Rukhad National Park
Rukhad: Buffer Zone Of Pench Tiger Reserve
Rukhad is one of the important buffer zones of Pench Tiger Reserve. Buffer zones are primarily forest areas which form the periphery of the core zones. Just like the core zones, there are restrictions and regulations which are placed upon the usage of resources from these zones and to enhance its conservation values.
These zones are crucial to the conservation of tiger and other fauna as they serve as additional forests to absorb the growing population of tigers providing them a great habitat for sustenance. With a high prey density, it supports dispersing tigers venturing out from the Pench Tiger Reserve.
Rukhad is of crucial importance as not only does it act as a buffer zone but also serves as a connecting forest between two crucial tiger reserves – Pench & Kanha. Also known as the ‘two tiger corridor’, the connecting forest allows tigers and other wildlife to move freely from one reserve to another. This is good for the overall conservation as it ensures gene flow variation.
Flora
Primarily a rocky and hilly area, the type of vegetation here is a mixture of moist and dry deciduous forests. Interspersed with flowing streams and other waterholes, Rukhad is lined with bamboos and other trees commonly found across the region. Enjoy the spectacular sunsets during your evening safari from the top of Korai Ghat, the highest point of Rukhad.
Fauna
Many a times, tourists avoid buffers believing it to not have animals, however that assumption couldn’t be far from wrong. Rukhad is known for its sightings of sloth bears and leopards. With the construction of multiple animal crossings under the elevated highway, there has been a marked increase in tiger sightings in the area too. Since Rukhad is a dense forest with a dense undergrowth, many a times tigers tend to use the dirt path made for vehicles to walk on giving great sightings.
Apart from the usual mammals found in the region, Rukhad is also an amazing forest for birding enthusiasts. Due to it being dense forests, they do attract a variety of birds including some of the migratory ones too.
Things To Do In Rukhad
Safari drives: Morning, Evening and Night Safaris.
The entry and exit timings of jeep safaris differ according to the various seasons. The morning safaris start at the sunset while the evening safaris start in the afternoon and ends at sunset. As the name symbolises, the night safaris operate in the dark after the sunset. They are a must have experience because they give access to view the nocturnal species that are not seen during the day. There are chances of seeing the predators like tigers and leopards on a hunt.
Machaan Overnight Stay
An experience unlike any other, you get to spend a night inside the forests of Rukhad. Just like the machans of yesteryears, there are basic elevated structures that are built at a height in the middle of the forests. Built like small rustic cottages with a covered roof where you can spend the night. The dinner is served by our team at the cottage itself. A thrilling experience designed for wildlife lovers, you get to see the forests at close quarters.
Travel Tips for Rukhad
- The entry gate for Rukhad is situated on NH44 in Rukhad village.
- Because Rukhad is a buffer zone, it remains open for tourists throughout the year, even during the months of July to September when the core zones of the Pench Tiger Reserve are closed.
- Do make a note that it is closed for safaris on the festivals of Holi and Diwali.
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