Sprawling over an area of 940 sq.km, Kanha National Park happens to be one of the largest parks in Madhya Pradesh and home to the majestic royal Bengal tigers.
Globally acclaimed for saving the nearly extinct Barasingha, Kanha is one of the most efficiently administered parks in Asia and also a part of the Project Tiger. More than 350 species of birds and flora are found in this national park. Home to leopards, this national park shot into fame with National Geographic's award winning 'Land of the Tigers', which was shot here amid the wild dogs and Barasinghas.
A Jeep Safari in the National Park
Venture the dwelling place of furry wild cats, gaurs, blazing black deer, slowly in an open jeep. Inside the thick & lush green forest of Kanha National Park, you might catch a sight of a tiger that is crossing your path.
Watch a crimson sunset from Bamni Dadar
One of the most attractive spots of the national park, Bamni Dadar at 275 mtr above Kanha is the perfect place to see the sunset and capture it in camera.
Do Some Shopping Around the Park
Stroll in the local markets near Kanha and purchase handicrafts made and sold by the local craftsmen. Find tradition woodwork and also a variety of T-shirts with the forest logo.
Explore the Kanha Museum
If you are interested in animal history then Kanha museum brings to you some beautifully sculpted structures of the flora and fauna from the park.
Spot Some Exotic Birds
Bird lovers can have a great time in the Kanha National Park to catch a sight of water birds like herons, storks, teals, kites, and eagles.
Kawardha Palace (91.6 km)
Located in Raipur , Chattisgarh, the palace, built over 11 acres belongs to the Royal Kawardha family. Amid gorgeous greenery, it attracts people with its alluring architecture with intricate details of the skyscraping Darbar Hall. Now a luxury hotel, it has earned a reputation for its rich royal treatment.
Visit Teerthraj Amarkantak (157.2 km)
A mystic land, thronged by Hindu devotees, Amarkantak is the birthplace of two renowned rivers, the Narmada and the Sone. Nearby is the Dudh Dhara Waterfalls having white milk like water.
Witness the nature and architecture of Mandla
Mandla is best known for its towering forts, wildlife, serene temples, and springs that flow around the Rangrez Ghat and Rapta Ghat to Narmada River. There is a temple of Lord Shiva in middle of the river and after a drive of another 18 kms is the Garam Pani Sulphur kund with healing properties.
Visit a 17th century fort in Ramnagar
The towering three-storey 17th century fort called Moti Mahal was built by the Gond Kings. Standing majestically on the banks of Narmada River, it is visited for its unique architecture and three side defence system.
Kanha has 3 major types of forests namely:
All of them have more than 200 species of flowering plants and the major floras like Sal, Saja, Lendia, Dhawa, Tendu, Palas, Bija, Mahua, Aonla, Achar and Bamboo.
Among the fauna population, you will find the great Royal Bengal Tiger alongwith the population of at least 500 Barasingha. Other animals to look for are leopards, wild dogs, jackals and jungle cats with Chital, Barking Deer, Chousingha, Gaur, Langur, Wild Pig, Sloth Bear, Black Buck, Hyena, Wild Boar, Rudd Mongoose, Indian Fox, Badger, Indian Hare and Wild Dog.
Reptiles include Indian Monitor, Fan Throated Lizard, Indian Garden Lizard, Russell’s Viper, Python, Indian Cobra, Indian Krait and Rat Snake. Bird population include 300 species like Black Ibis, Bee-eaters, Cattle Egret, Pond Heron, Drongos, Blossom-Headed Parakeets, Common Teal, Grey Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian roller, Lesser Adjutant Stork and more.
Taj Safaris Lodge - Banjaar Tola
Sprawled in 90 acres of land, this 5 star eco-friendly safari lodge, offers a perfect stay through its two luxurious camps with nine suites and a sumptuous tented guest area. Overlooking the Kanha National Park, the hotel is elegant and stylish with all modern facilities.
The Baagh
Close to the Mukki Gate of Kanha National Park, this 20 acres huge luxury resort has 24 well-appointed rooms with 16 deluxe suites and 8 junior suites. Each room has open terraces with garden and lake view.
Tuli Tiger Resort - Kanha
Located in the buffer zone of Kanha National Park, this luxury resort has 26 well-designed air-conditioned cottages with twin beds, good sitting area and elegant interiors. It has a dining-cum-lounge-cum-bar-cum-library. Also, there is spa facility available for the guests.
The Royal Tiger Resort
Near the Mukki Gate is the 16 suites resort with a good range of amenities and intricately designed rooms. It has a pool with garden and lavish multi-cuisine restaurant for organic food.
Other Resorts in Kanha
Best Time to Visit Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park opens from 15th October till the 30th of June, rest of the time the park is closed. The peak season is October to April as the temperature during summers rise upto 43 degrees.
Winter safari timings (Oct to Jan)
Morning - 06: 15 to 12:15 AM
Evening - 02:30 to 5:30 PM
Summer safari timing (Feb to June)
Morning - 06:00 to 12:00 AM
Evening - 03:30 to 06:30 PM
By Air
Jabalpur Airport (170 kms), is nearest to the National Park. It is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bhopal and other major cities. Other options are Nagpur airport (290 kms) and Raipur airport (260 kms).
By Rail
The nearest railway stations are Bilaspur (175 kms), Gondia (127 kms), Jabalpur (214 kms), Nagpur (280 kms) and Raipur (216 kms.
By Road
Cabs are easily available for cities like Jabalpur (165 kms), Raipur, Nagpur. Jabalpur & Nagpur are on National Highway-7 and connect Varanasi to Kanyakumari.
