This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.
Kanha National Park
BetaA flagship Central Indian tiger reserve of sal forest and open meadows, and the last stronghold of the hard-ground barasingha.
Why this place matters
Flagship Central Indian tiger reserve and last stronghold of the hard-ground barasingha, with globally recognised conservation success and high ecological value for sal forest ecosystems.
The wildlife
TigerENEndangeredHigh-density Bengal tiger population in sal forests and open meadows; strong chance of daytime sightings in core zones.
BarasinghaVUVulnerableLast stronghold of the hard-ground swamp deer; a conservation success story, with visible herds on the maidans.
LeopardNTNear ThreatenedElusive but regularly recorded along forest edges and hilly terrain.
DholeENEndangeredPacks of wild dog hunt chital and other prey; occasionally seen on grasslands and forest tracks.
GaurVUVulnerableLarge herds frequent meadows and forest clearings, especially around water.
Sloth BearVUVulnerablePresent across the reserve; mostly crepuscular and nocturnal but sometimes encountered on tracks.
The wider field list, with current IUCN Red List status.
Mammals
- Barasingha (swamp deer)Rucervus duvauceliiVUVulnerable
- Bengal tigerPanthera tigris tigrisENEndangered
- DholeCuon alpinusENEndangered
- Gaur (Indian bison)Bos gaurusVUVulnerable
Sambar deerRusa unicolorVUVulnerable- Sloth bearMelursus ursinusVUVulnerable
Chital (spotted deer)Axis axisLCLeast Concern- Indian leopardPanthera pardus fuscaNTNear Threatened
Birds
Crested serpent eagleSpilornis cheelaLCLeast Concern
Indian rollerCoracias benghalensisNTNear Threatened
Raptor
Reptiles
King cobraOphiophagus hannahVUVulnerable
Bengal monitorVaranus bengalensisNTNear Threatened
Common kraitBungarus caeruleusLCLeast Concern
Indian rock pythonPython molurusNTNear Threatened
300+ bird species recorded. Notable birds include Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Roller, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and Changeable Hawk-Eagle. Reptiles include Indian Rock Python, Monitor Lizard, Common Krait and Spectacled Cobra.
Plan your visit
Winter brings peak bird diversity and soft light in misty meadows; in the hot pre-monsoon months, tigers and barasingha concentrate around shrinking water in the open maidans.
- Zones
- Kanha, Kisli, Mukki and Sarhi
- Safari
- jeep
- Typical sightings
- Tigers, barasingha herds on open maidans, chital and sambar, gaur, occasional dhole packs and sloth bear.
- Light and terrain
- Open grassland maidans offer clear sightlines and warm sidelight at dawn and dusk, while sal interiors are shaded with high contrast.
- Hides
- No permanent tourist hides; photography is from authorised vehicles on designated routes.
- Good to know
- Fixed morning and evening safari slots with limited vehicles per zone; core zones closed 1 Jul to 30 Sep; entry only with advance permits via the MP Forest booking portal.