How To Experience Kanha National Park?

Have you ever wondered what it is like to visit the largest tiger reserve in central India? Well, thank your stars because today we will walk you through it. From rugged to remarkable, here is how you can experience the jaw-droppingly beautiful Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

Hey, are you planning to book a trip to Kanha National Park or Madhya Pradesh soon? Well, then let us be your companion. Ping us here, and we will help you plan a fantastic tour in the region. Heads up! We will always have you back.

A brief background on Kanha National Park

People bang on about Kanha National Park’s history for all the right reasons: it’s positively glorious.

Kanha National Park was the first of all the Tiger Reserves in India to work on the Project Tiger – an initiative to save the tiger population in India.

It was initially a part of Gondwana and was declared a sanctuary in 1933. However, it wasn’t until 1955 that it received its national park status.

Later in 1973, it was turned into India’s leading tiger reserve

Kanha National Park is the largest national park in central India. It is the only national park in the country that has a Barasingha as its mascot.

Another reason for its popularity among other wildlife destinations is that it houses a large chunk of India’s tiger population.

People often come to Kanha National Park with the sole aim of seeing the wild Bengal Tiger out in the open. However, in this pursuit, they tend to forget that this National Park is home to many other species that are equally rare and beautiful.

Of course, one cannot compare the Great Bengal Tiger with any other organism on the planet, but believe us, if you will keep your heart open and your eyes on the binoculars you can spot some unique wildlife in this region.

With that being said, here is what else you can see in Kanha National Park

Birds in Kanha National Park

Did you know that Kanha National Park houses over 300 species of birds? Thus, making it a paradise for dedicated bird watchers and photographers.Are you one? Then, believe us, you will have a blast here spotting a plethora of charismatic and colourful avifauna.

Are you interested? Book a trip here with us now!

Fauna in Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park boasts a wide range of fauna– right from the mighty tigers to the most populated Barasinghas.

Over 43 species of mammals and 26 species of reptiles call the park their home. The most popular among them are the Barking deer, Sloth Bear, Jackal, Black Buck, Panther and Chital.

The landscape of Kanha National

Nestled in the Maikal range of Satpura, Kanha National Park offers a landscape laden with luxurious meadows, jagged cliffs and dense maroons of forests.The park is naturally divided into highland and lowland – both of which have a drastic difference in vegetation. Thus, wildlife housing in them is wide-ranging.Two crystal-clear streams (Banjar and Halow) flow through acres of land here, providing water to the region and making the ambience feel like a dreamy affair!

*Now that you know what to see in Kanha National Park, let us talk about the ”seeing” part.

How to see Kanha National Park?

Mentioned below are the many ways to traverse the winding trails and lush green forests of the region.

Jeep Safari

Taking a jeep safari is a no brainer in Kanha National Park. Not only is it the best way to cover the beautiful stretches, but it is also quite comfortable, to say the least.

One can traverse the whole jungle and everything in it on this safari experience. It is hands down the best way to savour the best of nature and spot some big wild cats.

Jeep Safari takes place twice a day from 6 am to 11 am and 3 pm to 5:45 pm.

Elephant Safari

The first time you see an elephant is a moment to behold. Imagine what it will be like raiding the jungle on its back.

A joy ride of sorts, elephant safari, is a unique activity organised for an hour by the authorities every morning. Set in the Kanha and Kisly zones only, this safari is for anyone who wishes to see the jungle from a different perspective.

However, it is for only those who prioritise experience over everything else as it is quite expensive.

Note: For booking an elephant safari one has to have a booking for the jeep safari in the Kanha and Kisli zone. Plus, the safari has to be pre-booked and even when you do book before your visit, there is no assurance that you will definitely get to experience this safari. In such rare cases, your money will be refunded.

Bird Watching

Kanha National Park is the perfect place for bird watching. Why? Because they are everywhere you look! Wherever you go, there are birds. Not just in forests or in woodlands but also in the open regions of the park.

So, it only makes sense to have an exclusive bird watching program for avid bird watchers and photographers.

In Kanha’s bird watching experience, you get to go out and capture the colourful and beautiful world of Kanha National Park’s avifauna.

Isn’t that just amazing!?

Night Safari

If you aren’t afraid of the dark, you need to try the night safari experience at Kanha National Park. Set in the buffer zone of Khatia, the night safari is an opportunity to connect with wildlife a little closely.

Do you know that only headlights are allowed on this safari, and you cannot even take a flashlight with you even if you want? Sounds spooky but exciting, doesn’t it? Well, if you call yourself an adrenaline junkie, we are sure you are already booking your tickets.

The night safari stretches for around two plus hours. However, tickets for it aren’t available online. So, if you wish to add this experience to your bucket list, you will have to buy the tickets for the same at the park gate itself.

Nature’s Trail

Will you be interested in exploring the jungle on foot? Lucky for you, Kanha National park has arrangements for that as well.

Roll into nature’s trail program to see the jungle on foot. Via this experience, you will be set loose to explore the wonders of nature in the company of a naturalist.

The walk takes place in the Khatia zone and covers a duration of approximately 2 hours.

Best Tiger Sighting Zones in Kanha National Park

There are a total of 8 zones in the park. Out of them, four zones lie in the core area. These four best zones of Kanha National Park are:

Kanha Zone

is the oldest zone that enjoyed premium treatment until 2016. It is set at the core of the park.

Mukki Safari Zone

is the second zone to come into operation after Kanha. It is set at the opposite end of the Kanha zone.

The night safari stretches for around two plus hours. However, tickets for it aren’t available online. So, if you wish to add this experience to your bucket list, you will have to buy the tickets for the same at the park gate itself.

Sarhi Zone

is situated on the northern side of the park and is one of the new core zones in Kanha National Park.

Khatia or Kisli zone

was carved out of Kanha zone. Tiger spotting here is as frequent here as in the other zones.

** Earlier tiger sightings were only frequent in the Kanha zone; however, these days sightings have become common all over the park. So, rest assured you won’t be missing out on anything if you haven’t been booked for the Kanha zone.

Kanha Travel Information

Now, that we know a bunch about the blog, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

How Much Money Does It Take To Book A Jungle Safari In Kanha National Park?

The fee rate of the park has evolved many times over the last decade. Today, the fee rate is the same for both Indians and foreigners. Plus, there is no differentiation in the prices as per the zones as well.

Safari costs include:

Safari permit fee – 1500 INR for the whole jeep ( 6-seater) or 250 per single seat in a car.

Guide Fee – 360 INR

Vehicle Fee – 2200 INR

How To Get To Kanha National Park?

Here is how to reach Kanha National Park.

Via Air:

The nearest airport to Kanha National Park is Jabalpur. It is located at a distance of 170 km from Kanha, and it will take you around three and a half hours to reach Kanha National Park from Jabalpur.

Your next best bet is the airport in Raipur. It is a total of 225 km away from Kanha National Park with a travel time of four and a half hours. If you are booking last minute during the peak season, this airport is your best bet.

Via Rail:

There is no railway station in proximity to the park. The nearest station to Kanha National Park is the Jabalpur Railway station, about 170 km from the park.

Gondia is another station from where this park is accessible. Gondia is around 120 km from Kanha National Park.

Via Road:

Kanha National park is well connected with many road networks so if you are in your own car, you will have no difficulty reaching it.

What is the best time to visit Kanha National Park?

Kanha National Park, like other parks in Madhya Pradesh, remains open for visitors from 1st Oct to 30th June. The park is also closed for Diwali and Holi.

Seeing the park in October is probably the best time to be here. During this time the chances of tiger sightings are relatively high, and the park enjoys a lush green ambience. It is also the best time for bird watching.

Past October, as the mercury falls, the park becomes a hub for migratory birds. Other than that, the tiger sighting is also quite decent during the morning slots.

Don’t send us hate, but summers are the harshest in terms of temperature. However, ironically, it is also the most fantastic time to spot tigers as they often come out of hiding to quench their thirst.

You will never hear it before you see it. You can never sit poised in its presence as your heart will forget how to beat naturally. That’s the might of the Bengal Tiger! That’s the aura of the king of the Jungle!

The best tiger sighting season is around the corner. If you plan on seeing the park this summer or in the next season, we know a place where you can book your entire trip at excellent prices. Yes, we are talking about the Grand Indian Route. Request a quote! We are waiting.