10 Amazing Animals to Spot on Your Kanha Jungle Safari

Top 10 Animals to Spot in Kanha National Park 

Kanha National Park, spread over Madhya Pradesh’s Maikal range of hills and boasting a core area of 940 square kilometres, promises unforgettable wild adventures if you want to break free from the daily grind. On your Kanha Jungle Safari, while exploring dense forests, lush meadows, and gurgling streams, you'll encounter not only the majestic Bengal tiger but also a diverse array of exotic wildlife. 

The safari will give you a unique chance to catch glimpses of striking birds, rare plants, mysterious reptiles, and fascinating insects. The Kanha National Park wildlife population comprises both herbivores and carnivores, and you will have a wonderful time sighting them around the reserve's valleys, slopes, and plateaus.

10 Animals You Cannot Miss on a Kanha Jungle Safari 

Though there is no denying the role played by luck and timing when it comes to spotting wild animals, a well-planned and expertly guided Kanha Kesari jungle safari will help you sight the following wonders of nature.

Bengal Tiger

If you've ever wondered which animal Kanha National Park is famous for, the answer is the majestic Bengal tiger.

Dominating the food chain at the reserve, Bengal tigers can measure 7 to 9 feet in length and 100 to 230 kilos in weight. Powerful and capable of exceptional camouflage, these wild cats are famed for their brilliant orange coats, distinct black stripes on the body, and unique facial markings. They mainly prey on chital and sambar deer, as well as wild boars.

How many tigers in Kanha National Park?

The area is home to a significant tiger population, with the estimated number, including all subspecies, believed to be around 500. However, exact figures may vary based on official wildlife census reports.

Indian Leopard 

With their spotted coats blending effortlessly into the earthy hues of the forest, Indian leopards are agile, swift, and formidable predators. Remarkably strong, they can drag prey much heavier than themselves and are often spotted resting in trees. These solitary, nocturnal hunters are highly adaptable, thriving in diverse environments. Though smaller than Bengal tigers, male leopards typically grow between 4 to 5 feet in length, with females being slightly smaller.

Barasingha 

Also identified as swamp deer, Barasingha is one of the must-spot herbivores on a typical Kanha National Park safari. Once on the verge of extinction due to disease, hunting, and loss of habitat, this graceful deer species is now witnessing a revival, thanks to the reserve’s thoughtful efforts and breeding programmes. Excellent jumpers and swimmers, Barasingha deer have elegant antlers that feature 12-tined sets (only seen in males), golden-brown coats, and two-toed hooves.

Sloth Bear

Spotting omnivorous sloth bears on your Kanha jungle safari can be quite a thrill—but from a distance! Featuring shaggy black coats and known for being noisy, sloth bears often attack without warning. They have a heightened sense of smell and are easier to spot during late evenings or cloudy days. Sharp-clawed, sloth bears tend to climb trees to shake off fruits or steal honey from beehives and can also suck up termites from even deep mounds.  

Chital or Spotted Deer

A gorgeous spotted coat makes these deer the perfect subject of wildlife photography in Kanha National Park. You will usually find them in large numbers, grazing, resting, or moving in a single file. The males of the species boast stunning antlers too, which add to their charm. While male chital deer can weigh anywhere between 70 and 90 kilos, females are smaller, at 40 to 60 kilos. 

Sambar Deer

Large yet gentle, sambar deer are bound to delight your senses among all the Kanha National Park wildlife you spot on a safari. Catch them foraging in verdant meadows, distinguished by chestnut marks on the rump and underparts. Yellowish brown or dark grey coats help these deer to merge with their surroundings. The males stand out with their large, simple antlers, though. Generally preyed upon by Bengal tigers, sambal deer contribute significantly to the ecosystem.

Gaur or Indian Bison 

Massive and incredibly muscular, the gaur is the largest among wild cattle and makes for impressive sightings during a Kanha jungle safari. Indian bison, also known as gaur, are distinguished by their convex, high ridge between the horns, large ears, a prominent ridge along their back, and sharp, pointed hooves. These features contribute to their imposing presence and remarkable agility in the wild.

Adult males are dark brown or black in colour, while females and young ones have a paler shade. During the mating season, gaurs usually roam around in small herds.

Langur 

Mostly grey, with black faces and long tails, the langurs of Kanha are a lively bunch. They are active on the ground as well as in trees and can take massive leaps. You will catch langurs feasting mostly on fruits, seeds, shoots, grass, lichens, leaves, and mosses. This species is particularly fascinating due to its wide range of vocalisations, including whoops, barks, screams, grunts, hiccups, honks, and rumbles, each serving a unique purpose in different situations.

Dhole or Indian Wild Dog 

Extremely social and intelligent, dholes live in big clans comprising more than one breeding female. On a Kanha National Park safari, if you are lucky, you might catch them hunting in packs. Dholes generally prey on mammals with hooves, like wild goats, deer, wild pigs, and even buffaloes. Their special characteristics include reddish fur, fluffy tails, slender limbs, and a hyena-like face. Dholes also whistle like red foxes, besides producing sounds like yapping, screaming, whining, and growling. 

Wild Boar

Also known as feral pigs, wild boars are easy to find in Kanha National Park. They thrive in various environments and have thick, bulky bodies. Black hooves, coarse coats, and long snouts are some of the distinct features of wild boars. Their facial tusks act as weapons during a fight. While males weigh around 200 to 220 pounds, females are usually between 150 and 170 pounds. These omnivores consume everything from fruits, nuts, and plants to insects, bird eggs, and even small animals.

Conclusion 

From majestic Bengal tigers, chital deer, and leopards to elusive sloth bears, dholes, and gaurs, a Kanha jungle safari offers countless wildlife encounters. Keep an eye out for fascinating reptiles like monitor lizards, pythons, Indian kraits, and fan-throated lizards. Bird enthusiasts will also be delighted by sightings of eagles, egrets, jungle fowls, flycatchers, warblers, hornbills, woodpeckers, and many more feathery wonders.

Just be sure to book your vacation at a resort that offers modern comforts, a serene retreat, and well-organised Kanha jungle safaris. 

Choose The Celebration Van Vilas to Admire Kanha National Park Wildlife Up Close

Wake up to the magical scents, sights, and sounds of nature when you stay at The Celebration Van Vilas Kanha. Inspired by the region’s heritage, the resort boasts warm hues, natural materials, and spacious, beautifully furnished rooms. Elegant designs, luxurious décor, and modern amenities like LED televisions, air conditioning, coffee makers, and safety lockers make for an unforgettable experience. Manicured lawns and a lavish hall are also available for you to host special events. Most importantly, knowledgeable and experienced guides can guide you through adrenaline-fuelled Kanha jungle safaris so that you can connect with nature like never before.

For more information, you can contact us through our website or shoot an email to kanha@celebrationworld.in. Or give us a ring on 8966900211 for reservations.