Kanha National Park, often referred to as Kanha Tiger Reserve, is one of the largest national parks in India. Located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh, it is renowned for its efforts in preserving a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers. It spans over an area of approximately 940 square kilometers and is one of the most popular destinations for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
The best time to visit Kanha National Park is from mid-October to June end. The park remains open to visitors during this period. However, the peak season is from November to March when the weather is more pleasant, making wildlife spotting easier and the experience comfortable.
No, Kanha National Park is not open throughout the year. It usually remains closed during the monsoon season from July to mid-October for the safety of visitors and to allow the park's ecosystem to regenerate without any human interference.
Kanha National Park is home to an abundant variety of wildlife. Other than the famed Bengal Tigers, visitors can see leopards, Indian wild dogs (dholes), sloth bears, barasingha (swamp deer), sambar deer, spotted deer, Indian gaurs (bison), langurs, and a wide species of birds and reptiles.
Yes, Kanha National Park offers safari options, including morning and evening jeep safaris. These are open-top vehicles that take visitors into various zones of the park for wildlife spotting. Visitors can book these safaris in advance through the official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department website or through registered tour operators.
Safari timings in Kanha National Park vary depending on the season, generally conducted in two shifts — morning and afternoon. Morning safaris typically begin shortly after sunrise and last for around three to four hours, while afternoon safaris start a few hours before sunset. Timings are adjusted according to the changing seasons, and it's recommended to check the current timings while planning a visit.
Visitors can reach Kanha National Park by various modes of transportation. The nearest airport is at Jabalpur, about 160 kilometers from the park. The nearest railway stations are Jabalpur, Gondia, and Bilaspur, all well connected with major cities of India. From these points, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to the park.
There are numerous accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to budget lodges around Kanha National Park. Many of them offer wildlife-themed experiences and amenities like guided nature walks and tribal village tours in addition to comfortable lodging facilities.
Yes, there are several guidelines that visitors need to follow while in Kanha National Park to ensure safety and conservation of wildlife. These include not venturing out of the vehicle during safaris, maintaining silence, not littering, no smoking or lighting fires, and adhering to the park timings and designated safari routes.
Yes, visitors can engage in photography for personal use; however, if someone wishes to carry out professional filming or more extensive photography, they may need to obtain permission from the Forest Department in advance and may have to pay additional charges.