Madhya Pradesh’s naturally beautiful Kanha and Jabalpur
Walk through the forest habitat and experience the scenic beauty of White Marble in the moonlight.
Kanha Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh’s largest national park is home to barasinghas - Madhya Pradesh’s state animal and a deer species that was brought back from the brink of extinction in addition to tigers and other wildlife. The southern swamp deer (barasingha), which is found only in Kanha Tiger Reserve, has seen its population increase slowly since the 1980s and now is on the road to recovery. The reserve sees two rivers flow through it - the perennial Halon and the seasonal Banjar - which give the wildlife places to congregate during hot summers and leave you with great spots at which to see the animals bison, nilgai, gaur, chital, hyena, jackal and wild hare can all be found in the park, alongside
peafowl and owl, cobras, saw-scaled vipers and Indian pythons are what you have to look out for on the forest floor, in addition to 18 rare species of plants that can be found in the reserve.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to June is the best time to visit the park. During the monsoon rains, the park remains shut.
GETTING THERE:
Jabalpur is the closest airport, with a four to fivehour car ride after landing to get to the national park.
Jabalpur (Bhedaghat)
Did you know the city of Jabalpur is where the game now known as snooker, originated? This is but one of the several interesting things about this cultural capital of Madhya Pradesh. One of Jabalpur’s most famous sights is the marble rock formation at Bhedaghat (26 km away), which changes form as the River Narmada sculpts it with her flowing waters. You might fall in love with the view of the 100ft- high mountains here, but the real star here is the Chausath Yogini Temple, which counts among the most ancient heritage sites in the country.
Speaking of amour, the Dhuandhar Falls (30 km away) will have you on your knees. Its ferocious roar, coupled with its gentle beauty, makes it one of the crown jewels of Jabalpur.
The city’s imperial history is romanced by the nature that surrounds it. The massive Dumna Nature Reserve Park (10 km away) is utterly beautiful, and a great picnic and fishing spot for families. Jabalpur also has one of the tallest sitting statues of Lord Shiva in India, standing at a whopping 76ft. Soak up the history of the city by visiting the Madan Mahal Fort (12 km away) and Hanumantal Jain Mandir.
You can also visit
TilwaraGhat, where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed. An interesting illusion created by nature, the famous Balancing Rock is a great place to visit and makes for interesting photographs. And do not miss the ancient inscriptions of the Edicts of Ashoka at Rupnath (84 km; www.asibhopal.nic.in).
But, if the way to your heart is through good food instead, make sure to bite into the famous gakkad-bharta and khoyaki jalebi unique to Jabalpur. We won’t judge you if you find yourself trying to smuggle jalebi into your luggage on your way home.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to June is the best time to visit.
GETTING THERE: Jabalpur has its own airport and railway station.