Kanha National Park - A traveler's guide
We take you on a virtual trail of Kanha National Park, one of the finest National parks in India. Here’s what you can expect on your trip to Kanha, keep your eyes peeled and stay vigilant. This is your chance to catch the big cats in their natural habitat.
About Kanha National park
Kanha National Park, located in the center of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most well-known and well-kept wildlife sanctuaries in India. The park, which covers an area of 362 square miles and features rich greenery, picturesque views, and a tranquil ambiance, is home to some of India’s most unusual species.
Kanha, hailed by many naturalists as the best-kept park in the nation, owes its revival to the extraordinary efforts made by wildlife conservationists who founded it back in 1955.
Kanha is a true natural treasure, with lots of room for both predators and prey to thrive. There is also an abundance of plant life. Kanha has identified 43 different animal species to far. Over 900 species of rare, flowering, and aquatic plants combined, over 325 species of birdlife, and 23 species of reptiles.
When Rudyard Kipling wrote “The Jungle Book,” Kanha gained international notoriety. His tales of jungle mythology openly drew inspiration from the flora and fauna of the National Park, both in words and drawings.
The park, which is now known as “Tiger Country,” continues to welcome visitors with a variety of diversions beyond simple nature safaris. Read about it from an explorer’s perspective to get a sense of how exciting of an experience it is and how crucial the park is to environmental conservation in India.
Popular Tigers at Kanha National Park
The number of tigers in India has surpassed 3000 as of this writing. 42 cubs and 83 adult tigers can be found in Kanha National Park alone. The Royal Bengal Tiger, the largest of the tiger subspecies, is the main draw among the many tigers. These magnificent wild cats can grow to be up to 3 metres long and weigh up to 500 pounds.
Only 5 of the original 9 tigers subspecies are still alive. Interbreeding between subspecies was observed as the Royal Bengal Tiger’s population started to decline, which was a concern for conservationists.
This procedure has given rise to some quite unusual-looking big cats that have noticeable birthmarks in addition to the traditional striped patterns. This has only raised Kanha’s popularity ratings and prompted such actions in the several Madhya Pradesh surrounding national parks.
You need to keep an eye out for Munna, Bheema, and Neelam, three tigers. Due to their comfort level around people, they are the most well-known and frequently observed of all tigers. Learn more about the life of Kanha’s renowned tigers.
Wildlife at Kanha National Park
True explorers know to go beyond just the tigers and enjoy the other unique species that coexists with these apex predators. The Royal Bengal Tiger continues to be a significant attraction in all of Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife reserves.
The number of animals in Kanha National Park is increasing steadily and is abounding. The extraordinary conservation efforts have helped endangered species come back to life.
This has made the national park one of the most captivating safari experiences in the Golden Triangle of India, together with the lush, evergreen Sal woods, everflowing riverbeds, and gently sloping slopes.
Here is a brief list of some of the animals that can be seen in Kanha National Park most frequently:
Once an endangered species, the hard ground swamp deer is thriving today thanks to conservation efforts, and is the only deer species that can be found exclusively at Kanha.
This furry critter can be spotted across most of North-Eastern and Southern Asia. In fact, Kanha is one of 10 national reserves in the world where the wild dog is most commonly found, roaming around in packs.
If you’re a morning person, Kanha’s avifauna will greet you in the most pleasant of ways. You will hear the distinct calls of the Rufous Tree Pie, Coppersmith Barbet, Cuckoo, and many more.
Endangered bird species like the Floricas and Adjutant Storks can also be found in season, so keep your binoculars handy.
The caretaking role of the forest falls to the butterflies, spiders, caterpillars and termites. Though small in scale, they play a key role in maintaining the life cycle of the forest.
There is no shortage of creepy crawlies in Kanha. You’d find the likes of a monitor lizard, garden lizard, chameleon and even flying lizards here. Snakes are common, with the largest being the Indian Rock Python and the most venomous being cobras and vipers.
Zones in Kanha National Park
| S. No. | Core Zone | Entrance Gates (Full Safari) |
Entrance Gates (Single Seat Safari) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kanha Zone | Khatia / Mukki / Sarhi Gate | Khatia Gate |
| 2. | Mukki Zone | Khatia / Mukki Gate | Mukki Gate |
| 3. | Kisli Zone | Khatia / Mukki / Sarhi Gate | Khatia Gate |
| 4. | Sarhi Zone | Khatia / Sarhi Gate | Sarhi Gate |
National parks are frequently separated into several zones to facilitate quicker and more comfortable tiger safari tours for visitors. Three gates—Khatia, Mukhi, or Sarhi—allow admission to Kanha National Park.
Your trip will typically start from one of the park’s four primary zones. The inner areas of the park, known as Buffer Zones, which are often linking locations between the Core Zones, are accessible via Jeep Safaris and Canter Safaris.
Due to its abundance of animals, the Kanha Zone was for a while the most well-liked destination. But as conservation initiatives boosted the numbers around the park, this has changed over time.
Apart from Core and Buffer, another prime zone is the Reserved Zone – This area of the park is closed off to tourists, as it focuses mainly on wildlife conservation.
Best Time to Visit Kanha National Park
One of the few national parks in India that offers distinctive safari experiences all year round is Kanha. This is primarily because of the climate in Madhya Pradesh.
The months of November through March are the best times to make a safari tour reservation. The weather is calm, there are light rain showers, and the land is filled with cheery sights of flower blossoms in bloom. Because of the area’s tropical environment, the last few months of the year will be extremely chilly and wet. Pack accordingly.
The majority of the wildlife is active in Kanha during the winter, when it truly shines. While not a good time to travel, the sweltering summers do give wildlife photographers a better opportunity to capture wild cats in motion.
Types of Safaris at Kanha Naitonal Park
As with the case of any tourist destination, there is never only one way to experience everything you can experience on a safari tour at Kanha National Park. Here are some exciting safari tours to book yourself in while exploring the region.
Canter Safari : If you are visiting the park as a group of 10 or more people, a canter safari would be your best pick when it comes to exploring the depths of the jungle and getting as close as possible to the wildlife. This is also the most affordable among safari options.
Jeep Safari : For smaller groups, especially couples or small families, the jeep safari offers a more personal experience. You can even gain access to remote and hard to cross locations along the nature trail.
Elephant Safari : Do it like the Royals once did! Hop aboard this giant friendly animal and explore the landscape with a whole new perspective.
Walking Safari : The most challenging of safari experiences, this is one a true adventurer should opt-in for. Walking safaris in Kanha are restricted to two zones and offer a rather scenic yet adrenaline-pumping journey across steep and rocky terrain.
No matter which safari type you pick, the experiences are open twice a day (early morning and late evenings), with each trail giving you something to remember as you complete it.
Reason to Visit Kanha National Park
Kanha is one of the best places in India for environment lovers thanks to its magnificent tiger safaris, thrilling nature trails, and distinctive flora and wildlife.
In fact, you may experience this beautiful place to the fullest in just six days. You would not want to miss out on such a lengthy week-long vacation. You will enter a wild wonderland as soon as you land in Nagpur and drive through the countryside for five hours.
Kanha exudes an antique allure. As you lose yourself in the vistas, time stands still. You’ll get the impression that not much has changed in the area for a thousand years because to the imposing Sal forests. The inhabitants of Kanha are kind and friendly. The relationship between humans and wildlife in Kipling’s “Jungle Book” served as its primary inspiration.
Kanha, which transitions from a concrete jungle to a natural jungle, provides a pleasant respite from the rigors of urban existence in a number of revitalizingly interesting ways.
An enormous Sal jungle that stretches as far as the eye can see, plenty of designated places to get close to nature, scenic locations that will make you take out your camera or binoculars every few minutes, and luxurious jungle lodges and hotels that let you live comfortably while surrounded by the wildest of nature trails.
If that isn’t enough to persuade you, perhaps the detailed account of a trip to Kanha National Park would.
Things to Carry at Kanha National Park
To properly appreciate Kanha National Park’s attractions, you’ll need at least 6 days. Pack warm clothing and overalls if you have decided to visit during the winter.
It’s wise to bring necessities like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses if you plan to tackle the park in the summer.
Make sure the colors you choose are environmentally friendly regardless of the type of clothing you are carrying for the weather. Your best bet is to choose light tones of green, blue, and brown. If you’re lucky, camouflage print also works beautifully.
In order to get the most out of the safari, binoculars and a good camera are your greatest allies.
Do’s & Don’ts at Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is, for all intents and purposes, a wildlife conservation zone first and foremost. This means that as a tourist, you are required to follow park protocol to ensure your experience is as safe as it is enjoyable. Listed below are some mandatory guidelines.
- Ensure your tour guide takes you on a slow and carefully traced drive path on the safari, for the best chance of spotting wildlife without disturbing the peace.
- You are in the lap of nature, animal territory, so keep a respectful distance and make sure you adhere to the laws of the jungle.
- Do not get off your canter or jeep unless specifically allowed by the tour guide.
- Ensure to keep the park pollution-free. Avoid carrying packaged goods. Pit stops are predetermined on the tour, only snack and take refreshments at these pit stops.
- Smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited inside the national park.
Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Kanha National Park
With its incredible selection of hotel alternatives, Kanha keeps you comfy even while you’re away from home.
On the other hand, some resorts near Kanha offer lodging right in the middle of nature if you prefer a jungle vibe even when you’re not on a nature trail.
We’ve compiled all of the finest lodgings the National Park zones have to offer and created a list of the best luxury hotels and resorts in the Kanha area.
Singinawa Jungle Lodge
Nestled within a sprawling forest land of 100 acres adjoining the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, the Singinawa Jungle Lodge is an ensemble of ecologically responsible tourism and the spirit of Kanha region. A world class luxury resort, the Lodge has 12 private cottages with the perfect blend of palatial accommodation, luxurious amenities and exemplary services.
Taj Banjaar Tola
This safari lodge is situated along the banks of the Banjaar River overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park. Two intimate camps of nine tents each are built on the banks of the still river overlooking the national park. Each elegant camp boasts its own pool with outdoor as well as indoor lounge options and interactive dining areas.
Chitvan Jungle Lodge
Chitvan is a jungle resort, situated near Mukki gate of Kanha National Park. Accommodation that include tastefully done up suites, with a view of the forest while relaxing in your bed, with mini bar, open terrace, and an open shower, restaurant, al fresco dining, facilities include spa and a swimming pool.
Kanha Earth Lodge
Kanha Earth Lodge, is spread in 16 acres of natural forest, tucked away in a small hamlet bordering Kanha’s buffer zone. Its unique location, 30 minutes from the Khatia/Kisli park gate, ensures that it is close enough for easy access to the park, but still far enough from the glut of hotels lining Kanha’s tourist hub to offer guests a true wilderness experience.
Places to Visit Near Kanha National Park
- Bandhavgarh National Park – Kanha’s closest cousin in terms of a pure wildlife safari experience. The Kanha Museum – Educate your kids about the rich and wondrous history of the park.
- Local Bazaar – Purchase some essential clothing for the trip, or take home trinkets of your visit.
- Safari Tours – Big canter vans, personal jeeps, or even the more traditional elephant ride! Pick your safari tour option and get exploring.
- Cityscape visits – From the mystic waterfalls of Amarkantak to the spiritual grandeur of Mandla, your eyes simply won’t get any wider in wonder!
- Bird Watching – Winters in Kanha leave the skies enveloped with some of the most exotic varieties of avifauna. Make sure you’ve got a pair of binoculars handy.
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