Most people come to Kanha for the tiger. But spend a few safaris here and you'll find a whole world of animals: deer herds in the meadows, wild dogs on the hunt, bison in the sal forest and colourful birds everywhere.
Here's a simple guide to the animals of Kanha National Park and your chances of seeing them.
Kanha Animals: Short List
| Animal | How often seen | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger | Good chance on 3 to 4 safaris | Kanha, Mukki and Kisli zones |
| Barasingha | Very common | Kanha meadows, Mukki swampy areas |
| Spotted deer (chital) | Almost every safari | Everywhere, especially meadows |
| Sambar | Common | Forest edges and water |
| Gaur (Indian bison) | Common | Sal forests and hill slopes |
| Langur | Almost every safari | Trees along the tracks |
| Wild boar | Common | Meadows and forest |
| Wild dog (dhole) | Sometimes | Open areas, often in packs |
| Leopard | Rare | Rocky and forest edges |
| Sloth bear | Rare | Hilly areas, early morning |
| Jackal | Sometimes | Meadows |
| Barking deer | Sometimes | Thick forest |
Tiger and Leopard
Tiger
The most loved animal of Kanha. Kanha Tiger Reserve is home to an estimated 135 to 140 tigers, and its open meadows make sightings easier than in many other parks. Read more about how many tigers are in Kanha.
Leopard
Leopards live in Kanha too, but they're shy and usually keep away from tiger areas. You're more likely to see one near rocky slopes and forest edges, often resting on a tree or a rock. If you see one, you're lucky.
Barasingha: Kanha's Special Deer
If there's one animal that's truly Kanha's own, it's the hard-ground barasingha, a swamp deer with beautiful branched antlers. Its name means "twelve horns" because of its many antler tips.
- It lives naturally only in Kanha.
- In the 1970s, fewer than 100 were left. Careful protection brought it back from the edge of extinction.
- Kanha has since helped start new herds in other parks of Madhya Pradesh.
- It's the state animal of Madhya Pradesh, and Kanha's mascot, Bhoorsingh, is a barasingha.
You'll see them grazing in the open meadows of Kanha zone and near the wetter areas of Mukki.
Deer, Bison and Other Grass-Eaters
| Animal | What to know |
|---|---|
| Spotted deer (chital) | The most common animal in Kanha. Big herds graze in the meadows. Their alarm call often warns of a tiger. |
| Sambar | India's largest deer, dark brown and heavy. Often seen near water. |
| Barking deer | Small and shy. Named for its dog-like bark. |
| Four-horned antelope (chausingha) | A small, rare antelope. The male has four small horns. |
| Gaur (Indian bison) | The biggest wild cattle in the world. Huge, dark and powerful, often seen in sal forests. Kanha gaur were even used to bring the species back to Bandhavgarh. |
| Wild boar | Common in meadows and forest, often in family groups. |
Wild Dogs, Bears and Other Animals
- Wild dog (dhole): A reddish dog that hunts in packs. Watching a pack move together is an amazing sight.
- Sloth bear: A shaggy black bear that loves termites and fruit. Best seen early in the morning on hilly tracks.
- Jackal: Often seen alone or in pairs in the meadows.
- Jungle cat: A small wild cat, sometimes seen at the edges of the grassland.
- Striped hyena and Indian fox: Present but rarely seen.
Monkeys and Small Animals
- Langur: Grey monkeys with black faces, seen on almost every safari. They often sit in trees above deer herds, and their loud call is a sign that a tiger or leopard is near.
- Rhesus macaque: Seen in some parts of the park.
- Indian porcupine, mongoose and squirrels: Small animals you often see along the tracks.
Birds of Kanha
Kanha is great for bird lovers, with around 300 kinds of birds, both resident and winter visitors.
Birds you'll often spot:
- Indian roller: bright blue wings that flash when it flies.
- Indian paradise flycatcher: a white or rufous bird with a long, ribbon-like tail.
- Racket-tailed drongo: a black bird with two long tail feathers ending in "rackets".
- Crested serpent eagle: a large eagle often sitting on a high branch.
- Red junglefowl: the wild ancestor of the farm chicken.
- Indian grey hornbill, golden oriole, woodpeckers and owls.
Tip: Carry binoculars. Winter (November to February) is the best time for birds, as migrants arrive.
Reptiles
Kanha also has reptiles such as the Indian rock python, cobra, krait, Russell's viper, rat snake and many lizards. You rarely see snakes from the safari jeep, but a python sunning itself in winter is a lucky find.
Best Time to See Animals in Kanha
| Months | What you'll see |
|---|---|
| October to November | Green forest, deer in good condition, fresh energy everywhere. |
| December to February | Great for birds and big herds. Cold mornings. |
| March to June | Best for tigers and big animals, as they gather near water. |
| July to September | Core zones closed. Buffer zones stay open. |
For a full month-by-month guide, read about the best time to visit Kanha National Park. For exact safari slots, see our Kanha safari timings.
Tips to See More Animals
- Do 3 to 4 safaris in different zones. Each zone is a little different.
- Go out early. Mornings are best for most animals and birds.
- Stay quiet. Animals stay longer when the jeep is calm.
- Listen for alarm calls. Chital, sambar and langur calls often lead to a tiger or leopard.
- Respect the animals. Never feed, call or disturb them, and keep a safe distance.
Plan Your Wildlife Safari
To pick the right zone and book your safari, read our Kanha safari booking guide. Want to know more about the park? See our Kanha National Park guide.
Want a hassle-free wildlife trip? Our Kanha tour packages include safaris in the best zones, a stay near the right gate and pickup from Jabalpur, Nagpur, Raipur or Gondia. Call or WhatsApp +91 92850 11011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which animals are found in Kanha National Park?
Kanha is home to tigers, leopards, barasingha, gaur (Indian bison), sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, wild dogs, sloth bears, jackals, wild boar, langurs and around 300 kinds of birds.
Which animal is Kanha National Park famous for?
Kanha is famous for its tigers and the hard-ground barasingha, a rare swamp deer that lives naturally only in Kanha.
What is the barasingha?
The barasingha is a swamp deer with many-branched antlers. The hard-ground barasingha lives naturally only in Kanha and is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.
Can I see a leopard in Kanha?
Yes, but it's rare. Leopards are shy and avoid tiger areas. You have a better chance on several safaris near rocky slopes and forest edges.
Are there elephants in Kanha National Park?
Kanha uses trained elephants for patrolling and tracking. Wild elephants are not a regular part of a Kanha safari.
How many bird species are there in Kanha?
Kanha has around 300 kinds of birds, including the Indian roller, paradise flycatcher, racket-tailed drongo and crested serpent eagle.
What is the best time to see animals in Kanha?
March to June is best for tigers and big animals near water. December to February is best for birds and big herds.
