Searching Tigers in Central India

by Uday Patel Seo Professional & Content Writer India

For a wildlife enthusiast Central India or the State of Madhya Pradesh is famous for its tigers. These are found not in a zoo or a safari park they are found in the wild their natural homes.

A Central Indian forest is typical composed of low lying hills as table top mountains or steep cliff as in Bandhavgarh National Park. The forests are Sal tree dominated but sometimes the mixed canopy is prevalent all around, here teak is found with many common trees and bamboo.

Bamboo ubiquitous in the jungles of Central India and so are the tributaries of River Narmada, Banzar and Halon are two such rivers. From the main rivers tributaries and streams branch of and spread through the jungles like a web. This network of rivers, streams and independent water bodies is the life line of these jungles.

Rich canopy perennial water systems and robust prey base attracts the tigers to these ecosystems. This is their home in the wilderness and wherever they are abundant the area is notified as National Park and tiger reserve. The latter fetches the species under the aegis of Project Tiger Program under NTCA in India. There are many wildlife sanctuaries in the state which receive a lesser degree of protection.

In Madhya Pradesh or Central India there are many protected areas notified as tiger reserves. These are Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Satpura and Sanjay National Park. These were once contiguous forest known as Central Indian Highlands but now they are fragmented but still hold robust population of Bengal tigers and the associated biodiversity.

Tiger tourism takes place in these parks which is regulated in favor of the big cats and other mammals and birds. The safari on open jeeps and canters enables tourists to get a thrilling sight of big cats along with mammals like deer, sloth bear, bison, swamp deer, leopard, jackal, Nilgai, langur monkey and wild boar. Animals like the wolf, hyena and fox are a rare sight. The destinations are also favored for bird watching.

But the main attraction remains the tiger followed by the leopard, wild dog and the sloth bear. These are elusive creatures but nevertheless accord a surprise encounters often.

For excursions in the reserves one needs to plan well and secure a permit before the visit. The permits are limited hence book them in advance at MPOnline website.

The tourism infrastructure is well endowed with good connectivity, accommodations and travel service providers. The accessibility is best by Jabalpur Airport but there are other airports in nearby towns which tourist use to arrive at the park. After landing a drive is required to reach the destinations.

Those not interested in independent travel can book package tours for wildlife. The tour operators organise safari packages for tiger sightings in Central India. These are safe and economical and well organized. If you join these tours you need not make arrangements for travel, accommodation as well as the safari permits. The tour operators will do that for you. The best seasons are usually winters and beginning of summer. The sightings of big cats are excellent during this period.