ABOUT KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Kanha National Park, also known as Kanha Tiger Reserve, is one of India’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Spread across a wide area of 2,074.31 sq. km, with 940 sq. km of core area and 1,009 sq. km of buffer zone, it is one of the best habitats for tigers in India. Renowned for its thriving tiger population, rich biodiversity, and vast sal forests, Kanha represents the essence of Central Indian wilderness. It is also the landscape that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, earning global recognition. Today, Kanha National Park stands as a model for ecotourism and conservation excellence.
Kanha’s conservation history dates back to 1879, when it was first protected as a forest reserve. In 1933, it was declared a sanctuary, then officially designated as a National Park in 1955, and in 1973 it became one of the first reserves to be included in Project Tiger, a landmark initiative to protect India’s endangered tiger population. Over the last several decades, Kanha has seen sustained efforts in habitat restoration, wildlife reintroduction, and scientific research, making it one of India’s best-managed tiger reserves.
Kanha National Park is considered a gold standard in Indian conservation due to its successful predator–prey balance, healthy tiger numbers, and pioneering work in grassland management. It is celebrated for the historic revival of the hard-ground barasingha (swamp deer), once near extinction, now flourishing due to focused conservation interventions. Kanha’s management strategies are widely referenced by conservationists across the country.
Planning a Jungle Safari in Kanha National Park
ZONES & GATES IN KANHA NATIONAL PARK
In Kanha National Park, the four major safari zones are declared as the core zones. The core zone is the central part of the tiger reserve and it shares its boundary with the buffer zone. The buffer zone is the area that surrounds or adjoins the core areas where nature is conserved alongside compatible human uses of the land or water.
The Core Zones of Kanha National Park are: Kanha, Sarahi, Mukki and Kisli.
- Kanha National Park zone has open meadows with grasslands and bamboo vegetation that offer some unique sightings.
- Sarahi Zone has dry deciduous forests and with larger meadows. One of them is the Saunf meadow where the Barasingha was first spotted in 1966.
- Mukki Zone reports good sightings. The landscape includes saal, bamboo and grasslands.
- Kisli zone also has the elegant saal forests and scenic grasslands with bamboo vegetation.
The four core zones which are accessible from different entry gates. All these core zones are very popular among tourists.
| KANHA CORE SAFARI ZONES | |||
| Core Zones |
Entrance Gates (Full Safari) |
Entrance Gate | Distance from the Lodge |
| Kanha Zone | Khatia / Mukki / Sarhi Gate | Khatiya/Sarhi/Mukki | 9 Km |
| Mukki Zone | Khatia / Mukki Gate | Khatiya/Mukki | 45 Km |
| Kisli Zone | Khatia / Mukki / Sarhi Gate | Khatiya/Sarhi/Mukki | 9 Km |
| Sarhi Zone | Khatia / Sarhi Gate | Khatiya/Sarhi | 60 Km |
Kanha buffer zones are accessible from different entrance gates. Currently there are four
buffer entrance gates to access the national park:
The Buffer Zones of Kanha National Park are: Khatia, Sijhora, Phen and Khapa. Kanha buffer zones are accessible from different entrance gates. Currently there are four buffer entrance gates to access the national park:
| KANHA BUFFER ZONES | |||
| Safari Zone | Entrance Gate for Safari Zone | Entrance Gate | Distance from the Lodge |
| Khatia Zone | From Khatia Entrance Gate | Khatia | 9 Km |
| Khapa Zone | From Mukki Entrance Gate | Mukki | 45 Km |
| Phen Zone | Separate gate, ideal for Mukki gate resorts | Mukki | 45 Km |
| Sijora Zone | From Sarhi Entrance Gate | Sarhi | 60 Km |
Fauna and Flora of Kanha National Park
Kanha’s undulating landscape is dotted with dense groves of vegetation, hillocks and 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 and Lendia flourish. It is home to over 1,000 species of flowering plants and about 300 species of birds. Birdlife includes Crested hawk eagle, Crested serpent eagle, Lesser whistling duck, Red wattled lapwing, Yellow wattled lapwing, Indian roller, Oriental magpie robin, Red vented bulbul, Cattle egret, Indian pond heron, White rumper vulture, Long billed vulture, Red headed vulture, Jungle owlet, Spotted owlet, Indian scops owl and White rumped shama amongst others.
SAFARI ESSENTIALS
Kanha enjoys a varying weather type which remains moderately warm in Summers & gets extreme cold in Winters. When on Safari, besides wearing appropriate clothing there are a few essentials that can make the overall experience remarkable. Here is a list of items that can be carried along;
- Sun Screen
- Sunglasses
- Insect Repellent
- Neutral (Khaki, Green, Brown) colored clothing
- Preferably very light cottons in summer
- For winters, windbreaker, warm jacket, sweater, fleece, gloves, warm cap
- Safari hat or cap
- Stole, buff or scarf for protection from heat and dust
- Boots or closed shoes
- Binoculars
What Activities Can Tourists Do in Kanha Apart from Safari?
While jeep safaris in Kanha National Park remain the primary attraction, visitors can also enjoy the following activities and attractions nearby:
Baiga and Gond Tribal Culture
Kanha is home to the Baiga and Gond tribes, known for their deep forest knowledge, traditional arts, and sustainable living practices. Explore local crafts and pick up souvenirs at weekly tribal markets (haats) that highlight the cultural richness of the region. If your visit coincides with a harvest festival or special occasion, you might even have the chance to witness the region’s dance and music traditions.
Nature Trails (Buffer Areas)
Designated buffer zones around Kanha allow visitors to enjoy guided walking trails, birdwatching, and interpretive nature experiences, an excellent complement to jeep safaris. Guests can choose between a gentle walk by the Banjar river or a forest walk on the Khatia trail, providing a serene end to a wonderful day in nature. Rata sunset point offers stunning panoramic views of the forest for sunset.
Conservation Importance
Role of Kanha in Project Tiger
Kanha is one of the original Project Tiger reserves and continues to contribute significantly to India’s tiger conservation success. Its landscape management, anti-poaching protection, and scientific monitoring have been pivotal in sustaining a healthy tiger population.
Barasingha Conservation Success Story
The recovery of the hard-ground barasingha is one of India’s greatest conservation achievements. Once reduced to fewer than 70 individuals, intensive protection, habitat management, and relocation efforts have revived the population, making Kanha National Park the exclusive stronghold of this species.
Habitat Protection
Kanha National Park focuses on:
- Grassland restoration
- Control of invasive species
- Waterhole management
- Sustainable tourism practices
- Community-led conservation initiatives
These measures ensure long-term ecological stability.
Role of Kanha in Project Tiger
Kanha is one of the original Project Tiger reserves and continues to contribute significantly to India’s tiger conservation success. Its landscape management, anti-poaching protection, and scientific monitoring have been pivotal in sustaining a healthy tiger population.
Barasingha Conservation Success Story
The recovery of the hard-ground barasingha is one of India’s greatest conservation achievements. Once reduced to fewer than 70 individuals, intensive protection, habitat management, and relocation efforts have revived the population, making Kanha National Park the exclusive stronghold of this species.
Habitat Protection
Kanha National Park focuses on:
- Grassland restoration
- Control of invasive species
- Waterhole management
- Sustainable tourism practices
- Community-led conservation initiatives
Visitor Guidelines for Kanha National Park
To preserve Kanha National Park’s ecosystem, visitors must follow key rules:
- No loud noise –Maintain silence while inside the park to avoid disturbing or stressing wildlife.
- Maintain distance from animals –Never push your driver to move the vehicle too close to wildlife. Observe from a distance, stay inside the vehicle and do not provoke wildlife.
- Follow guide and forest department instructions at all times.
- Respect plastic-free regulations – Carry reusable bottles and avoid single-use disposables.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
How to Book a Jungle Safari in Kanha National Park?
Safaris for Kanha National Park open 120 days in advance and there is always heavy demand for the same. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to avail safaris across preferred zones and to avoid the last minute rush.
Jeep safaris can be booked online through the official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department portal, or through our reservations team.
Kanha National Park offers morning, evening and night safaris in addition to full-day safaris which allow visitors to stay inside the park from sunrise to sunset. Night safari is only offered in the buffer zone of Kanha.
Jeep safaris can be booked online through the official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department portal, or through our reservations team.
Kanha National Park offers morning, evening and night safaris in addition to full-day safaris which allow visitors to stay inside the park from sunrise to sunset. Night safari is only offered in the buffer zone of Kanha.
Which is the best time to visit Kanha National Park?
Kanha National Park is open around the year. The core zones – Kanha, Sarahi, Mukki and Kisli are open from 1st October to 30th June. October to March offers the best weather with sunny days, minimal rain and beautiful misty landscapes. April to June gets hot but is excellent for sightings with tigers making regular appearances near water bodies, due to the rising heat. Buffer zones of Kanha National Park - Khatia, Sijhora, Phen and Khapa, remain open even during monsoons for safari lovers.
Which is the Best Zone in Kanha National Park?
The forests are divided into two major zones. The Core Zones of Kanha are: Kanha, Sarahi, Mukki and Kisli whereas the Buffer Zones of Kanha are: Khatia, Sijhora, Phen and Khapa. With a good density of tigers, the forest offers good sighting opportunities, across the park. We recommend guests to book a mix of zones to enjoy the flora and fauna to the fullest as every zone in Kanha National Park has something unique to offer.
Where is Kanha National Park Located?
Kanha National Park is located in the Maikal range of the Satpuras, characterised by undulating forests, vast meadows, and river valleys. It is located in the Central Indian Highlands, which are part of the extensive tableland that forms 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 Dubri National Park.
In Which State is Kanha National Park Situated?
Kanha National Park is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. It extends across Balaghat and Mandla districts.
What is Kanha National Park Famous for?
Kanha National Park is one of the most visited forest reserves in India and popular for Tiger Safari. Tourists from all across the globe visit Kanha to spot the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife, relax and unwind in the peaceful lap of nature and engage in some magical wildlife photography against its beautiful landscapes. Kanha is the only habitat where the Hard-Ground Barasingha has successfully recovered, making it a flagship species of Kanha. Apart from tigers and barasingha, Kanha National Park is known for leopards, Indian wild dogs (dholes), gaur, sloth bears, sambar, chital, and more than 300 species of birds.
What Are the Chances of Spotting a Tiger in Kanha National Park?
While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, Kanha is considered as one of the renowned parks in India for tiger viewing due to its healthy population, large prey base, and well-protected habitat. Visitors often report sightings across prominent tourism zones.
What Is the Tiger Population in Kanha Tiger Reserve?
Kanha has a robust and stable tiger population, reflective of strong conservation management. As per the 2024 census conducted by the All India Tiger Estimation, Kanha National Park has a population of 145 tigers in Kanha, including adult tigers and cubs.
How Many Days Are Enough to Explore Kanha National Park?
A minimum of 3 to 4 days is ideal to experience multiple safaris across different zones of Kanha National Park, enjoy wildlife sightings, and explore nature trails and cultural experiences in the buffer areas and nearby villages and towns. A longer trip to Kanha National Park can be combined with other iconic parks like Pench and Bandhavgarh due to great road connectivity between parks.
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