Kanha tiger reserve is based on two main river valleys i.e. Hallon river valley and Banjar river valley.
Both the rivers are life line of Kanha tiger reserve and makes great contribution in development of Kanha forest and nestles its wildlife treasure.
During our safari drives, we may come across a river which is popularly known as Banjar river.
It passes through some core and buffer zones of national park. During our traveling to Kanha national park resorts, we will cross Banjar river which sometime seems dry and at some locations, filled with water.
Here dryness doesn’t means that river has died. Water remains present, sometimes below 2-3 feet. Banjar River which is the main tributary of the Narmada River passes through Mandla District in Madhya Pradesh draining and nurturing a large portion of the Kanha National Park.
River Sulkum, which is locally known as a nullah, is a tributary of the Banjar River. The catchment areas of the Banjar River contain some of the best Sal forests of the district and the Kanha Tiger Reserve.
The Narmada River is one of the most important rivers situated in Central India and the fifth largest river in the sub-continent.
It forms a boundary between North and South India and flows in a westward direction for over a length of 1,312 kms before draining through the Gulf of Khambhat into the Arabian Sea.
Among the major tributaries of the Narmada River are the Hallon River, Banjar River, Barna River and Tawa River.
It has its origin from Malajkhand region, which is close to Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh state border.
This river has catchment area of approx. 1520 sq.km. and mainly flows through Kanha Tiger Reserve forest area till Mandla town where joins Narmada river.
Banjar River passes through the Mandla District in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The catchment area of the river contains some of the best Sal forests of the district.
The Kanha National Park is situated in the upper courses of Narmada, along the banks of the Banjar River. It is almost 18 Kms from Mandla features several wild animals including the tiger.