Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh: brown deer standing on forest during daytime
Wildlife

Kanha National ParkTravel guide

Madhya Pradesh’s Tiger Reserve Jewel

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Photo by Nick on Unsplash

Kanha National Park, Madhya PradeshUpdated

Inspired by Kipling’s Jungle Book, Kanha offers sal forests, meadows, and one of India’s best chances to spot tigers and barasingha in the wild.

Go on early morning and evening jeep safaris to track Bengal tigers, leopards, and hardground barasingha. Visit the Bamni Dadar sunset point for panoramic views over the valley. Explore the tribal culture of the Baiga and Gond communities in nearby villages. Stay in eco-lodges that support conservation and local employment.

Top things to do in Kanha National Park

  1. 1

    Core zone jeep safaris

    Four core zones (Kanha, Kisli, Mukki and Sarhi); the Kanha zone's meadows are among the most rewarding.

  2. 2

    Barasingha in the Kanha meadows

    The hard-ground swamp deer, brought back from near extinction in this park.

  3. 3

    Bamni Dadar

    A sunset point inside the park with wide views over the forest.

  4. 4

    Kanha Museum

    An interpretation centre at the Kanha gate on the park's wildlife and history.

  5. 5

    Baiga and Gond villages

    Visit nearby villages with a local guide to learn about their crafts and way of life.

Before you go

  • The core zones close for the monsoon, from about July to mid-October; buffer zones may stay open.
  • Book safari permits online well ahead: peak dates sell out weeks in advance.
  • Winter mornings are very cold in open jeeps; bring warm layers and gloves.
  • Mobile signal is poor inside the park and patchy at the gates.

Where to stay

Khatia / Kisli side
The most lodges, close to the Kisli and Kanha zones.
Mukki side
Lodges near the Mukki gate on the Baihar side.
Sarhi side
Quieter stays near the southern gate.

What to eat in Kanha National Park

  • Bhopali Gosht Korma

    Non-veg

    Slow-cooked mutton in yogurt, almond, and spice gravy with dried rose petals

    Order at dhabas near park gates; ask for less oil: kam tel

  • Poha-Jalebi

    Veg

    Flattened rice sautéed with mustard seeds, curry leaves, served with sweet jalebi

    Eat at morning stalls in nearby villages; ask for extra sev

  • Daal Bafla

    Veg

    Wheat dough balls boiled then baked, served with spicy lentil dal and ghee

    Best at lunchtime in local dhabas; break bafla into dal

  • Seekh Kebabs

    Non-veg

    Minced meat spiced with ginger, garlic, and garam masala, grilled on skewers

    Find at evening roadside grills; squeeze lemon on top

  • Mawa Bati

    Veg

    Deep-fried dumplings stuffed with khoya and nuts, soaked in sugar syrup

    Order as dessert after meals at village sweet stalls

  • Papdi Chaat

    Veg

    Crispy wafers topped with yogurt, tamarind chutney, potatoes, and sev

    Eat at chaat stalls; ask for extra dahi and less sev

Written by AI. If you have allergies or eat strictly veg, check with the cook.

Health & safety in Kanha National Park

Emergency (police, fire, medical)112Ambulance (most states)108
Hospitals near Kanha National Park on Google Maps ↗

Save your stay's address offline, and in an emergency call 112 first.

Published by Team Spotplans. Written with AI from public travel sources, not submitted by a creator. Check opening times and prices before you go. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll fix it.

Plan a trip to Kanha National Park

When to go

Best Oct–Jun

October to June (closed July–September)

What it costs

₹4,500–7,000 per person for 2 days

₹4,500–7,000 per person for 2 days (covers safari, accommodation, meals, and park entry).

How to get there

Nearest airport: Jabalpur (JLR), 160 km away (4 hours by taxi). Nearest railway station: Gondia, 145 km away, connected to Mumbai and Kolkata.

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