Central India is known for its unique and diverse geographical features such as climate, soil, vegetation and topography. The numerous hill ranges support a wide variety of flora and fauna. Wildlife destinations in Central India are a perfect getaway for those looking to explore the region’s rich biodiversity.
Kanha National Park
The lush forests and greenery of Kanha inspired Rudyard Kipling so profoundly that he based his famous work, The Jungle Book, on it. One of the main attractions inside the park is Bamni Dadar, popularly known as the Sunset Point, famed for its breathtaking views. Kanha is prime tiger territory, and spotting tigers is the biggest highlight here. Other major wildlife attractions include bison, Barasingha, barking deer, blackbuck, Nilgai, mouse deer, sloth bear, jackal, fox, porcupine, hyena, jungle cat, python, mongoose and leopard.
Bandhavgarh National Park
The park is named after Bandhavgarh, the highest hill in the centre of the reserve. It is also the site where the famous White Tigers of Rewa were first discovered. Through elephant and jeep safaris, visitors can get a closer look at the jungle and its varied wildlife including jungle cats, hyenas, porcupines, ratels and many other mammals.
Pench Wildlife Sanctuary
The park derives its name from the Pench River, which flows through the reserve. Kala Pahar is the highest point here, rising up to 650 m. Pench is home to a diverse range of wildlife and is particularly famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger. Other animals found here include Dhole, wolf, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, chital and more. A river ride on the Pench River is one of the best experiences in the sanctuary.
Bori Wildlife Sanctuary
It is one of the oldest forest reserves in India. Its diverse flora and vegetation serve as the natural habitat for animals such as the tiger, leopard, hyena, jackal, wild dog, Indian fox, chital, sambar, nilgai, chinkara, gazelle, jungle cat and the four-horned antelope — all of which can be seen roaming freely in the wild.
Other notable sanctuaries worth visiting include Panna National Park, Satpura National Park, Indravati National Park, Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary and several others.
