Discover the soul-stirring beauty of Kanha National Park, one of India’s premier destinations for tiger safaris and wildlife adventures. Nestled in the Maikal range of the Satpura Hills, this iconic reserve is located in Madhya Pradesh, not Maharashtra, and spans across the districts of Mandla and Balaghat. Established in 1955 and declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973, Kanha Tiger Reserve covers an impressive area of 940 km², making it one of the largest and most significant national parks in India. The reserve is divided into two main sanctuaries – Banjar and Hallon – both rich in flora, fauna, and natural beauty.
Kanha’s landscape is a captivating mix of lush sal forests, rolling meadows, and crystal-clear streams, offering an ideal habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger, barasingha (swamp deer), leopards, wild dogs, and hundreds of bird species. Its unique horseshoe-shaped valley, bordered by steep rocky escarpments and enveloped by dense forest, provides a stunning panoramic view that draws both wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters or peaceful moments in untouched nature, Kanha Kisli National Park promises an unforgettable journey into the wild—where nature showcases its finest version.
Spanning over 940 square kilometers, Kanha Kisli National Park stands as one of India’s finest wildlife destinations. Known for its rich biodiversity, it offers a remarkable chance to spot the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat.
Sacred temples, forts, rivers, and nature views near Kanha Park.
Discover Kanha’s hidden birding gems filled with vibrant species.
Discover tigers, deer, leopards, and diverse wildlife in Kanha.
Royal palace near Kanha offers heritage stay, views, and luxury
Managed by the Forest Department, Kanha Museum offers valuable insights into the park’s topography, wildlife, and conservation history. It’s a great spot for nature enthusiasts and first-time visitors to learn more about the region. Don’t miss the engaging evening sound and light show, a major highlight for tourists.
Kanha National Park is divided into core and buffer zones. The core area, covering 940 sq. km, includes four major safari zones: Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi—each known for excellent wildlife sightings, especially tigers and barasinghas. The surrounding buffer zones—such as Khatia, Sijhora, and Phen Sanctuary—add an additional layer of protected forest and offer a quieter, less-crowded safari experience. Jeep safaris are most popular in the core zones, with the Kanha and Mukki zones being top choices for big cat sightings and rich biodiversity.
Elephant Safari in Kanha National Park offers a thrilling way to explore one of India’s most scenic wildlife reserves. Nestled in the Maikal range of the Satpuras, Kanha’s vast grasslands and dense Sal forests are perfect for spotting tigers, barasingha, and other rare wildlife. Elephant safaris allow close, safe access to remote areas not reachable by jeep. The popular “Tiger Show” lets up to four visitors witness tigers from elephant-back for 10–15 minutes. Full-day elephant safaris are also available with prior permission and advance booking. This unique experience makes elephant safari the star attraction of any Kanha jungle tour.
By Air:
Kanha National Park is well-connected by air through the nearest airports—Jabalpur (160 km), Raipur (250 km), and Nagpur (300 km). These airports offer regular flights from major cities across India and abroad. From each airport, you can conveniently hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kanha.
By Train:
The nearest railway stations to Kanha National Park are Jabalpur and Gondia.
Both stations are well-connected to major cities across India, making train travel a convenient option for reaching the park.
By Road:
Kanha National Park is well-connected by road to major cities in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. Several nearby cities offer smooth access to the park via highways. Below are the approximate road distances and driving times from key destinations to Kanha.
| City | Distance (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Jabalpur | 125 km |
| Nagpur | 250 km |
| Nagpur | 300 km |
| Khajuraho | 400 km |
| Varanasi | 600 km |
| Jaipur | 950 km |
| Delhi | 1050 km |
| Safari Timing | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Oct to 31 Dec | 06:00 AM to 11:30 AM | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
| 01 Jan to 31 March | 06:30 AM to 11:30 AM | 03:00 PM to 05:30 PM |
| 01 April to 30 June | 05:30 AM to 11:30 AM | 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM |
| Safari Zones | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Kisli Zone | 18 Jeeps | 18 Jeeps |
| Kanha Zone | 40 Jeeps | 40 Jeeps |
| Mukki Zone | 40 Jeeps | 40 Jeeps |
| Sarhi Zone | 27 Jeeps | 27 Jeeps |
| Safari Pricing | Weekdays(Indian) | Weekend(Indian) | Weekdays(Foreigner) | Weekend(Foreigner) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Zones (Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, Sarhi) | ₹9,000 per Jeep | ₹9,900 per Jeep | ₹13,000 per Jeep | ₹15,000 per Jeep |
| Core Zone sharing Price (Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, Sarhi) | ₹1,800 per person | ₹2,000 per person | ₹2,250 per person | ₹2,500 per person |
| Buffer Zone Safari (Khapa, Khatiya, Phen, Sijora) | ₹7,800 per Jeep | ₹8,800 per Jeep | ₹9,000 per Jeep | ₹9,800 per Jeep |