Day 6: Kanha NP – Pench NP – Satpura NP
Khajuraho Airport – Bandhavgarh NP: 255 kms / 5 hrs
The enchanting tale of Mowgli in The Jungle Book unfolds within the forested realms of Madhya Pradesh, India. When Rudyard Kipling penned these stories, the National Parks (NPs) we now recognize were not clearly demarcated. Perhaps, it was one vast contiguous forest, with the nearest human settlement at Seoni. Consequently, the forested expanses of Bandhavgarh, Panna, Kanha, Pench, and Satpura, all technically constitute parts of The Jungle Book’s landscape. It is much later that Pench NP has been promoted as Mowgli’s realm for tourism purposes, probably because it’s closest to the town of Seoni. It’s also essential to note that Rudyard, had not physically traversed through this part of the country while crafting these tales. Whether his descriptions stemmed from fiction or stories relayed by the travellers he encountered remains unclear.
Instead of pinpointing the exact location, it’s more crucial to grasp and internalize the subtle messages embedded in these narratives—the tales of cohabitation, the law of the land, and the essence of freedom.
As we reminisce about these childhood stories that once fuelled our sense of amusement and excitement, perhaps it’s time to reflect on them with a renewed sense of responsibility towards the environment and the world at large. The ongoing conflicts across the globe, from Russia-Ukraine to Israel-Palestine, warrant contemplation on the merits, consequences, and enduring impacts of these struggles on the broader world. Risking the label of a Modi-bhakt, I echo his resounding message —”This is not an era of war“. Profound wisdom encapsulated in a few pearls of insight.
In our formative years, we delved into the realms of Panchatantra and Jataka Tales, where stories unfolded through the interactions between humans and animals, each concluding with a moral lesson. While these ancient Indian narratives hold their place in history, the stories spun by Rudyard Kipling have garnered a distinct resonance, amplified by Walt Disney’s masterful story-telling through outstanding graphics.
Sukumar Jain, a Mumbai-based finance professional with global experience, is also a passionate traveler, wildlife enthusiast, and an aficionado of Indian culture. Alongside his career, which includes diverse roles in international banking and finance, he's working on a wildlife coffee table book and enjoys sculpture and pottery. His interests span reading non-fiction to engaging in social and global networking.
