**Kanha National Park is situated in**
Verified**Explanation:**
Kanha National Park is located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. This magnificent wildlife sanctuary spans across two districts - Mandla and Balaghat - covering an area of approximately 940 square kilometers. The park is situated in the Maikal range of Satpura Hills, making it one of the most scenic and ecologically diverse national parks in India.
Established in 1955, Kanha National Park holds the distinction of being one of the largest national parks in Madhya Pradesh. The park gained international recognition when it became the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's famous novel "The Jungle Book." The lush sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands, and pristine streams create the perfect setting that Kipling described in his timeless stories.
The park is particularly famous for its successful tiger conservation efforts and is home to a significant population of Bengal tigers. Besides tigers, Kanha shelters numerous wildlife species including leopards, wild dogs, barasingha (swamp deer), spotted deer, sambar, and over 300 species of birds. The park's diverse ecosystem ranges from tropical wet forests to tropical dry deciduous forests.
Madhya Pradesh is often called the "Heart of India" due to its central location, and Kanha National Park perfectly represents the state's commitment to wildlife conservation. The park is divided into four main zones - Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi - each offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities. The park remains closed during monsoons from July to October and reopens for visitors from November to June.
