Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park Map Click to enlarge
Reclining across a sprawling area
of 1,949 sq. km.
with 940 sq. km of core area and 1,009 sq. km of buffer zone; in the Mandala and Balaghat districts, Kanha National Park makes for an ideal tiger country.
KANHA NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION
Kanha Tiger Reserve languorously spread across a widespread area of 1,949 sq. km, with 940 sq. km of core area and 1,009 sq. km of buffer zone; is one of the best habitats for tigers in India. Located in the Central Highlands, in the Maikal range of Satpuras, Kanha National Park is one of the largest parks in Madhya Pradesh forming a part of the extensive tableland of India’s main peninsula. These were once an unending stretch of forests that formed a significant part of the country’s wilderness and wildlife habitats. These forests are now fragmented into parks such as Panna, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench and Sanjay National Parks.
Both Kanha and Pench are believed to have provided inspiration to Sir Rudyard Kipling for his famous narrative, “The Jungle Book”. Though Kanha’s greatest achievement has been the preservation of Hard Ground Swamp Deer or Barasingha, from near extinction. They numbered just sixty-six in 1970. Today, there are numbers that have multiplied manifold, so much so that a few years back some Barasinghas were relocated to Satpura National Park, where their population is stabilized. Kanha’s undulating landscape is dotted with dense groves of vegetation, hillocks, and open meadows. Of all these habitats, it is Kanha’s meadows that are its lifeline, as they sustain large numbers of Chital, Sambar, Barasingha, and Gaur, which in turn support populations of predators and co-predators like Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Jungle Cats, and Foxes.
Kanha National Park is primarily a moist Sal and moist mixed deciduous forest where Bamboo, Tendu, Sal, Jamun, Arjun, Lendia, Sindoor trees, or Vermillion trees flourish. Home to over 1,000 species of flowering plants and about 300 species of birds, Kanha’s flourishing habitat and natural beauty make it one of the prime wildlife destinations in the world.
In Kanha National Park the four major safari zones are declared as the core zones, namely Kanha, Kisli, Sarhi & Mukki whereas Khatia, Sijhora, Phen, and Khapa are declared as the buffer zones.
Highlights of Kanha National Park
Size
The size spread over a sprawling 1067 Square Kilometer
Forest Type
Mix Decidious Forest with prominent Sal Vegetation
Mammal Focus
Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Barasinga, Four Horned Antelope, Wild Dogs, Gaur
Birds
Crested hawk eagle, White rumped shama, Lesser whistling duck, Jungle Owlet, Indian peafowl
Exclusive Park Activities in Kanha National Park
Khatia Trail
The Khatia trail walk takes place in the Khatia buffer zone of the park, for a duration of approximately two hours. A permit needs to be obtained from the forest department for this walk. Pugdundee Safari vehicles drop you at Khatia gate. Accompanied by a local guide from the forest department, this walk can lead to chance encounters with spotted deers, sambhars and some other wildlife. Soak in the surreal sights of the flora and fauna that embrace you during this walk. Enjoy the perks of birdwatching, butterflies flitting from bush to bush or even sighting some unique reptiles.
Khatia Trail
Kanha Museum
Kanha museum is located inside the Kanha National Park and is set in a colonial building housing a few halls. It showcases the splendour and history of the park with fascinating exhibits of various wildlife.The Kanha Museum, managed impeccably by the Forest Department, is also a befitting example of an environmentally sustainable initiative that preserves the local art and culture. Guests having valid tickets to the Kanha core zone can visit the museum during the breakfast break of their safari.
Kanha Museum
Mud villages of Kanha
A visit to the adjoining Gond tribal villages can be a fascinating experience. The mud settlements are adorned with tribal paintings and are every photographer’s delight. You can experience the rustic flavours of countryside life while indulging in a chat with the locals to give you deep insights into their lives and livelihood. A visit to the local Narna village school can also organised on prior request where you can offer the gift of your time by volunteering, or simply spending some precious moments, interacting with the wonderful bunch of local children.
Mud villages of Kanha
WHERE TO STAY WHILE IN KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Kanha Earth Lodge is spread over 16 acres of natural forest & is tucked away in a small tribal hamlet bordering Kanha Tiger Reserve. Its unique location ensures that it is close enough for easy access to the park, but still far enough from the busy tourist hub of Kanha National Park to offer its guests a true wilderness experience.
It is built in less than 10% of the 16 acres of natural forest that houses it. The lodge and its furniture are constructed and designed using local materials, waste, and recycled wood, a true reflection of impeccable standards in green architecture. The absence of neighboring lodges or thoroughfare creates an ideal setting for a peaceful and reflective time of relaxation and rejuvenation while enjoying India’s premier tiger reserve - Kanha National Park. We stay true to our ethos of eco-tourism and conservation while offering outstanding hospitality, in a quaint, yet luxurious abode. Twelve luxury cottages, inspired by Gond tribal architecture with open verandahs with unhindered and stunning views of the forests; make our guests stay idyllic. The lip-smacking flavours of local and global cuisine promise to satiate the taste buds, as do the myriad experiences of wildlife and adventure, guided by our talented team of naturalists. We also offer our cherished guests unique nature walks, birding experiences, riverside picnics, and cycling expeditions in the lap of the luxuriant forests.
How to reach Kanha National Park
By Air
Jabalpur (176 kms), Nagpur (270 kms) and Raipur (225 kms) are the best-suited airports for Kanha. There are many daily flights by national airlines and it’s a 4-hour drive from Jabalpur, 5½ hour drive from Nagpur & Raipur. Taxis can be booked from the hotel you are staying in or from tour operators. There are not many options for taxi booking on arrival.
By Train
Gondia and Jabalpur are the two nearest railway stations from Kanha. Gondia is 130 kms / 3 hrs and Jabalpur is 176 kms / 4 hrs drive from Kanha. There are several trains to these stations connecting the rest of India to Kanha.
FAQs for Kanha National Park
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What is Kanha National Park famous for?
Kanha National Park is famous for its towering Sal forest & large meadows which are home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and probably the best forest to see Tigers in. These forests sustain large numbers of Chital, Sambar, Barasingha, and Gaur, which in turn support populations of predators and co-predators like Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Jungle Cats, and Foxes.
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Which is the best gate in Kanha National Park?
Khatia and Mukki are the most popular gates, and the third gate is Sarhi. Khatia gates give access to all 4 core zones of the national park – Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi. Besides these gates, there are gates for buffer zones also.
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Which is the best time to visit Kanha National Park?
Owing to its immense popularity, Kanha National Park is visited by visitors almost every month of the year. October to March offers the best weather with sunny days, cold nights, and very few days of rain. April to June gets hot but is excellent for sightings in the park. The core zone is closed from July to Sept but the buffer zone is open all year round. During the monsoon period, the forest is lush green and spectacular.
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How to reach Kanha National Park?
Kanha National Park is well-connected to the major destinations of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh. The Nearest Railway Stations for accessing Kanha National Park are Gondia & Jabalpur. Jabalpur railway station is 160 km / 04:00 hrs drive from Kanha and the most popular entry point. The nearest airport to Kanha National Park is Jabalpur 160 km, Raipur 250 km & Nagpur 300 km.