Part of the Satpura-Maikal Hills in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is spread over 940 sq km of dense Sal forest and Bamboo groves interspersed with the huge meadows. Kanha National Park forms the core area of the larger Kanha Tiger Reserve that is spread over 1945 sq km and was created in 1974 under Project Tiger. Kanha's topography and geology together give Kanha the habitat richness and biodiversity. The range of elevation is 450m to 900m. The bauxite-capped hills sport extensive plateau regions, locally called as dadar, which carry extensive grasslands with only sparse tree growth.

In the 1930s, Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries, Hallon (250 sq km) and Banjar (300 sq km). In 1955, through a special legislation, 249 sq km of Kanha Valley was declared as a National Park. Subsequently, other areas were added to the Park and finally under the Project Tiger an area of 0 sq km was declared as a National Park. Since then, several conservation programmes have been implemented in Kanha for its diverse flora and fauna. As a result, Kanha is considered one of the best and the finest wildlife areas of India.




Kanha's moist and dry deciduous forest is mainly dominated by the magnificent Sal (Shorea robusta) trees along with other species like Saja (Terminalia tomentosa), Tendu (Diospyros tomentosa), Palash (Butea monosperma), Mahua (Madhuca latifolia), Amaltas (Cassia fistula), Amla (Embelica officinalis), Shirish (Dalbergia latifolia), etc. This is in addition to several species of shrubs and herbs. The woody lianas of Camel's Foot climber, Bauhinia wahlii, and Butea superba are spread exquisitely over the forest trees.

Though the Tiger is the main attraction in Kanha, the forest also harbours other mammals like hard-ground Barasingha, Gaur, Indian Wild Dog (Dhole), Leopard, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Hanuman Langur, Jackal, Wild Boar, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Ratel and Indian Porcupine. Kanha is only habitat in Central India where the sub-species of Swamp Deer (hard-ground Barasingha) Rucervus duvaucelii branderi are found. There is perhaps no better place in India to sight the Tiger as in Kanha!