Kanha National Park | Wild Safaris India

Kanha National Park– A Comprehensive Guide

About - Kanha National Park

Located in the heart of India, Kanha National Park is one of the largest and most picturesque wildlife reserves in the country. Often referred to as the “Land of the Jungle Book”, its lush sal forests, grassy meadows, and winding streams are believed to have inspired Rudyard Kipling’s famous novel.

Spanning across 940 sq. km of core area and 1,067 sq. km of buffer zone, Kanha is a part of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, established in 1955. It is renowned for its conservation efforts, particularly in saving the Barasingha (Swamp Deer) from extinction, earning it the title “The Pride of Kanha”.

Kanha is also home to a thriving population of Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, and a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers.

Geographical Details

Altitude: 450m to 900m above sea level
Coordinates: 80°26’ to 81°3’ E
Rainfall: 1,500 mm annually
Temperature:
- Winter: 1°C (Min)
- Summer: 40°C (Max)

How to Reach Kanha National Park

By Flight

The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport (170 km), which connects to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. From Jabalpur, you can hire a taxi for a 4-hour drive to the park.
Other nearby airports include:

Raipur Airport (220 km)
Nagpur Airport (290 km)

By Train

Key railway stations near Kanha include:

Jabalpur Railway Station (170 km, 4-hour drive)
Gondia Railway Station (145 km, 3-hour drive)
Bilaspur Railway Station (260 km, 5-hour drive)

By Road

Kanha is well-connected to major cities via road.

Jabalpur: 170 km (4-hour drive)
Raipur: 220 km (5-hour drive)
Nagpur: 290 km (6-hour drive)

Best Time to Visit Kanha National Park

The park offers unique experiences throughout the year:

Winter (October – February): Cool weather, lush greenery, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Summer (March – June): Best season for tiger sightings as animals gather around water sources.
Monsoon (July – September): The park remains closed, allowing nature to rejuvenate.

Wildlife at Kanha National Park

Kanha is home to a variety of wildlife species, including:

Royal Bengal Tiger: The park’s most iconic predator.
Barasingha (Swamp Deer): Known as the “Jewel of Kanha”.
Leopard: Stealthy and elusive, often seen in buffer zones.
Indian Wild Dog (Dhole): Social and highly intelligent predators.
Gaur (Indian Bison): The largest wild cattle species.

Bird species include:

Indian Roller
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Crested Serpent Eagle

Reptiles include cobras, pythons, and monitor lizards.

Best Places to Visit Inside and Near Kanha National Park

Bamni Dadar (Sunset Point)
- Known as the “Sunset Point”, this spot offers stunning views of the forest during sunset. It’s perfect for photography and appreciating Kanha’s scenic beauty.
Kanha Meadows
- A large open grassland area within the park, ideal for spotting herbivores like Barasingha, Chital, and Gaur.
Shravan Tal
- A serene waterbody inside the park with mythological significance. It is believed to be the site where Shravan Kumar of the Ramayana was killed.
Kanha Museum of Life and Art
- Located near the Kisli Gate, this museum showcases the park’s rich biodiversity and tribal culture through exhibits and artifacts.
Mandla City (35 km)
- A nearby historical town with ancient temples, forts, and the picturesque Narmada River.
Amarkantak Hill Station (160 km)
- A serene hill station near Kanha, famous for its temples, waterfalls, and the source of the Narmada River.
Bandhavgarh National Park (210 km)
- If time permits, include a visit to Bandhavgarh National Park for its high tiger density and historical attractions.

Types of Safaris in Kanha National Park

Kanha offers a variety of safari experiences:

Jeep Safari
- Description: Private or shared Jeep Safaris for close encounters with wildlife.
- Timings:
  - Morning: 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM
  - Evening: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Capacity: 6 visitors per Jeep.
Canter Safari
- Description: Group safaris in larger open vehicles.
- Capacity: 12–20 visitors.
Walking Safari
- Description: Guided walks in the park’s buffer zones.
Night Safari
- Description: Explore the buffer zones at night to spot nocturnal wildlife.