Rukhad – Hidden Gems of India Pench National Park
National Park in India
With an area of 120 sq. km., Rukhad forests, erstwhile known as the Bison sanctuary hold significant importance as it serves as both a buffer zone and a connecting forest between the renowned Pench and Kanha Tiger Reserves. Buffer zones are the forests that form the periphery of the core zones of the national parks. They are vital to the long-term sustenance of national parks as they absorb the growing population of apex predators like tigers allowing them their territory while offering them a thriving habitat abundant with prey. Moreover, Rukhad acts as a crucial corridor, known as the ‘two tiger corridor,’ facilitating the unrestricted movement of tigers and other wildlife between Pench and Kanha Tiger Reserves. This connectivity is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and supporting the overall conservation efforts.
A Tiger Reserve is a vital expanse of land that connects different tiger habitats, facilitating the movement of tigers, their prey, and other wildlife. The significance of habitat connectivity, not just for wildlife movement but also for the healthy functioning of ecosystems, is scientifically well established. For a demographically viable tiger population, a minimum of 20 to 25 breeding tigresses are essential by modeling studies done by experts. However, many of our tiger reserves are small and already ecologically isolated from other populations, therefore natural corridors between tiger reserves like Rukhad are crucial for maintaining a healthy tiger population. While the core zones of national parks like Pench and Kanha act as a source for the tiger population, the Rukhad forests which are part of the corridor support the safe genetic exchange between the two tiger populations. The movement of tigers across different forests helps in protecting them from the risk of localized extinction. By maintaining and preserving these corridors like Rukhad, we safeguard the long-term viability of tiger populations and promote the conservation of these majestic creatures and their ecosystems.
Rukhad lies in the Madhya Pradesh region of Pench Tiger Reserve. The entry gate for Rukhad forests is situated on National Highway 44 (NH44) in Rukhad village. Barely a 2.5-hour drive from Nagpur, Rukhad is well connected through air and railways from all the major cities in the country. This makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore and New Delhi. For the travellers who are planning a trip to other major tiger reserves in the region, Rukhad is best combined with Kanha and Pench. It also falls midway between Kanha and Tadoba, where the driving distance is far too exhausting to cover in a day. Therefore many of our guests stop for 2 nights in Rukhad for the novelty of being able to stay inside the forests. To reach Rukhad Jungle Camp, look out for Bison Retreat which is a midway between Rukhad and Pench. You will be received by our team there and then taken to your accommodation inside the forest in our vehicle. If you are driving to Rukhad, we offer ample parking space for our guests. For specific driving instructions, do reach out to our team.
October marks the beginning of a new safari season as most national parks and tiger reserves open for tourists from October. The parks are lush green and the dense growth after the heavy rainfalls makes safaris in the jungles a visual treat. Winter brings cooler temperatures, making it more comfortable to explore the national parks without the scorching heat of summer. You can enjoy your safaris and outdoor activities without feeling overly hot or sweaty. This is the perfect season for quintessential safari activities such as bush dinners and campfires. Rukhad also serves as winter home to many migratory birds making birding during this season a delight. Click Here for more such content.
