Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park are two popular National Parks located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The following is a comparison between these two National Parks to help you choose where to visit. Let’s read.
Kanha National Park vs Bandhavgarh National Park
Area
Kanha National Park is one of the largest National Parks in India. In the state of Madhya Pradesh, it is the largest. Kanha National Park has an area of nearly 940 sq km. Bandhavgarh National Park is nearly half the size of Kanha National park. It has an area of around 450 sq km.
Established
Kanha National Park was established in the year 1955. It is older than Bandhavgarh National Park which was established in 1968.
Tiger population
The Tiger population in Kanha Tiger Reserve is estimated at 105 (2022 census). In Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, there are around 135 tigers. Since Bandhavgarh is smaller in area than Kanha but has more tigers, it is a better option to visit if you are interested in Tiger sightings.
Animals in Kanha National Park
The large animals in Kanha National Park are – Bengal Tiger, Sloth bear, Chital, Sambar, Barasingha, Dhole, Chousingha, Gaur, Langur, Jackal, Striped hyena, Indian leopard, etc.
Kanha National Park is especially famous for its Barasinghas (Swamp deers). Barasingha is a threatened species of deer found only in a few places in India and Nepal.
Animals in Bandhavgarh National Park
The large animals in Bandhavgarh National Park are – Bengal Tiger, Indian leopard, Sloth bear, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chausingha, Bengal fox, Gaur, Chinkara, Indian wolf, etc.
Recently, herds of wild elephants have started moving inside the Bandhavgarh area from the neighbouring Chhattisgarh state.
Best time to visit
For Tiger sightings, the best time is the dry summer months April and May. For families, October to January is the best time to visit. Winter is the best time for birdwatching in both Kanha and Bandhavgarh.
Tree species
Sal and Bamboo are the two main tree species in both these National Parks. According to guides, Sal and Bamboo make up nearly 60% – 70% of these National Parks. Other tree species include Saja, Dhaora, Arjun, Tendu, East Indian satinwood, Salai, Gamhar, Dhaman, Khair, Kusum, Haldu, Indian siris, Peepal, Banyan, etc.
Location
Both Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks are located in the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh, around 200 kilometers apart north to south.
(Also read: Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh – Indian states comparison | Rajasthan vs MP)
How to reach Kanha National Park
- Gondia railway station is around 120 km from Kanha National Park.
- The city of Jabalpur is around 130 km from Kanha.
- Nagpur is around 270 km.
- Raipur, Chhattisgarh is around 180 km.
- Road connectivity is good.
How to reach Bandhavgarh National Park
- Umaria railway station is 35 km from Bandhavgarh National Park.
- The city of Rewa is around 140 km from Bandhavgarh.
- The city of Jabalpur is around 180 km.
- Road connectivity is good.
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