Kanha National Park Travel Essentials
Ideal duration: 1 day
Best Time: October to June Read More
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Also Refered As:Kanha National park
"Lush forest home of the majestic tiger"
Kanha National Park Tourism
Located in a central region of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is the largest National Park in central India and has been ranked as one of the best parks in Asia. Among the 22 species of large mammals, the royal Bengal tigers are one of the major attractions. One of the best tiger reserves in India, the present-day area stretches over the 940-kilometre square which is divided into two sanctuaries: Hallon and Banjar.
The park was established in the year 1955 and has since actively contributed to the preservation of many endangered species. The National Park was taken under the Project Tiger Reserve in 1974. Abundant in flora and fauna, the Kanha National Park houses one of the rarest species of deer- the Barasingha. It is known for the unique Barasingha conversation to save the species that were once on the verge of extinction. One of the most scenic wildlife reserves in Asia today, this National Park came to be known the world over through Rudyard Kipling's book- The Jungle Book.
Kanha National Park is famous for its wildlife safaris and attracts tourists from all over the world. Other important animals in this park are leopards, wild dogs, wild cats, foxes, sloth bears, hyenas, langurs, wild boars and jackals. Reptiles including pythons, cobras, krait and other varieties of snakes are also found in this National Park.
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Things to do in Kanha National Park
1. Kanha Zone
Kanha Zone (accessible via Mukki Gate and Kanha Gate) is the central and most popular zone of Kanha National Park. It features vast sal forests and open meadows, including Bamni Dadar (Sunset Point), (Read More)which offers elevated views of the landscape. Wildlife sightings here are frequent, with high chances of spotting tigers, hardground barasingha (swamp deer), wild dogs, and leopards. The zone is well-developed and suitable for both first-time and repeat safari-goers.
2. Mukki Zone
Mukki Zone is known for its dense jungles, wide grasslands, and relatively lower tourist density, making for quieter safaris. It is one of the top zones for spotting tigers and other big cats, along w (Read More)ith herds of gaur and barasingha. The zone’s natural beauty, with a mix of forest cover and open terrain, enhances photographic opportunities and wildlife visibility.
3. Kisli Zone
Kisli Zone, close to the Khatia Gate, is one of the most accessible safari zones in Kanha. It offers a balanced habitat of dense forest, open clearings, and water sources, attracting diverse fauna suc (Read More)h as sambar, chital, and occasionally tigers and leopards. The zone is well-connected and often preferred for shorter safaris due to ease of entry and good infrastructure.
4. Sarhi Zone
Sarhi Zone lies on the northern side of the park and is comparatively less explored. It features rugged landscapes, deeper forested areas, and seasonal streams. Known for a quieter, more raw safari ex (Read More)perience, it is ideal for birdwatchers and those interested in offbeat routes. Migratory birds, sloth bears, and occasional big cat sightings can be expected here.
5. Buffer Zones (For Jungle Trails & Budget Safaris)
Buffer Zones of Kanha National Park offer an alternative to the core zones with more flexible and budget-friendly safari options. The Khatia Zone, located near the main park entrance, is the most acce (Read More)ssible and popular buffer zone, ideal for short safaris and nature walks. Zones like Sijhora, Khapa, Phen Wildlife Sanctuary, and Samnapur provide varied terrain and are suitable for jeep safaris, walking trails, and even night safaris in designated areas. While wildlife density may be slightly lower than the core, sightings of herbivores, small carnivores, and occasional big cats are still possible.
6. Bamni Dadar (Sunset Point)
Bamni Dadar, also known as Sunset Point, is one of the highest points inside Kanha National Park and offers panoramic views of the park’s sal and bamboo forests, rolling meadows, and distant hil (Read More)ls. It’s a popular stop during safaris in the Kanha Zone, especially in the late afternoon to witness the striking sunset over the jungle canopy. The area is also known for sightings of barasingha (swamp deer), gaur, and barking deer grazing in the open grasslands.
7. Shravan Taal
Shravan Taal is a serene pond near Kanha National Park, associated with the legendary tale of Shravan Kumar from the Ramayana, who is believed to have fetched water from this spot for his blind parent (Read More)s. Surrounded by greenery, it offers a quiet escape for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks and birdwatching around the area. Its mythological and ecological significance makes it a worthwhile stop for those exploring the region.
8. Kanha Museum / Interpretation Centre (Near Khatia Gate)
Kanha Museum / Interpretation Centre, located near the Khatia Gate entrance of Kanha National Park, offers a comprehensive introduction to the park’s ecology, flora, fauna, and conservation effo (Read More)rts. Its galleries feature life-sized animal models, interactive displays on tiger biology and habitat, and informative panels detailing tribal culture and eco-tourism initiatives. Ideal for both first-time visitors and wildlife enthusiasts, the centre enhances understanding before embarking on safaris. Opening hours align with park timings, making it a convenient and educational stop either before or after your jungle drives.
9. Stay at Kanha Earth Lodge & Local Eco Centers
Kanha Earth Lodge and local eco-centers represent the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism, blending immersive wildlife experiences with conservation-led practices. Earth Lodges are built (Read More)using natural, local materials and powered by solar energy, providing comfortable stays while minimizing environmental impact. These centers offer guided jungle walks, tribal cultural interactions, birdwatching tours, and educational workshops on ecosystem preservation. Staying here supports local communities, as many staff and artisans are from nearby villages—offering guests authentic engagement and meaningful visits that actively contribute to Kanha’s ecological and social welfare.
Top Hotels In Kanha National Park
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Safari at Kanha
The Jeep Safari is the best way to explore Kanha. It is very easy to find a jeep safari in Kanha, as it is one of the hotspots in India for spotting tigers. Since the costs are typically per jeep, its advisable to share your jeep in case seats are available. The safaris are allowed in two slots: morning (6 AM to 11 AM) and afternoon (3 PM to 6 PM). Morning slot typically has more chances of spotting tigers. The costs would be around INR 1000-2000 for a jeep. The evening safaris are slightly cheaper than the morning ones. You can book a 4 seater safari from your resort and they will also pack breakfast for you in the morning slot.
Elephant safaris could be very exciting here and they are typically available in the morning slot. It might cost you around INR 300-600 per head.
Elephant safaris could be very exciting here and they are typically available in the morning slot. It might cost you around INR 300-600 per head.
Tigers of Kanha National Park
Divided currently into two sanctuaries, Hallon & Banjar, the lush green landscape and ravines of this site inspired author Rudyard Kipling to give his most significant creation ever, The Jungle Book. The tiger reserve that is the centre of attraction in Kanha National Park, houses the endangered species of Royal Bengal Tiger. Kanha also sports a wide range of exquisite flora and fauna, from the lush green sal and bamboo trees to the rare breeds of hard ground stag [Barasingha], Gaur [Indian Bison], Swamp Deer as the list goes on.
Sunset Point in Kanha National Park
Also known as the Sunset Point, Bamni Dadar is the highest plateau in the national park offering a serenading view of the vastness and beauty of the meadows. Many visitors review this as the most beautiful place to view the sunset. This is the last location for most evening safaris organised by the park for spotting the barking deer and Indian bison.
Birds in Kanha National Park
Kanha brings around 300 species of birds which attracts many bird watchers and photographers for taking account of these majestic creatures. Excellent birding surrounds the eastern region where they can explore the trails, waterways and forests in search of elusive species. With an array of birds that are unique to this area of Madhya Pradesh, species in the park include storks, teals, egrets, peacock, peafowl, amongst many other. A binocular, bird guidebook and a camera equipped with suitable lenses are must-have essentials to experience the kaleidoscopic avian beauty. Bird watchers and researchers are often attracted by the exotic species in these grasslands such as Asian Paradise Flycatcher, White Rumped Shama, White Bellied Drongo, Spangled Drongo. Racket Tailed Drongo, Tawny Babbler, and so many more.
Fauna in Kanha National Park
Hundred of acres of grassy meadows, ravines and streams, indeed a paradise for the wildlife in Kanha. Fitting under such a description of the geography, the park provides natural habitat to a huge variety of animals. Also known as the Kanha Tiger Reserve, it is a home of several tiger species including the Royal Bengal tigers which attracts a major population of wildlife enthusiasts. It also hosts a large population of leopards, jungle cats, wild dogs and jackals. Some commonly spotted mammals in the reserve are tiger, chital, sambar, barasingha, barking deer, chousingha, gaur, langur, wild pig, sloth bear, black buck, hyena, wild boar, rudd mongoose, Indian Fox, Badger, Indian Hare and Wild Dog along with several species of reptiles including Indian Monitor, Fan Throated Lizard, Indian Garden Lizard, Russell’s Viper, Python, Indian Cobra, Indian Krait and Rat Snake. The reserve has been instrumental in hosting some of the very rare and endangered species of mammals, reptiles and birds.
Restaurants and Local Food in Kanha National Park
Being a national park, the eating options here are limited to the ones inside the hotels and resorts. These can provide you both local delicacies as well a multi-cuisine experience. The local delicacies of Madhya Pradesh that you might chance upon here include Dal Bafla, Biryani, Kebabs, Bhutte ki Kees, Korma, Poha, Rogan Josh, Jalebi, Ladoos as well as beverages like Lassi and Sugarcane Juice.
View Top Restaurants in Kanha National Park
View Top Restaurants in Kanha National Park
Suggested Itinerary for Kanha National Park
Day 1 - Reach Jabalpur, preferably by noon, and take some rest. In the evening, you can take a stroll on the city side, and buy some curios and souvenirs for yourself. Or if you're enthusiastic enough, you can set off at once for the main national park. Day 2 - The next day should ideally be the start of the trip to the Kanha National Park. You can start with the tour of the Tiger Reserve, which houses the Royal Bengal tigers. Not very far from is the reserve that houses the Indian bison, Swamp Deer & also the rare breeds of Hard Ground Stag [Barasingha as known in local lingo].
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FAQs on Kanha National Park
What is not so good about Kanha national park?
Congested in peak seasons. Not easily accessible.
What are the places near Kanha national park?
The top places near to Kanha national park are Bhedaghat which is 121 km from Kanha national park, Pench national park which is located 84 km from Kanha national park, Jabalpur which is located 116 km from Kanha national park, Amarkantak which is located 127 km from Kanha national park, Pachmarhi which is located 222 km from Kanha national park
What are the top hotels in Kanha national park?
There are 32 in Kanha national park which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Kanha national park are Kamp Kamouflage Kanha, Chitvan Jungle Lodge, MPT Baghira Jungle Resort Mocha, Bagh Villas Jungle Camp & Spa, MPT Jungle Resort Sarhi, Kanha, Hotel Airan Residency. You can see all the hotels in Kanha national park here
What is the best way to reach Kanha national park?
The nearest airport and railway station is in Jabalpur(3 km), which connects Kanha National Park with all the major cities in the country. You can also hail cabs or buses from the nearest city, Mandla.
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What is the local food in Kanha national park?
Being a national park, the eating options here are limited to the ones inside the hotels and resorts. These can provide you both local delicacies as well a multi-cuisine experience. The local delicacies of Madhya Pradesh that you might chance upon here include Dal Bafla, Biryani, Kebabs, Bhutte ki Kees, Korma, Poha, Rogan Josh, Jalebi, Ladoos as well as beverages like Lassi and Sugarcane Juice.
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What is the best time to visit Kanha national park?
The best time to visit Kanha National Park is from October to March as after March the temperatures begin to heat up. The park is open only from mid-October to June end.
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Who should visit Kanha national park?
Ideal for tourists of every kind. Suitable for backpackers from places like Jaipur, Jodhpur etc.