The sprawling Kanha National Park, the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh, is nestled in the Maikal Hills of the Satpuras, extending over two districts – Mandla and Balaghat. Encompassing a vast expanse of 940 sq. km, it stands as one of the best-administered and managed wildlife national parks in India.
This sanctuary earned its initial designation as a reserve forest in 1879 and later secured recognition as a wildlife sanctuary in 1933. During the 1930s, Kanha was segregated into two sanctuaries – Hallon and Banjar, covering 250 sq km and 300 sq km, respectively. The formal establishment of Kanha National Park occurred in the year 1955.
KANHA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI BOOKING
The optimal means of exploring the Kanha tiger reserve is through a 4 Wheel-drive Open Jeep safari, winding through the lush green forests that define the elegance of Kanha. Safari sessions in Kanha National Park are conducted during the mornings and afternoons. Jeeps can be conveniently booked online via forest.mponline.gov.in. Alternatively, if you are staying at Kanha Jungle Camp, you have the option to use their vehicles and guides. The Kanha wildlife safari encompasses four different zones, namely Kisli, Mukki, Kanha, and Sarhi. During the monsoon season, core zone safaris are temporarily halted, but exploration of the Buffer zones, including Khatia Zone, Khapa Zone, Phen Zone, and Sijora Zone, remains open throughout the year.
During the Kanha National Park safari, keep an eye out for:
Mammalian Species:
Kanha is home to approximately 22 species of mammals, including Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, striped palm squirrels, common langurs, jackals, wild pigs, Chital, Barasingha or swamp deer, blackbuck, and sambar. Notably, Kanha Tiger Reserve has garnered global recognition for rescuing the Barasingha from near extinction, with ‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha’ serving as the official mascot for Kanha National Park.
Less Commonly Seen Species:
In addition to majestic animals, patient observation may reveal sightings of Indian hares, dholes or Indian wild dogs, barking deer, Indian bison or gaur, Indian foxes, sloth bears, striped hyenas, mouse deer, four-horned antelopes, ratels, and porcupines.
Avian Species:
Kanha Kisli National Park is renowned for hosting around 200 bird species, including cattle egrets, pond herons, black ibises, common peafowls, crested serpent eagles, racket-tailed drongos, hawks, red-wattled lapwings, flycatchers, woodpeckers, doves, babblers, Indian rollers, white-breasted kingfishers, grey hornbills, and the mysterious Red-headed vulture.
For online jungle safari bookings in Kanha National Park, visit: forest.mponline.gov.in.
KANHA NATIONAL PARK CIRCUITS
Kanha National Park has three entry gates – Khatia (Kisli), Mukki, and Sarhi. The south zone or Mukki is easily accessible from Nagpur or Raipur, while the Khatia and Sarhi gates can be reached from Jabalpur. To fully experience the primitive ambiance of Kanha Jungle Camp, it is recommended to search for hotels towards the Mukki gate direction. Traversing Kanha National Park offers a glimpse of the actual locations depicted in National Geographic’s award-winning documentary film, “Land of the Tigers.”
Forest Department guides accompany visitors on mapped-out circuits around the park, enabling them to witness a diverse cross-section of Kanha’s wildlife. Key attractions of the Kanha National safari include a sunset point, celebrated as the most beautiful area of the park. From here, visitors can marvel at the dense luxuriance of Kanha’s forest, spotting some of the spectacular herbivores.
In addition to safari experiences, tourists can relish walking and cycling in the pristine air of the buffer zone, partake in a safari aboard an open jeep, and visit nearby excursions (villages) to experience life in the remote jungle.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Kanha National Park is open to visitors annually from October 15th to June 30th. The prime time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant, and the atmosphere is cool. From March to June, the vegetation in this National Park dries up, providing an advantage for tiger sightings.
HOW TO REACH KANHA NATIONAL PARK?
Nestled in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park boasts excellent air, road, and train connections from various parts of India. The two major entry locations are Khatia and Mukki entrance gates. Khatia’s gate is situated in the Mandla district, while Mukki is in the Balaghat district of MP.
By Road:
Kanha National Park is well connected by road to major destinations in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. The park is easily accessible from the following cities:
- Nagpur: 300 Km
- Jabalpur: 160 Km
- Raipur: 250 Km
- Bilaspur: 250 Km
- Bhilai: 270 Km
By Train:
The nearest railway stations to reach Kanha National Park are Gondia and Jabalpur. Gondia is located 145 Km away from the Khatia entrance gate, while Jabalpur is situated 160 Km away from the Mukki entrance gate.
By Air:
The nearest airports to Kanha National Park are Jabalpur (160 Km), Raipur (250 Km), and Nagpur (300 Km).
PLACES TO VISIT IN KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Kanha Museum:
Located inside Kanha National Park, the Kanha Museum is maintained by the Forest Department of the state. Positioned close to Khatia (Kisli) gate, this museum, showcasing wildlife, botany, and zoology exhibits, is open throughout the year.
Lapsi Kabar:
Honoring the courage of expert hunter and guide ‘Lapsi,’ who lost his life in a fierce battle with a tiger while protecting his colleagues, Lapsi Kabar stands as a significant spot in Kanha National Park.
Shravan Tal:
A small pond in the Kanha Tiger Reserve, Shravan Tal is believed to be the spot where Shravan Kumar carried his blind parents and fetched water. Tragically, Shravan was killed by Dashratha, Lord Rama’s father, while fetching water, leading to the naming of the pond after Shravan Kumar.
Sindoor Trees:
Abundantly found in Kanha, Sindoor trees are the source of the sindoor commonly used in Indian households.
Explore the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of Kanha National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
