Post Monsoon Safari Begins Today - 2017-2018

1st October 2017 

With heightened expectations, the post-monsoon safari begins today in Central Indian Tiger Reserves and perhaps elsewhere in India. The beginning seasons that is October and November are in stark contrast to the summer months. 

Tiger on Kill - Monu Dubey 

You come across lush green forests after being freshly inundated by months of torrential rains. The canopy is thick and the grass is taller, and greener. This is a good time for predators to hunt thanks to the almost impenetrable and dense forest cover and grass with plenty of game.      

Tiger Reserve Forest - Neeraj Vegad

For those on tiger safari especially the naturalists and guides it is a tough season. The green cover offers plenty for the predators to hide. Their movements are full of stealth with few traces on the ground and alarm cries as the only sources to track and locate the big cats - tigers and leopards. 

The surroundings create immense pressure and throw an open challenge to tracking skills. This is the time to be fully aware of animal movements pertaining to time. Reaching tigers is no guarantee of sighting them as they may remain hidden in the thick canopy. 

Courtyard House Kanha

Courtyard House Kanha - Mukul Yadav 

Last season we reached the tiger three times only to hear it roar. The last time we were terribly unlucky as one jeep was parked right on the pugdandee or jungle track from where the big cat was moving towards the road. Well...that's tiger safari!  

Wildlife Photography 

Grasslands - Neeraj Vegad

For nature photographers interested in capturing habitats along with the subjects this is a good time. While the visibility of herbivores remains the same, the bison prefers higher grounds of tabletop mountains most of which are out of bounds for tourists. Hence less chance of photographing gaur as it is called in Hindi the local lingo.  

While on safari carry some rain-wear albeit the jeeps are equipped with a top if it showers. Most of the rains have been exhausted but some may visit post monsoon...it is not a surprise.    

Jungle Roads - Neeraj Vegad

This is a good time for habitat shots as well with the Sun not shying away much. The verdant landscape offers some amazing panoramic delights. This equally good time to sun whence in your resort. But please do carry warm clothing unless you are fond of shivers...     

Other Options

At Kanha - Night Safari

Other safari options are day and night safari at Khatia Buffer. Sarhi and Khapa Buffer. Pl confirm with the HO at Mandla regarding the safaris in these three places outside the core zone.

A visit to Ajgar Hill is also a good option if you wish to see the constrictors. Be there between 10 to 12 am the drive is about thirty-five kilometers.

Penh Wildlife Sanctuary  (Micro Core Kanha)    

Directors Cabin

This is a pristine and strikingly beautiful sanctuary about three hours' drive from Kanha. Tiger sightings are practically nil, but it is a good to place to see the wild dog, sloth bears, and the leopard. Excursions are available for the day which is suggested. Phen is a very good place for birding as well.

No accommodation inside, but an MPTDC resort outside is available if open? Please inquire.

Take all the required eatables which you can consume inside the rest house. Carry all required cutlery and lots of drinking water.    

Phen Forests

Phen Landscape

Phen Grasslands

Regulations 

Some jungle roads may be closed due to slush not drying in time. Till the 15th of  October whole of Kanha Zone is out of bounds because of blocked, slippery roads caused by slush. This could be the case elsewhere as well. 

The core areas do not permit foot safaris to keep this in mind and do not leave the vehicles. Permits may be available but better book in advance, especially for weekends and holiday periods. 

 The parks close on the last day of June every year.