Kanha National Park 2024 | Kanha Tiger Reserve 2024 | Kanha National Park History | Things To Do in Kanha National Park | Best time to visit | Entry Fee | Timings | Safari | Kanha National Park Complete Travel Guide | Kanha Tiger Reserve Travel Guide
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is also known as Kanha Tiger Reserve located in Mandla and Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. One of the most prominent and famous national parks of India, Kanha National Park is also the most famous and largest national park of Madhya Pradesh.
The state of Madhya Pradesh of India maintains its own identity in the whole world for its national parks and tiger conservation. According to the census of tigers done in the year 2018 in India, there were a total of 2967 tigers at that time. In the census done at that time, the maximum number of tigers were found in Madhya Pradesh.
According to the census done in Madhya Pradesh in 2018, there are a total of 526 tigers which was more than any other state in India. Karnataka is the second state in India after Madhya Pradesh in which the number of tigers is 524. According to the census of Kanha National Park in the year 2018, the number of tigers in this park was 125 (83 tigers and 42 cubs).
Apart from the conservation of tigers, magnificent wildlife like reindeer have also been protected in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Due to the care of the national parks being taken by the Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh, today Madhya Pradesh has a different identity for its national parks all over the world.
Apart from tigers, many types of wildlife are found in Kanha National Park. Apart from this, this Tiger Reserve is also very rich. For this reason, thousands and lakhs of tourists from all over the country and the world keep coming to see this national park.
History of Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park of Madhya Pradesh is famous all over the world for the wildlife and flora found here. Tourists from all over the country and abroad come to this national park, especially to see the Bengal tiger and reindeer found here. Many stories are heard from the local people behind the name of this national park as Kanha National Park.
Clay soil is found in and around this park, which is locally known as Kanhar. And with the word Kanhar, this place came to be called Kanha. Apart from this, you can also get to hear about a Siddha man by the residents, whose name was Kanva and he used to live in a village near this forest.
It is said that this place has been named Kanha after his name. You must have heard about the famous cartoon serial and book Jungle Book. Its author Rudyard Kipling took inspiration from this Kanha National Park and wrote a wonderful book like The Jungle Book. Residents also call Kanha Tiger Reserve as Kanha-Kisli National Park.
This national park is considered to be the largest national park in India in terms of area. Before a reserve forest area, this national park was considered part of the Gondwanas (i.e. the land of the Gonds) around the year 1880. Which was settled by the Gonds and Baigas, the two main tribes of Central India at that time.
Even today, the settlements of these two tribes can be seen in the outskirts of this national park. Before being declared a national park, this forest area was declared a restricted area in the year 1862 under the then forest management rules. But from the year 1879 to the year 1910, this forest area also used to be the favourite hunting site of the British.
After a few years, in the year 1933, this reserved forest was given the status of a sanctuary. After this, the park was highly appreciated for its natural oddity and wildlife all over the world. On 01 June 1955, this sanctuary was given the status of a national park, and in the year 1973, this national park was also declared a tiger reserve.
Kanha National Park has also been awarded as the most friendly national park for tourists by the Department of Tourism, Government of India in the year 1991 and the year 2001.
Kanha National Park Geography
The core zone of Kanha National Park is spread over a total area of 940 square kilometres (360 sq mi) of two districts of Madhya Pradesh, Mandla and Balaghat. Apart from this, the park is also divided into two protected areas, of which 250 square kilometres (97 sq mi) comes in Hallen, and about 300 square kilometres (116 sq mi) comes in Banjar.
In addition, there is a buffer zone of around 1067 square kilometres (412 sq mi), and an area of 110 square kilometres (42 sq mi) of the nearby Fen Sanctuary has also been included in the buffer zone of this national park. For this reason, today Kanha National Park has become the largest national park in India in terms of area.
The area of Kanha Tiger Reserve is similar in shape to the legs of a horse. Apart from this, this national park is also surrounded by the Satpura hills, whose height goes from 450 meters to 900 meters in this forest area. The barren and Helen valleys, considered to be the Princes region of central India, are also part of this national park.
Many wildlife has been protected in Kanha National Park. Out of which the almost extinct reindeer can also be seen in this national park. This tiger reserve is considered to be one of the most beautiful protected forest areas in Asia. The biggest feature of Kanha National Park is the open grasslands.
In the open grasslands here, you can see black deer, sambar, reindeer and chital grazing together. Apart from this, if you are lucky, then you can also see the tiger hunting in the field in the open grass of this park.
Kanha National Park Flora
Apart from being a famous wildlife sanctuary, Kanha National Park is also very rich. This national park is considered to be home to more than 1000 species of plants and trees. Apart from the dense forests of Sal, many other types of trees are also seen in this park. In this park, you get to see big meadows.
The higher altitudes in the forest are relatively moist and the slopes are covered with bamboo forests. You get to see this type of natural contrast in the whole forest. Apart from all this, you also get to see the Indian Ghost Tree in this Tiger Reserve. The vegetation found in this park includes Sal, Char, Bija, Tendu, Mahua, India, Amla, Saja, Palas, Dhwa, Bija and Bamboo etc.
Kanha National Park Founa
Mainly tourists come to see tigers in Kanha Tiger Reserve. But in this national park, apart from tigers, you also get to see predatory animals like leopard, wild dog, fox, hyena and sloth bear. You can also see the reindeer, which is an extinct animal category, roaming in this national park.
Apart from all this, you also get to see wildlife like deer, causing, chital, gaur, wild boar, langur, black deer, rood mongoose, barking deer and sambar in this forest. Apart from all this, many species of snakes are also seen in which Indian krait, Russell’s viper, rat snake, python and Indian cobra can be seen prominently. Kanha National Park is also home to more than 300 native and exotic birds.
Birds that you can see here include Cattle Egret, Indian Roller, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Vulture, Red Junglefowl, Indian Peacock, White-breasted Kingfisher, Tickles Blue Flycatcher, Red-wattled Lapwing, Blossom-headed Parakeets, Black Ibis, Pond Herons, crested serpent eagle, little grebes, white-browed fantail, paradise flycatcher, lesser adjutant, drongos, common teal, white-eyed buzzard, lesser whistling teal, pigeon, hornbill, steppe eagle, myna, minivets and woodpecker can also be seen can.
Kanha National Park Weather
Most of the Kanha Tiger Reserve is located in the plains. And the height of this park is also only 600 meters above sea level. For this reason, the temperature of this park remains the same according to the season throughout the year. As it is very hot here in summer and the weather here is very cold in winter.
The maximum temperature of Kanha National Park during the summer season can go up to 45° degrees and above. Apart from this, the weather here is very good even during the monsoon season. But during the monsoon season, Kanha National Park remains closed for tourists for three months. In the winter season, the weather of Kanha National Park goes down to -2° degrees.
Kanha National Park weather in summer
March to June month – Max: approx 43℃ / Min: approx 35℃
Kanha National Park Weather in Monsoon
July to September month – Max: approx 30℃ / Min: approx 20℃
(Kanha National National Park is closed for tourists during the monsoon season.)
Kanha National Park weather in winter
From October to February month – Max: approx 20℃ / Min: approx -2℃ and less.
Kanha National Park Best Time To Visit
Kanha National Park remains closed for tourists during the monsoon season from July 01 to October 14. In simple language, you can also say that Kanha National Park remains closed for tourists during the monsoon season. The rest of the park is open for tourists from October 15 to June 30.
Apart from this, on the day of the Holi festival and every Wednesday afternoon safari cannot be done in the week. Apart from the monsoon season, although one can visit this national park at any time, in the summer season, it gets very hot here. Apart from this, if you go to see this national park immediately after the monsoon, then you can get to see natural beauty along with wildlife here.
For this reason, the time from October to March is considered to be the best time to visit this national park. After March, the vegetation here starts drying up, but at the same time the chances of seeing a tiger in the open also increase a lot.
Note:- 01 The timing of the opening and closing of Kanha National Park for tourists can be changed by the local administration at any time.
02 All kinds of officials to open and close Kanha National Park for tourists are safe with the local administration.
Kanha National Park Safari Zone
Kanha National, the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh, has a total of 04 core zones, which is spread over an area of 917.44 square kilometres. And there is a total of 04 buffer zones which are spread over a total of 1134.36 square kilometres.
The total area of the core zone and buffer zone is 2051.79 square kilometres making this park the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh. The four core zones of Kanha National Park are known as Kanha, Kisli, Mukki and Sarahi. And the buffer zone of this park is known as Khatia, Sijora, Phen and Khapa.
Kanha National Park Core Zone
Kanha Zone
Entrance gate – khatiya / Mukki / sarahi
Safari Timings – 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 06:00 PM (times are subject to change)
Safari Type – Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari – Morning Safari 36 jeeps are allowed entry at a time. And in the evening safaris, 23 jeeps are allowed to enter the park. (1 jeep has a total capacity of 06 seats, in which 01 guides and 01 drivers are separate)
Kanha National Park remains closed for tourists during the monsoon season from July 01 to October 14. In simple language, you can also say that Kanha National Park remains closed for tourists during the monsoon season. The rest of the park is open for tourists from October 15 to June 30.
Apart from this, on the day of the Holi festival and every Wednesday afternoon safari cannot be done in the week. Apart from the monsoon season, although one can visit this national park at any time, in the summer season, it gets very hot here. Apart from this, if you go to see this national park immediately after the monsoon, then you can get to see natural beauty along with wildlife here.
For this reason, the time from October to March is considered to be the best time to visit this national park. After March, the vegetation here starts drying up, but at the same time the chances of seeing a tiger in the open also increase a lot.
Kisli zone
Entrance gate – khatiya / Mukki / sarahi
Safari Timings – 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 06:00 PM (times are subject to change)
Safari Type – Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari – Morning Safari 15 jeeps are allowed entry at a time. And in the evening safari, 10 Jeep are allowed to enter the park. (1 jeep has a total capacity of 06 seats, in which 01 guides and 01 drivers are separate)
After Kanha Zone, the Kisli Zone of Kanha Tiger Reserve is the second such zone where you are most likely to see tigers. In most parts of the Kisli Zone, you can see bamboo forests and open grasslands apart from the dense forests of Sal trees.
Mukki Zone
Entrance door – khatiya / Mukki
Safari Timings – 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 06:00 PM (times are subject to change)
Safari Type – Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari – Morning Safari 30 jeeps are allowed entry at a time. And in the evening safaris, 30 Jeep are allowed to enter the park. (1 jeep has a total capacity of 06 seats, in which 01 guides and 01 drivers are separate)
For some time now, tigers have been seen many times in this part of Kanha National Park. Due to which this zone of the park has also started being explored by tourists. In the Mukki Zone, apart from the dense forest of Sal trees, you can also see bamboo and open grasslands with maximum chances of tiger sightings.
Sarahi Zone
Entrance – khatiya / Sarahi
Safari Timings – 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 06:00 PM (times are subject to change)
Safari Type – Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari – Morning Safari 19 jeeps are allowed entry at a time. And in the evening safari, 17 Jeep are allowed to enter the park. (1 jeep has a total capacity of 06 seats, in which 01 guides and 01 drivers are separate)
The acclaimed zone is such a zone of Kanha National Park in which reindeer was first seen in the year 1966. In most parts of the appreciation zone, you can see dry deciduous forests and vast grasslands.
In this zone of the park too, you have a lot of chances of seeing a tiger. When you enter the appreciated zone through the Kisli zone, at that time you have to pass through the forest of huge Sal trees, which can prove to be memorable for you.
Kanha National Park Buffer Zone
Khatiya Zone
Entrance – Khatiya
Safari Timings – 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 06:00 PM (times are subject to change)
Safari Type – Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari – Morning Safari Up to 25 jeeps are allowed at a time. And in the evening safari, 15 jeeps are allowed to enter the park. (1 jeep has a total capacity of 06 seats, in which 01 guides and 01 drivers are separate)
Khapa Zone
Entrance – Mukki
Safari Timings – 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 06:00 PM (times are subject to change)
Safari Type – Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari – Morning Safari 20 jeeps are allowed entry at a time. And in the evening safari, 12 jeeps are allowed to enter the park. (1 jeep has a total capacity of 06 seats, in which 01 guides and 01 drivers are separate)
Sijora Zone
Entrance – Mukki
Safari Timings – 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 06:00 PM (times are subject to change)
Safari Type – Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari – Morning Safari 20 jeeps are allowed entry at a time. And in the evening safari, 12 jeeps are allowed to enter the park. (1 jeep has a total capacity of 06 seats, in which 01 guides and 01 drivers are separate)
Phen Zone
Entrance – Mukki
Safari Timings – 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 06:00 PM (times are subject to change)
Safari Type – Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari – Morning Safari Up to 25 jeeps are allowed at a time. And in the evening safari, 15 jeeps are allowed to enter the park. (1 jeep has a total capacity of 06 seats, in which 01 guides and 01 drivers are separate)
Kanha National Park Safari / Timings / Entry Fees
Kanha National Park Elephant Safari
| S.no | Particular | Elephant Safari Price | Elephant Safari Timing | Elephant Safari Capacity |
| 01 | Adult | 1000/- INR Per Person | 8:00 AM to 009:00 AM (Morning) | 04 Person |
| 02 | Child(Age 5-12) | 500/-INR Per Person | 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Evening) |
Note:- 01 The duration of the Elephant Safari in Kanha National Park is only half an hour.
02 Before elephant safari, the elephant’s availability and health are inspected by the administration, only after that elephant safari is allowed.
03 Allowing Elephant Safari is entirely up to the local administration.
04 Elephant Safari timings are subject to change by the local administration at any time.
05 Afternoon Safari in Kanha National Park is closed every Wednesday.
06 Even on the festival of Holi, both morning and evening safaris are closed in Kanha National Park.
Kanha National Park Jeep Safari
| S.no | Type of Jeep Safari | Safari cost | Jeep Hiring cost | Guide | Total | Capacity |
| 01 | Single Seat | 250/- INR Per Person | 2000/- INR
(divide into 06 Person) |
480/- INR
(divide into 06 Person) |
663/- INR Per Person | 06 Person |
| 02 | Full Vehicle | 1500/-INR Per Person | 2000/- INR | 480/- INR | 3980/- INR | 06 Person |
Note:- 01 Before entering the garden, take complete information about the rules related to the garden.
02 For more information related to travel, safari and online booking in Kanha National Park, visit the official website of the park ( https://forest.mponline.gov.in/ )
03 Your safari booking in Kanha National Park is liable to be cancelled without prior notice in case of any emergency.
04 The cost of Jeep Safari and any other Safari is subject to change by the local administration at any time.
05 You can enter the park from only one gate at a time, to enter through all the other gates, you will have to pay a separate entrance fee.
06 Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari will have to pay a separate fee.
07 Afternoon Safari in Kanha National Park is closed every Wednesday.
08 Even on the festival of Holi, both morning and evening safaris are closed in Kanha National Park.
Kanha National Park Safari Timing
Kanha National Park Safari Timings in Summer
| Month | Morning Entry Timing | Morning Exit Timing | Evening Entry Timing | Evening Exit Timing |
| April | 05:45 AM | 11:00 AM | 04:00 PM | 06:45 PM |
| May | 05:30 AM | 11:00 AM | 04:00 PM | 07:00 PM |
| June | 05:30 AM | 11:00 AM | 04:00 PM | 07:00 PM |
Kanha National Park Safari Timings in Winter
| Month | Morning Entry Timing | Morning Exit Timing | Evening Entry Timing | Evening Exit Timing |
| October | 06:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 03:00 PM | 06:00 PM |
| November | 06:15 AM | 11:00 AM | 03:00 PM | 05:45 PM |
| December | 06:30 AM | 11:00 AM | 03:00 PM | 05:30 PM |
| January | 06:45 AM | 11:00 AM | 03:00 PM | 05:45 PM |
| February | 06:30 AM | 11:00 AM | 03:00 PM | 06:15 PM |
| March | 06:15 AM | 11:00 AM | 03:00 PM | 06:30 PM |
Note:- 01 Before going on safari in any zone, once you must know about the time of safari.
02 Safari timings can be changed by the local administration at any time.
03 The timing of the safari is subject to change according to the weather.
Hotels in Kanha National Park
The local administration has built some forest rest houses for the tourists to stay in Kanha National Park. Khatia Jungle Camp, Kisli Forest Rest House and Mukki Forest Rest House, all these forest rest houses have been built by the local administration.
You can book the forest rest house built by the local administration while taking the ticket for the park and you can also book it online by calling the phone number given on their website. Apart from this, there are many private hotels and resorts around Khatia Gate and Mukki Gate, where you can stay by booking online.
How To Reach Kanha National Park
How To Reach Kanha National Park By Air
The distance of Kanha National Park from Jabalpur airport in Madhya Pradesh is only 155 km. From here you can easily reach Kanha National Park by taxi, cab and bus. Apart from this, you can also reach Kanha Tiger Reserve very easily from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Airport in Nagpur.
The distance of Kanha National Park from Nagpur Airport is just 273 km. You will also get regular taxis, cabs and bus services from Nagpur to Kanha National Park. Both these airports are well connected to all the major airports of India.
How To Reach Kanha National Park By Train
Jabalpur and Gondia railway station of Madhya Pradesh is the nearest railway station to Kanha National Park. The distance of Kanha National Park from Jabalpur Railway Station is only 125 km and the distance from Gondia Railway Station to Kanha Tiger Reserve is only 123 km.
You will get regular bus service to Kanha National Park from both these cities of Jabalpur and Gondia. Apart from this, you can easily reach from here with the help of cabs and taxis. Both these cities of Madhya Pradesh are very well connected with all the railway stations of the country.
How To Reach Kanha National Park By Road
Jabalpur, Gondia, Raipur, Bilaspur and Nagpur are some of the cities from where you will get regular bus service to Kanha National Park. Apart from this, you can also reach Kanha National Park very easily by cabs and taxis from all these cities. You can easily reach Kanha Tiger Reserve by your private vehicle.
Jabalpur To Kanha National Park Distance 129KM
Raipur To Kanha National Park Distance 216 KM
Nagpur To Kanha National Park Distance 265 KM
Bilaspur To Kanha National Park Distance 220 KM
Gondia To Kanha National Park Distance 145 KM
Bhopal To Kanha National Park Distance 419 KM
Indore To Kanha National Park Distance 618 KM
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