Kanha National Park
Kanha Tiger Reserve
Canyons, lush grasslands, and bamboo forests adored with plenty of flora and fauna – Kanha National Park welcomes you with its arms spread. It is a delightful place for core wildlife lovers and tiger enthusiasts. Its treasure of nature and wildlife has made it the inspiration behind the world-famous ‘The Jungle Book’.
Being mainly popular for Tiger and Barasingha sightings, Kanha National Park has created its own identity in the wildlife tourism industry. It is part of the ‘Project Tiger’ and is one of the best-administered parks in India. So, this has become a must-visit park for all nature and tiger lovers.
Kanha National Park also known as Kanha Tiger Reserve lies in the heart of India – the state of Madhya Pradesh. Stretching over an area of 940 sq. km it covers the districts of Mandla and Balaghat. It is the largest national park in central India and a very popular tourist destination.
Interesting Fact – Kanha National Park
Kanha is the largest national park in central India and a very popular tourist destination.
Prime Predators
Big Cats like Bengal Tigers and Indian Leopards are the prime predators in Kanha National Park
Famous For?
Kanha is famous for it’s legendary Tiger Munna (T-17) who has a ‘CAT’ mark on his forehead.
Major Wildlife
Swamp deer or Barasingha, Tiger, Leopard, Bison, Jackal, Rock Python, Peafowl, Paradise Flycatcher
Flora & Fauna in the Park
Due to the favorable climate, Kanha National Park is blessed with a plethora of flora. It has more than 200 flowering plants and more than 70 forest trees that include Sal, Palas, Mahua, Saja, Tendu, Lendia, Dhawa, Bamboo, Bija, Achar, and many more.
Many grass species help in the survival of Barasinghas and the aquatic plants found in the lakes serve to be the life sources for birds and wetland species.
Fauna: The abundance of herbivores and carnivores makes Kanha National Park home to a huge variety of fauna. An incredibly large number of herbivores and carnivores dwell here in perfect tandem with the laws of nature. The now rare Barasingha is present here in large numbers and is known as the ‘jewel of Kanha’. Kanha is worldwide famous as the only place for the preservation of Barasingha.
Mammals
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Indian Leopard
- Indian Wild Dog
- Indian Wolf
- Sambhar deer
- Spotted Deer
- Bison / Indian Gaur
- Jackal
- Nilgai
Birds
- Indian Pitta
- Indian Roller
- Scarlet Minivet
- Peafowl
- Indian Black Ibis
- Asian Openbill
- Indian Scops Owl
- White-Naped Woodpecker
- Rufous Treepie
Reptiles
- Indian Rock Python
- Sand Boa
- Checkered Keelback
- Banded Kukri Snake
- Russell’s Viper
- Common Vine Snake
- Common wolf snake
- Spectacled Cobra
- Indian Flapshell Turtle
Safari in Kanha National Park
Doing a jungle safari in Kanha Tiger Reserve is a thrilling and exciting experience. The main attraction of the safari is sighting a tiger that takes a lot of patience. You can do an open jeep safari or elephant safari. Touring through dense forests while watching wildlife gives you a pleasant and horrible feeling at the same time.
Savoring the smell of amazing flora around when strolling through natural trails refreshes you. Enjoy watching a beautiful sunset at Bamni Dadar Sunset Point in the backdrop. You can also enjoy Night Safari in Kanha to experience the thrill of sighting predators and nocturnal animals at night.
Open jeep safaris are available twice daily at fixed timings in the early morning and afternoon. 4×4 Jeep has a group of tourists with an expert guide who leads the route to explore the forest and spot maximum wildlife including tigers.
With elephant safari in Kanha National Park, you can experience the thrill and joy of watching wild animals closer yet at a safer distance. Also, you can enter some areas of the park which are inaccessible by jeep safari. Tiger Show Program is an easier way to sight tigers in the morning safari from the elephant’s back. So exciting, right?
The entry and exit timings vary according to the season. The park remains shut for visitors during the rainy season that usually falls between July-October.
Bird excursions and walking safaris are also available options.
Note: At Kanha afternoon Jeep Safari remains close for visitors Every Wednesday.
Kanha Safari Tours
Kanha Budget Safari
Have an abundance of thrills and surprises in Kanha at a cost-effective budget with our specially tailored economical package having 4 or 6 safari tour options.
Kanha Weekend Safari
Have unlimited fun and thrill with our specially designed weekend Kanha tour packages. It offers 2 tiger safaris in the national park making your Saturday and Sunday memorable.
Bandhavgarh, Kanha & Kaziranga Tour
Unleash your wild side on a unique adventure through Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Kaziranga, where every moment is a new discovery!
Safari Zones or Gates
Kanha boasts 8 safari zones that include 4 gates of the buffer zone (Khapa, Khatia, Phen, and Sijora) and 4 gates of the core zone (Kanha, Kisli, Sarhi, and Mukki). The total number of jeeps allowed to enter the forest is 125 in the morning and afternoon each.
Kanha Zone
Adorned with open meadows and bamboo trees, the Kanha gate has a unique historical background. A maximum of 40 jeeps can enter through the Kanha gate. Shravan Taal and Kanha Museum are also tourist attractions here.
Sarhi Zone
Sarhi zone is popular for the Saunf Meadow for spotting Barasingha for the first time in 1966. Sarhi zone allows entry of maximum 27 jeeps. In the dry deciduous forests, one can sight tigers easily.
Mukki Zone
Mukki Zone also has Saal, bamboo, and lush grasslands that help good tiger sightings. This zone allows the entry of a maximum of 40 jeeps.
Kisli Zone
Bamboo vegetation, picturesque grasslands, and deep Saal forests – Kisli zone also is well-known for tiger sightings. The maximum number of jeeps allowed is 18.
How to book Safari in Kanha Tiger Reserve
To book an end-to-end safari package in Kanha National Park including airport transfer, accommodation, meals, and internal transfer, you may contact Big Cats India, or schedule a free discussion with our experts to understand the best safari zone to book, based on your area of interest.
It is advised to plan your safari well in advance to get the best zones for sightings.
If you are not sure which gate(s) to choose from, you can contact Big Cats India or message us for any assistance in booking your safari in Kanha.
You can also book Kanha Safari online from the mp tourism website where you can also see the exact entry fee, jeep safari fee, elephant safari cost, and guide fee. However, this website only books your safari permits, not the accommodation, food, and internal transfer to the reserve gates.
Open Jeep Safari
Explore the jungle in an open jeep with 4-6 passengers accompanied by an expert naturalist. Get a closer look at the wildlife and capture the thrilling moments in your camera. Experience the complete wilderness. Are you ready for the adventure?
Canter Safari
Haven’t done the advance safari booking? Not to worry. You can still explore the park with Canter Safari and spot the wildlife in Kanha National Park in a group of up to 12 passengers in an open bus / canter.
| Summer | Pre-Winter | Winters |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 to 11:00 Hrs | 06:00 to 11:00 Hrs | 06:00 to 11:00 Hrs |
| Summer | Pre-Winter | Winters |
|---|---|---|
| 15:00 to 18:30 Hrs | 15:00 to 18:00 Hrs | 15:00 to 17:30 Hrs |
Weather in Kanha
Kanha National Park experiences a diverse climate throughout the year. January and February are cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 22°C (36°F to 72°F).
March to June brings the onset of summer, with temperatures rising between 20°C to 40°C (68°F to 104°F). The monsoon season, from July to September, is marked by heavy rainfall, creating a lush, vibrant environment.
Post-monsoon (October to November) offers pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 32°C (50°F to 90°F).
December brings cool and dry conditions, with temperatures between 2°C to 22°C (36°F to 72°F).
Each season in Kanha National Park provides a unique backdrop for wildlife exploration and nature enthusiasts.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Min(°C) | 1 | 10 | 22 | 30 | 35 | 25 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 12 | 6 | 3 |
| Max(°C) | 15 | 25 | 35 | 40 | 42 | 41 | 34 | 30 | 31 | 29 | 27 | 25 |
| Month | Min(°C) | Max(°C) |
| Jan | 1 | 15 |
| Feb | 10 | 25 |
| Mar | 22 | 35 |
| Apr | 30 | 40 |
| May | 35 | 42 |
| Jun | 25 | 41 |
| Jul | 20 | 34 |
| Aug | 19 | 30 |
| Sep | 19 | 31 |
| Oct | 12 | 29 |
| Nov | 6 | 27 |
| Dec | 3 | 25 |
Kanha in Winters
Just after the monsoon, Kanha’s vegetation and nature get rejuvenated during winter (November to February). Although there is a shivering cold temperature of -20 C, it is a delightful tour. You can enjoy bird watching in this peak season. Also, you may also sight tigers on sunny mornings.
Kanha in Summers
If your main purpose of safari is to sight tigers then you must visit the Kanha National Park in Summer (March to May). With the temperature rising up to 430 C, the vegetation gets dried and you can spot the big cats easily near water holes.
Kanha in Monsoon
Kanha National Park core zones remain closed during the monsoon (July to September) as there is heavy rainfall around 1800 mm. However, buffer zones may be open for safaris and you may spot tigers in this season too. Monsoon is the best time to spot reptiles in Kanha
Best time to spot tigers at Kanha National Park
Sighting a tiger roaming across its natural habitat is a breathtaking view for every wildlife lover or photographer. Catching the predator in your camera lenses is a challenge and really tests your patience. So, you have to be selective about your visit time to the Kanha Tiger Reserve so that you can spot the big cats easily.
Recommended Tour
Kanha National Park
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How to Reach the Kanha National Park
By Air
Jabalpur & Nagpur airport is easily accessible from Kanha if you are planning for air travel. Jabalpur is approx 160 Km where as Nagpur is around 265 Km from Kanha
By Road
Kanha National Park is well connected with all the major cities by road. However, Nagpur, Jabalpur & Raipur is easily accessible from Kanha.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is Gondia & Jabalpur. Which is well connected to many cities across India. Nagpur and Raipur are other options if you are looking for one.
| From | By Air+Road (Hrs) | By Road | By Rail+Road (Hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 1.5 Air + 5.00 Road | 17.5 Hrs | 19.00 Rail + 2.00 Road |
| Nagpur | NA | 5.30 Hrs |
3.00 + 1.5 Road |
| Mumbai | 2.00 Air + 4.00 Road | 28.00 Hrs | 16.00 Rail + 1.00 Road |
| Bangaluru | 2.5 Air + 2.5 Road | 35.5 Hrs | 25.5 Rail + 1.00 Road |
| Kolkata | 1.5 Air + 5.00 Road | 24.5 Hrs | 25.00 Rail + 1.00 Road |
| Jabalpur | NA | 3.30 Hrs | 4.00 Rail + 1.00 Road |
| Ahmedabad | 1.5 Air + 3.5 Road | 24.5 Hrs | 22.5 Rail + 1.00 Road |
| Pune | 1.5 Air + 2.00 Road | 24.5 Hrs | 19.00 Rail + 4.00 Road |
| Raipur | NA | 4.5 Hrs | NA |
| Bhilai | NA | 5.00 Hrs | NA |
| Gondia (Nearest Railway Station) | NA | 3.00 Hrs | NA |
| From | Time to arrive |
|---|---|
| Pench TR | 5 Hour |
| Tadoba TR | 8 Hours |
| Umred Karhandla | 6 Hrs Road |
| Corbett TR | 3.25 Hrs Air + 5.30 Hrs Road |
| Tippeshwar WLS | 8.45 Hrs Road |
Things you should carry with you
Essential things to carry for your Kanha Tiger Safari
Your DSLR or Camera to capture your memorable safari moment.
Binoculars to view the wildlife from a safe distance.
Plenty of water to keep you dehydrated on a sunny day.
Hat & Shades to protect from direct sunlight.
Bandanna or Cotton Scarf to cover your face and avoid dust.
Winter wear or jacket if you are doing safari during winters. It really gets cold very quickly after sunsets in Jungle.
Rain Cover to save you and your gears from water during rain.
Kanha can get really colder very quickly in the evening so consider carrying woolens in the afternoon safari in Kanha during winters season
Some History about Kanha Tiger Reserve
Kanha National Park covering the land between the Mandla and the Kalaghat districts is the largest national park in State Madhya Pradesh spanning 2051.791 sq km of the area including core area (917.43 sq km) and buffer area (1134.361 sq km). It also boasts to be the major contributor to the conservation of Barasingha, Gaur, and Tigers in neighboring reserves.
Protected by the Maikal range of Satpuras, Kanha is blessed with beautiful nature and amazing wildlife. Since its full establishment in 1955.
Kanha National Park has been home to a variety of wildlife including big cats, mammals, bird species, and reptiles.
Why visit Kanha?
The largest national park of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha is blessed with incredible natural beauty with lush grasslands, elegant Saal and Bamboo forests make it an ideal natural habitat for tigers and also for herbivores. A passionate wildlife photographer or a tiger enthusiast simply cannot resist visiting this Kanha National Park. The adventure of open jeep safari and elephant safari is a lifetime memorable experience here.
Being the major contributor to the preservation of Barasinghas and tigers, Kanha has become famous worldwide. Also, with a guided cultural tour, you get an insight into the local traditional life of native people. So are you ready to take this stress-buster and refresh yourself?
Kanha General Info Card
- Total Area:2051.791 Sq. Km
- Location: Hallon and Banjar
- Notified as National Park: 1955
- Notified as Tiger Reserve: 1974
- Nearest Airport: Jabalpur (3.30 Hours)
- Nearest Railway Junction: Jabalpur (3.30 Hours) For Mukki Entrance Gate.
- Gondia (3 Hours)
Kanha Wildlife Info Card
- Carnivorous: Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Dhole, Wolf
- Herbivorous: Sambhar, Nilgai, Chital, Gaur
- Omnivorous: Sloth Bear, honey badger, Mongooses. Hornbills
- Birds: 195 Species of Birds
Kanha Tour Info Card
- Ideal Tour Length: 3N4D or 6 Safaris
- Can extend with: Pench, Tadoba, Bandhavgarh
- Tour Starting points: Jabalpur, Delhi, Mumbai
- Is tour Customizable?: Yes
- Safari Options: Open Jeep, Canter
Kanha Tiger Reserve FAQs
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