Overnight stay.
Key species: Tiger, Leopard, Golden Jackal, Hard-ground Barasingha, Gaur, Sambar, Oriental Honey Buzzard (R), Shikra (R), Orange-headed Thrush (R), White-rumped Shama (R)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Monsoon Forest
From one beautiful Central Indian forest to another. Today, we move from Kanha to Bandhavgarh National Park (a 4-hour drive). Bandhavgarh may not be as large an area as Kanha, but the park boasts one of the highest tiger densities in India. You will have the rest of the day at leisure to freshen up, relax, or even do a little birdwatching in the resort grounds.
Overnight Stay.
Key species: Indian White-eye (R), Laughing Dove (R), Spotted Dove (R), Indian Golden Oriole (R), Crested Honey Buzzard (R), Black Drongo (R), White-bellied Drongo (R)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Monsoon Forest
Continue exploring the Tiger’s domain, and learn more about the big cat, its fellow forest dwellers, and the forest that it lives in, with morning and evening safaris. Apart from being home to India’s national animal, birding in Bandhavgarh is also a delight. A variety of habitats, including forest, grassland, cliffs, and ponds, ensures a rich diversity of birdlife.
Overnight Stay.
Key species: Tiger, Leopard, Golden Jackal, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Sambar, Lesser Adjutant (R), White-naped Woodpecker (R), Black-rumped Flameback (R), Malabar Pied Hornbill (R), Black-hooded Oriole (R), Egyptian Vulture (S), Indian Vulture (R), Changeable Hawk-Eagle (R), Shikra (R), White-eyed Buzzard (R)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Monsoon Forest
Enjoy two more safaris today, which will not only increase your chances of seeing some amazing Indian wildlife but will also help you learn more about the history and wildlife of Bandhavgarh. If time permits, you can also visit the Shesh Saiya, a magnificent statue of Lord Vishnu sleeping on a seven-headed cobra.
Overnight stay
Key species: Tiger, Leopard, Golden Jackal, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Ruddy Mongoose, Bengal Monitor, Indian Nuthatch (R), Yellow-crowned Woodpecker (R), Indian Cuckoo (R), Pied Myna (R)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Sadly, all journeys have an end, and this is the conclusion of your adventurous quest in search of the Tiger and its fellow jungle denizens. Transfer to Jabalpur airport (a 3.5-hour drive) for your connecting flight back home.
Highlights
- Explore Central India’s most popular tiger reserves
- Great opportunities to see and photograph big cats like Leopard and Tiger
- Wide variety of other mammals, including Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barasingha, Gaur and more
- Rich bird diversity and great birding experience
- Stay in some of the region’s best ecolodges
- Experience the landscape, architecture and rural lifestyle of Central India
Included
- Accommodation on twin triple sharing basis Meals as per the itinerary
- 04 Jeep Safaris in Kanha National Park 04 Jeep Safaris in Bhandavgarh National park
- All surface transfers by a private vehicle All taxes
Video
Location
Tour Experience
Exploring the Enchanting Wilderness of Kanha
There's something profoundly captivating about the untamed beauty of nature, where every rustle of leaves and every distant call of the wild echo a story waiting to be discovered. Recently, I had the privilege of embarking on a wildlife expedition to Kanha National Park with Asian Adventures, and it was nothing short of a mesmerizing journey into the heart of India's rich biodiversity.
Nestled in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park stands as a sanctuary for an astonishing array of flora and fauna, offering a glimpse into the world that exists beyond our urban landscapes. The excitement was palpable as we ventured into this sprawling expanse of lush greenery, guided by experienced naturalists from Asian Adventures who shared their deep understanding and passion for the wilderness.
The park's diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows and serene water bodies, create the perfect habitat for an impressive variety of wildlife. The highlight of our journey was encountering the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, the undisputed rulers of these lands. Witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was a truly humbling experience, a moment that will forever remain etched in my memory.
But Kanha is not just about tigers; it's a haven for countless other species. The melodious symphony of birds, the graceful gait of spotted deer, and the playful antics of langurs swinging from tree to tree—all contributed to the magical tapestry of the jungle.
Asian Adventures, with their commitment to responsible ecotourism, ensured that our exploration was not intrusive to the delicate balance of nature. Their eco-friendly practices and emphasis on conservation resonated deeply, adding value to the experience by fostering a sense of stewardship towards these precious ecosystems.
Beyond the thrill of wildlife sightings, the moments of tranquility spent amidst the serene landscapes were equally rejuvenating. The stillness of the morning mist and the golden hues of the setting sun painted a picture of serenity that offered a profound escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
As I reminisce about this trip, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to immerse myself in the wonders of the natural world. It's a reminder of the urgent need to preserve these habitats and protect the magnificent creatures that call them home.
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