Kanha National Park

Deep in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, the lush and sprawling Maikal Hills cradle one of India's most captivating wildlife reserves, the Kanha National Park. An inspiring sanctuary, Kanha National Park with its tales echoing through the dense Sal forests and expansive grasslands, have also inspired Rudyard Kipling to write the timeless classic, "The Jungle Book."

Spanning over 940 square kilometers, this iconic tiger reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventurers eager to experience a wildlife jungle safari. Lush sal woods, sprawling meadows, and meandering streams create a diverse forest kingdom where both the majestic Bengal tiger and the Barasingha deer, along with the other rich flora & fauna in Kanha, roam free. For those drawn to the allure of the wild and the serenity of nature, visiting Kanha promises an unforgettable journey into a realm of untamed beauty.

History of Kanha National Park & Tiger Reserve

Kanha National Park's legacy is as rich as its landscapes. Its history unfolds as a testament to conservation and cultural heritage.

  • Pre-19th Century : Part of Gondwana, the land of the Gonds, Kanha was home to the Gond and Baiga tribes, who still inhabit its fringes.
  • 1862 : Forest management rules were introduced, prohibiting illegal activities to protect the jungle.
  • 1879 : Declared a reserve forest, expanding to 1949 sq km by the late 19th century.
  • 1880 : Rudyard Kipling's visit to Kanha and nearby Pench inspired The Jungle Book, bringing global attention to its landscapes.
  • 1933 : Kanha was established as a sanctuary, recognized for its unparalleled highland beauty.
  • 1955 : Declared a national park, with the inclusion of Hallon and Banjar sanctuaries (250 sq km and 300 sq km).
  • 1973 : Kanha became a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, bolstering efforts to protect the Bengal tiger.
  • 1991 & 2001 : Honored as India's most tourism-friendly national park by the Department of Tourism, Government of India, making Kanha a significant tourist attraction.
  • Present Day : Kanha remains a popular wildlife destination in India

Quick Glance at Kanha National Park

Location Mandla & Balaghat districts, Madhya Pradesh, India
Established as National Park 1955
Declared a Tiger Reserve 1973
Total Core Area Approx 940 sq km
Total Buffer Area 1,134.31 square km
Best Time to Visit October to June
Popular Wildlife Bengal Tigers, Barasingha (Swamp Deer), Leopards, Wild Dogs, Elephants...etc
Park Closed (Monsoon) July 1 to September 30 every year
Nearest Airport Jabalpur Airport (approx. 200 km)
Nearest Railway Station Jabalpur (160 km), Gondia (145 km)

Flora and fauna of
Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park

Kanha wildlife reserve has a vibrant ecosystem, where every blade of grass and roar of a tiger tells a story of harmony and survival, showcasing the diverse flora & fauna in Kanha. The park boasts over 200 species of flowering plants across three forest types: Moist Peninsular Sal Forests, Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest, and Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Mixed Forest. Dominant trees include sal, saja, lendia, dhawa, tendu, palas, bija, mahua, and bamboo. The landscape is enriched with climbers, forbs, and grasses, creating a lush green canopy that sustains its wildlife.

Being a biodiversity hotspot, there is a dazzling array of wildlife in Kanha. Besides the world's rare Bengal Tiger species, The Barasingha, or swamp deer, is also the “jewel” of this park, as it is found nowhere else in such abundance. There is a variety of other animals in Kanha, some of the significance are listed below:

Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park

Best Time to Visit Kanha Tiger Reserve

Timing your visit to Kanha is crucial for an unforgettable experience. The park operates from 16th October to 30th June, with distinct seasonal highlights that influence the best time to visit Kanha:

  • Summer (March to June) : Hot (up to 43°C), but animals in Kanha gather near waterholes, increasing chances of spotting tigers and deer. Early morning jungle safari in Kanha are recommended during this season for both comfortability and more chances of animal sightings.
  • Winter (October to February) : Cool temperatures (2°C to 25°C) make this the best time to visit Kanha for wildlife sightings and birdwatching. Migratory birds flock to Kanha, and tigers are often spotted in open areas during many wildlife jungle safaris.

Park Closing Time :

  • Monsoon (July to September) : The park is closed due to heavy rainfall (average 1800 mm)

Safari Types & Zones in the Park

Kanha National Park

Safari Types :

There are two kinds of safaris conducted in Kanha National Park.

  • Jeep Safari : The most preferred choice for a Kanha wildlife safari, accommodating 6 passengers in an open 4x4 vehicle with a naturalist and driver. Jeep safaris are ideal for close wildlife encounters and photography during your wildlife jungle safari.
  • Canter Safari : With a capacity of 16 people, this safari option is suitable for larger groups. It offers a broader view of the park's landscapes during a jungle safari in Kanha.

Safari Timings in Kanha

Kanha National Park

Safari timings are designed to align with wildlife activity and seasonal daylight, crucial for planning your safari booking for Kanha. Each safari lasts 3-4 hours. Afternoon safaris are closed on Wednesdays, and the park is fully closed on Holi (March).

Season Morning Safari Afternoon Safari
16th October to 15th February Sunrise to 11:00 AM 2:00 PM to Sunset
16th February to 15th April Sunrise to 11:00 AM 3:00 PM to Sunset
16th April to 30th June Sunrise to 11:00 AM 3:00 PM to Sunset

Major Attractions In and Around the Park

Kanha's allure extends beyond its jungles, with natural and cultural places to visit near Kanha, the journey to the park serves more than just merely a safari tour. Some of the tourist destinations near Kanha that you can visit includes:

  • Bamni Dadar (Sunset Point) - A scenic spot near the park, offering stunning sunset views and sightings of grazing animals in Kanha like sambar and gaur.
  • Kanha Museum - One of the key tourist attractions in Kanha located within the park, it showcases the park's topography, wildlife, and tribal culture of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Kawardha Palace - A 3-hour drive away, this 1930s palace-turned-resort features Italian marble and nearby attractions like Bhoremdeo Temple, making it one of the notable places to visit near Kanha.
  • Shravan Tal - A serene lake within the park, ideal for birdwatching when visiting Kanha.

Safari Booking Procedure & Tips

  • Book online via the official Kanha National Park website or trusted operators like us.
  • Provide full name, age, gender, nationality, and ID proof (passport, driving license, voter ID, or PAN card) for your safari booking for Kanha.
  • Select zone, safari type, and date.
  • Book 45-90 days in advance, as there are only limited vehicle slots available for jungle safari in Kanha for each day.
  • Additional costs include vehicle and guide fees, payable at the gate when visiting Kanha.
kanha national park

How to Reach Kanha National Park?

flight
By Air :

Nagpur Airport (266 km) is the closest, with flights from Mumbai, Delhi, and other cities, facilitating travel for those visiting Kanha. Jabalpur Airport (160 km) is another option for reaching the park or any other tourist destination near Kanha.

train
By Train :

Jabalpur Railway Station (169 km) is the nearest major railhead, with connections to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, providing convenient access for visiting Kanha.

bus
By Road :

Kanha is well-connected to Jabalpur (175 km), Nagpur (266 km), Raipur (219 km), and Mukki (25 km) via NH44 and state highways. Regular buses and taxis are available from Jabalpur and Nagpur.

Best Nearby Destinations to Visit

bandhavgarh
pench
Jabalpur

Kanha's surroundings offer diverse attractions for an extended trip, presenting excellent places to visit near Kanha:

  • Bandhavgarh National Park (250 km) : Famous for its high tiger population and the historic Bandhavgarh Fort, this is one of the most significant tourist destinations near Kanha National Park.
  • Pench National Park (357 km) : The other half of Kipling's Jungle Book inspiration, offering tiger tours and scenic landscapes, Pench makes up for other captivating places to visit near Kanha.
  • Jabalpur (175 km) : You can't walk on foot in Kanha, but you can enjoy an on-foot experience in a similar surrounding at Jabalpur. Known for marble rocks, Dhuandhar Falls, and cultural sites like Chausath Yogini Temple, a noteworthy tourist destination near Kanha.
  • Tadoba National Park (300 km) : Maharashtra's oldest tiger reserve, dubbed the “Jewel of Vidarbha” with over 50 tigers, one of the remarkable tourist destinations near Kanha.

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Other Information about Kanha