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Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park Travel Guide—The Pride of India (2024)

Spread over an area of 940 square kilometers, Kanha National Parks is the pride of India. You must know that Madhya Pradesh has the most substantial forest cover in India, and the Kanha National Park is responsible for most of that area. The park is visited by several thousand wild-life enthusiasts from all over the world.

One of the essential reasons why Kanha is so immensely popular in the world is that the Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling in based on the beautiful forests of Kanha. Even though Mowgli’s adventure in the Jungle book is fictional, the description of the woods and their beauty is not. If you have ever read the Jungle book in your life, you will find the forest’s resemblance to the book quite quickly.

The forest is home to a large variety of flora and fauna, but Kanha’s major attraction is the Royal Bengal Tiger. There are many ways you can explore the forest, but many people often get confused in the best way. As you might have realized, planning a trip for any wood can be hectic, that is why we have included all the essential information regarding the journey in this blog. In case you always wanted to go to Kanha national park, here is your chance. By reading this travel guide, you will plan a trip to the forest without any help. So, for your convenience, bookmark this article so that you get to design your dream trip without any obstacle.

Kanha National Park

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Location of Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is located in the heart of India at Madhya Pradesh. As there are different gates of the forest, you will find the proximity of the gates from different cities of Madhya Pradesh quite different. For example, Kanha’s Mukki gate is located 200 km from Jabalpur, whereas the Khatia gate is situated 160 km from Jabalpur.

The Sarhi gate is located 150 km from Jabalpur. Most of the gates are located quite close to the small town of Madhya Pradesh, Mandla. Depending on your tour itinerary, you will have to choose the gate to start your expedition.

Perfect Time To Visit Kanha Forest

The best time to visit the Kanha National Park is between November to January and March to April. But it is always suggested to avoid December or January because of the unbearable crowd. If you are genuinely interested in seeing animals, try to go there between March and April. Most wild animals get out to drink water during the summers.

Perfect Time To Visit Kanha Forest
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Opening Timings Of The Park

First of all, we want you to know, Kanha National Park is closed from June 16 to September 30 every year to avoid the monsoon season. Apart from the said months, the park is closed on every Wednesday and different holidays like Diwali or Holi.

For the rest of the days, when the park is open, the Kanha forest’s opening time is in the early morning, and the closing time is at 7 pm. But you will be able to explore the park by going on safaris because you are not allowed to wander the park on foot.

Opening Timings Of The Kanha National ParkImage Source

Modes of Transportation To Reach Kanha National Park

The best way to visit Kanha national park is through Jabalpur. As the nearest railway station and the airport from Kanha are located in Jabalpur, most people prefer to travel from there.

As we have mentioned earlier, the park’s entry gates are located in Mukki and Khatia, and you will have to reach the nearest cities to go there. In case you live in towns like Balaghat, Bilaspur, or Raipur, it is better to avail of the Mukki gate. Otherwise, you should prefer the Khatia gate.
Many people prefer to stay in Kisli while exploring the park as the distance between Khatia and Kisli is only 3 km.

It is quite easy to rent a car from Jabalpur to take you to Kisli or Mandla. Whether you are going to travel on flights or trains, you will find many options to take you to Kanha national park from Jabalpur.

Safaris Available At Kanha National Park

There are primarily two different safaris available at Kanha national park, through which you will be able to explore the entire area. In this section of the travel guide, you will get all the necessary information regarding the safaris.

Jeep Safari

Jeep Safari is the most common way to explore any national park in India. In Kanha forests, you will be able to explore the park quite effortlessly by hiring a jeep. By taking a vehicle, you will witness the gorgeous flora and fauna of the forests and be able to click beautiful pictures without any problem.

Safaris Available At Kanha National Park-Jeep Safari
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Timings:
Now, the schedules for the jeep safari in summer and winter are different. During summer you will be able to avail of jeep safari from 6.30 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 7 pm.

In the winter, you will be able to avail jeep safari from 6 am to 11 am and 3 pm to 5.30 pm.

It is always best to visit the forest either at dawn or dusk to witness the breathtaking beauty.

Costs: You can book a seat in the jeep or book the entire automobile according to your choice. In case you are traveling with your family, it is always better to book jeep as a whole. As the vehicle provides accommodation to six people, you will be able to comfortably enjoy the park with your loved ones.

The cost of booking the entire jeep is INR 1500, and the cost of booking one seat in INR 250 for a safari. In case you are traveling with kids under the age of 5, you will not have to pay any price.

No matter how you are booking your seats, you will have to pay for a guide during a safari. It would cost you INR 360.

Duration of the Safari: 3 hours.

Elephant Safari

One of the fascinating ways to explore any forest is by availing the elephant safari. You will be able to connect to the wood even more by witnessing it from the back of a majestic elephant. The leaves of the dignified trees, the natural breeze of the forest and the smell of the wetland will take you to another world if you avail of this safari.

In case you are hoping to see a tiger, the chances of witnessing it from the elephant in way more than from a jeep. That is why many people prefer elephant safari over a jeep safari.

Timings: In the case of elephant safari too, the schedules for the safaris are different during the summer and winter seasons.

During summer, the elephant safaris are available from 6.30 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 7 pm.

In the winter, the safari starts at 6 am and ends at 11 am and 3 pm and ends at 5.30 pm.

Costs: For a person, a safari would cost approximately INR 600.

Duration of the Trip: 3 hours.

Species of Fauna Visible in Kanha Forest

You already must know, species of endangered animals like Panther, Blackbuck, Sambhar, Gaur, Barking deer, sloth bear, and others are quite prevalent in Kanha National Park. But the park is home to some Royal Bengal Tigers that is why it is also a tiger reserve. An endangered animal known as Barasingha is known as the “Jewel of Kanha National Park.”

Apart from animals, a wide variety of reptiles are also available in Kanha national park. Some of them are Indian Cobra, Indian Krait, Python, Russell’s Viper, fan throated lizard, and others. Even though it is quite challenging to encounter them in a safari, but they are present in large numbers in the forest.

You might be lucky enough to see different species of gorgeous birds while exploring Kanha National Park. Some of the most visible birds out there are Black Ibis, Lesser Whistling Teal, Crested Serpent Eagle, Blossom-headed Parakeets, and others.

The park is quite famous for being the home to some exquisite species of fishes as well. Some of the rarest fishes found in Kanha national park are Mud perches, Brown Snakehead, Giant Danio, and others.

Even though there are so many particular species of animals, birds, fishes, and reptiles living in the forest, but rarely do people get to witness them. Most of the time, people get to see one animal on their entire safari. Some even do not get to see any. That is why it is always better to visit the park at dawn or dusk during the summer.

Best Hotels To Stay In Kanha Forest

There are several luxury resorts and hotels in the buffer zone of Kanha National Park, but here we are going to discuss the top properties only. The following resorts in Kanha forests are quite popular among the tourists from all over the world.

Kanha Earth Lodge

Located in the buffer zone of Kanha National Park, Kanha earth lodge will allow you to spend a few days amid the raw beauty of nature. As the resort is spread over 16 acres, you will be able to relax in different areas of the property. Most of the cottages available in the resort are quite extraordinarily luxurious. All the rooms of the establishment are equipped with modern facilities and comfort.

The pool offers a wide variety of features, including infinity pool, outdoor barbeque, dining halls, nature trails, jeep, elephant safety, and others.

Best Hotel To Stay In Kanha Forest-Kanha Earth Lodge
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Address:
Kanha Tiger Reserve, Kanha Earth Lodge, P.O. Sarekha, Narna, Madhya Pradesh 481111.

Website: http://www.kanhaearthlodge.com/.

Phone Number: 011 4014 6400.

Price of a room per night: INR 13000.

Chitvan Jungle Lodge

The ambiance surrounding the gorgeous Chitvan Jungle lodge will make you immensely relaxed and happy. As the property is located quite close to Kanha national park, tourists from all over the world prefer to explore the forest. There are different categories of lodges available at Chitval hotel, namely Mahasagar, Jal, Prithvi, and Akash. According to your budget, you will get to choose the right lodge for you.

Not only are the living accommodation offered by the resort fantastic, but also are the different activities. You will get to take part in nature and birdwatching trails, jungle safaris, elephant safaris, and others if you stay in the resort.

Amazing Hotel To Stay In Kanha Forest-Chitvan Jungle Lodge
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Address:
Kanha National Park, Post Mukki, Tehsil Baihar, Samnapur, Madhya Pradesh 481111.

Website: http://www.chitvan.com/.

Phone Number: Not available.

Price of a room per night: INR 7000.

Banjaar Tola

Banjaar Tola is a luxury property founded by the Taj Hotel groups located in the buffer zone of Kanha national park. The establishment allows you to choose from 18 different luxury tents to spend a few days in the lap of nature and luxury. All the tents are extraordinarily luxurious and will enable you to stay right at the heart of the forest.

If you plan on staying in Banjaar Tola, you will be able to take part in stargazing, jeep safari, village expedition, and others. The property also has a spa and gym.

Top-Rated Hotel To Stay In Kanha Forest-Banjaar Tola
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Address:
Kanha National Park, Manjitola Mukki, Baihar, Madhya Pradesh 484661.

Website: https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/banjaar-tola-kanha-national-park

Phone Number: 022 6601 1825.

Price of a tent per night: INR 15000.

Other Activities To Take Part In Kanha Forest

When you are visiting Kanha forest, make it a point to see the Kanha museum. If you do not visit the museum, your entire trip will be incomplete. You will learn about the history of the park and see the skeletons of different animals.

Remember, the park is located quite close to the Kisli gate of Kanha National park, and it is open from 9 am to 6 pm.

By following this guide, we hope you will be able to plan a trip to Kanha national park without any problem. But before starting to plan your trip, remember to book the safaris and reserve hotels in advance. Several people visit Kanha national park every year, and it can become pretty crowded. That is why it is always better to make reservations in advance.

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