If at all the beast master-tiger is to be seen in all its pomp and power, there is only one destination to head for- Kanha National Park. Located in Mandla District of Madhya Pradesh, this exotic land of the wild spreads over 1945 sq. km area in the form of a horseshoe shaped valley with extensive plateaus, steep rocky escarpments and dense forests. Sal is the main vegetation of Kanha with clumps of wild bamboo and a mixture of Haldu and Birja trees at the higher reaches. Best known for the tiger it protects, the park is also notable for being the last refuge of the remaining ‘hard ground’ race of swamp deer.

Kanha is packed with a wide range of wildlife, many of which are find trapped in the pages of Kippling’s classic-the ‘Jungle Book’ including the tiger, panther, python,the wolves and the bear. Other major attractions of the park include the gaur, sambar, chital, black buck, Indian deer, and chausingha, the only four horned antelope in the world.

A visit to Kanha National Park remains incomplete without enjoying the spectrum of avian species. Some of the common birds seen in the area are storks, teals, pintails, pond herons, egrets, peacock, pea fowl, jungle fowl, patridges, quails, ring doves, fly catchers and many species of pigeons.

The best way to savor the wild of Kanha is at the back of an elephant. Jeeps are also available to tour the park. But if you really want to have a glimpse of the predator than a elephant ride is must. The ideal time to visit the place is the period between February and June. Raipur is the nearest airport located at a distance of 219 km and Nagpur 266-km away.