A Learning Visit to Kanha Kisli
Kanha National Park also known as Kanha Kisli among the locals is a wildlife heaven in Madhya Pradesh in India. It is also called tiger reserve because it is a conservation unit governed by the state and fund Central Government and some NGOs.
The name of Kisli is often associated with the park because in earlier times the Kisli range was popular with tourists being adjacent to the Kanha range and hence the destination was called by the name mentioned in the title. This name is less popular in this decade but Kisli comprises of one of the four zones in the core or critical tiger habitat. The other two zones are Sarhi and Mukki. Among these Kanha Zone was most popular well not any more. The popularity of zones keep on shifting depending upon the possibility of tiger sighting. Yes the big cat is in the main focus among the visitor.
But the destination is home to many enchanting creatures that attract the visitors for a holistic enjoyment and relaxation. The park is like and open book with so much to experience and learn from nature. In order to assist the guides and naturalists, the interpretation centers at Kanha and Khatia are important. With active participation in safaris, lectures organised by the hotels and visiting the interpretation centers you discover this ecosystem and the nature itself.
People with keen sense of grasping the new understand this amazing ecosystem quickly. Many people become converts on first visit and begin to grasp the ethos of conservation and environment protection. Yes all these activities are connected and so is the protection of wildlife with the tiger as the apex predator. Those who come here only for recreation and fun leave without learning much as most of the time they prefer to laze around in the wildlife resorts.
There is a natural trail organized by the department that is the only option to experience the park on foot. The trip is accompanied by the guide and he acts as interpreter of nature. This is good way to learn about the flora and fauna of the park. Nature trails are also organized by the private resorts in the periphery in company of the lodge naturalist. This walk is mainly focused on the avian species and the flora. This is also revealing about the lifestyle of the locals in the vicinity and their relationship with the co-inhabitants the wild animals and birds.
In order to enjoy excursions in the park or tiger safari you need to book a permit. It is not possible to enter the tourism area without a proper permit. Safaris are allowed in the open jeeps registered with the department. You can also visit on canter which is a twelve seater van.
The permits for jeep safaris have to be booked in advance. The morning and evening safari permits for Kanha can be booked online. This can be done at MPOnline site owned by the State Government. The procedure is simple and you can also ask the tour operator or the hotels whos services you are using.
The prerequisites for safari permit booking are simple. You have to furnish Photo ID or passport personal details if you are from overseas. The jeeps are maximum six seater and all tourists who are planning a safari with you have to furnish the details. This should be done much in advance to avoid rush as the entries are limited. The online reservation is the best method although permits are available at the entry gates as well. But by the time your reach the gate at the destination the permits could have been exhausted.