The Kanha Forest Nature khatiya Trail is a well-marked 7 to 8 km trail that leads from just inside Khatiya Gate in buffer zone. The nature trail is a great way to see the forest from a micro perspective with your naked eyes. While fauna is always the main attraction, it is also important to learn about the biodiversity of the park and to understand how inhabitants of the surrounding eco system co-exists with each other.
The forest is filled with both big and small creatures and if we pay close attention, there is so much one can learn about the forest and its rich biodiversity, with naked eye.
Mostly you’ll see species of big and small mammals like langurs, macaques, deers, wild pig, mongoose, squirrel, hare and many of species of birds some of which are residents and other migrants. You might also get to closely encounter various forms of reptiles during your walk.
Apart from bird-watching on nature trails of khatiya buffer offers a rich plethora of flora and some species of hexapod (Insects) those surviving on different types of dead and dry leaves. One can also witness termites and weaver’s ants to see how they play their individual roles, which are very important for our eco-systems.
In every forest, plants, animals, insects and birds are closely interconnected and none of these can survive in isolation. When the trees bear flowers, many insects are attracted by the pollen grains or nectar of the flowers. Many birds such as Parakeets, Drongos, Mynas, Sunbirds and Flycatchers visit the trees to feed on the flowers as well as on the insects.
This is a relationship in which everyone benefits. The insects get pollen and nectar; the birds eat both the flowers and the insects, and the tree is pollinated by both.
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Things to keep in mind while on Khatiya Trail
While walking along the Kanha Forest nature trail (Khatiya Trail), it is important to observe the small life forms – the ants, caterpillars, dung beetles, butterflies and termites. They are no less interesting and, what is more, they play an invaluable role in the forest ecosystem. These little creatures are ceaselessly recycling nutrients, enriching the soil, pollinating flowers, controlling unnecessary weeds, destroying pest organisms and providing conditions necessary for life to sustain so we are able to grow crops.
While you are walking on trails you will get to see some interesting creatures of the forest like termites mounts. Termites mounts are beautiful and attractive creatures in jungle and you will come across plenty on the nature trail.
A termite mound may look like a heap of earth, but it is actually a well-designed, self-made home of termites. Termites are small, soft-bodied, social insects, usually pale-coloured. They use their saliva to bind the soil to build a mound. The mound has special chambers, tunnels and temperature-controlling systems.
While it is very rare to spot a tiger and leopards on the nature trail, you will see signs to indicate that they have been in the area not that long ago. One such sign is scats. Although tigers and leopards are solitary animals they regularly communicate with others of their species by various means. Scats are one of the tools they use for this. Leopards and tigers often scrape the ground with their hind feet after defecation and cover scat deposits lightly with leaves and earth.
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You will also see pugmarks on the soil. Pugmarks are unique, just like our footprints. We can find out whether the tiger is a male or female by studying its pugmarks.
The Kanha nature khatiya trails is paradise for birds’ lovers where they can capture their life time moments. The Kanha Forest is home to more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds like flycatchers, vultures, eagles, ducks and some small birds like warblers.
While you are walking on nature trails you might get some good opportunities of taking pictures and watching birds through your binoculars which is an experience one seldom chances upon during experiencing a safari while sitting in the gypsy.
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While walking on trails you can learn bird photography skills and enhance your birding techniques. The real fun of bird watching and taking their pictures comes only while you are waking or tracking.
Most of the bird enthusiastic and photographers prefer walking rather than going for jeep safari because they can give as much of their time as they can to study the behaviour of birds and wait for right moment to capture in camera.
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What Should One Carry on Nature Walk
- Comfortable shoes
- High ankle socks
- Cap or Hat
- Binoculars/ Camera
- Birding Book
- Bag pack
- Water bottle
Contributed by Naturalist Team at Kanha Earth Lodge
Experience the wonders of the Khatiya Nature Trail in Kanha, surrounded by the lush buffer zone of Kanha Tiger Reserve. While exploring this natural paradise, don’t miss the chance to stay at our luxury resort, Kanha Earth Lodge, voted as the best resort in Kanha.
As you plan your tiger tour to India, get in touch with our trip curators at Pugdundee Safaris.
Call us at: +91-9718637711, +91-8800637711; email: enquiry@pugdundeesafaris.com.
We promise you a wildlife experience that is unique, authentic, and unforgettable.
