Tucked away in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is more than just a tiger reserve – it’s an unfolding canvas of sal forests, undulating meadows, and tribal culture. This famed wilderness inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, and walking through its sun-dappled trails, you begin to understand why. But Kanha is more than a wildlife destination — it’s the gateway to a region full of cultural heritage, sacred geography, natural beauty, and immersive rural experiences.
If you’re planning a trip, take the road less travelled and follow this guide for some offbeat places to see near Kanha. The national park is surrounded by a tapestry of tribal traditions, marble canyons, riverside villages, ancient temples, and hiking trails that offer the perfect complement to your forest adventure. Here’s how to make your Kanha trip truly memorable.
Into the Wild: Nature Walks & Hiking Trails Near Kanha National Park
While a jeep safari is Kanha’s star attraction, Kanha’s buffer zones and nearby areas offer incredible on-foot explorations for those who want to slow down and listen to the land. Picture walking through Sal trees, mixed forests, small grasslands, and water creeks.
1. Banjar River Trail:
A gentle walk along the banks of the Banjar, this trail is rich in riparian birdlife and perfect for a quiet picnic or sunset tea. A short drive from most lodges, this river is a lifeline for the forest, and walking beside it offers moments of deep connection to nature.
2. Khatia Trail:
Just outside the Khatia Gate, this well-shaded route in the buffer zone is ideal for birdwatchers and forest lovers, making it an accessible option amongst places to visit in Kanha Tiger Reserve. A guided walk here takes approximately two hours and lets you experience the forest’s rhythm up close — from birds and butterflies to spotted deer and medicinal plants.
Know More: Popular Gates of Kanha National Park
3. Rata Sunset Point Hike:
For panoramic views of the forested landscape, take a short hike to this scenic outcrop. Best experienced in the late afternoon, the trail leads you to a vantage point where the setting sun washes the horizon in gold. Keep your camera ready – the light is magical. For visitors who do not prefer hiking, it is possible to drive to the viewpoint as well.
Apart from these hikes, some eco-lodges like Kanha Earth Lodge organize guided cycling expeditions in the buffer zone and nature walks with trained naturalists around the property, letting you track birds, butterflies, and small mammals.
Know More: Best Time to Visit in Kanha National Park & Where to Stay!
Kanha Museum
The Kanha Museum, which serves as a gateway to the park’s wildlife, ecosystems and history for first-time safari-goers, is one of the best places to visit in Kanha National Park. It is situated in the Kanha zone, offering a point for breakfast and a break during the morning safari.
One can also see a magnificent arched gate made of deer horns. Through interactive displays, well-curated exhibits and documentaries, the museum highlights the local biodiversity and tribal culture, and also showcases Kanha’s conservation story, including the successful revival of the hardground barasingha. It’s an ideal orientation during safari, especially for families and curious travelers.
Tribal Market Days – A Riot of Colour, Commerce and Cultural Exploration
If your trip coincides with a haat (weekly tribal market), don’t miss it! These markets are set up in different villages on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but check the schedule with your lodge before you plan a visit.
Baiga and Gond villagers gather to trade their catch of the day, spices, forest honey, grains, a variety of greens and lesser known vegetables grown in their backyard, and everyday products. The atmosphere is alive with earthy smells, vibrant clothing, and the gentle buzz of barter, making it one of the best places to see near Kanha. It’s a sensory experience, ideal for spontaneous conversations and ethical souvenirs; pick up a handcrafted bamboo basket, silverware or jewelry as a memento.
Village visits around the buffer zones can offer deeply enriching experiences amongst the places to visit in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Spend time with the local tribal communities, learn about their relationship with the forest, and even watch traditional dance performances during festivals or local craft demonstrations.
Phen Wildlife Sanctuary – Kanha’s Quiet Neighbour (~1 hr)
Tucked away on the north-east boundary of Kanha, Phen Wildlife Sanctuary is a lesser-known gem, ideal for day excursions, with the possibility of overnight trips in the works! Spread across 111 sq km, it shares the same lush ecosystem as Kanha but receives far fewer visitors, making it perfect for those seeking solitude, birdwatching, and undisturbed forest walks.
Phen is home to over 150 species of birds, spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, and occasional big cat sightings, but its real charm lies in its serenity and scenery — think bamboo thickets, meadows, and quiet forest trails. Managed as a satellite sanctuary of Kanha, it offers a more relaxed and intimate wildlife experience, accessible via guided visits arranged through local lodges.
Know More: Tiger Safari in Kanha
Mandla – Riverside Forts and Narmada Aarti (~1-1.5 hr)
A short drive from Kanha National Park, the historic town of Mandla is perched on a loop of the Narmada River. Once the seat of the Gond kingdom, Mandla is rich in tribal heritage and spiritual tradition. Admire the remnants of the 17th-century Ramnagar fort, and take a peaceful stroll along the ghats of the Narmada. Soak in the serenity by attending the Narmada aarti, performed every evening at Mahishmati Ghat. The surrounding countryside is dotted with Baiga and Gond villages, where traditional life carries on largely unchanged.
Bhedaghat – Marble Cliffs & Dhuandhar Falls (~4 hrs)
Just beyond Jabalpur lies Bhedaghat, a surreal natural marvel where the Narmada River has sculpted limestone formations into towering marble cliffs. The best way to experience it is by boat ( operational for the major part of the year apart from the monsoon months). A guided ride takes you through the gorge, with coloured stone formations rising dramatically on either side. Several movies have been filmed here like Ashoka, Mohenjo Daro and Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai.
Don’t miss the Dhuandhar Falls, where the river plunges 30 m into a rocky chasm, sending up clouds of mist. There is also a famous Durga temple called Chausath Yogini temple in the area. Bhedaghat is amongst the most cinematic and spellbinding places to see around Kanha – ideal for a half-day or overnight excursion if you’re continuing your journey via Jabalpur, ~20 km away.
Know More: Why Book a Full Day Safari in Kanha National Park
Dindori – Land of the Baigas and Gond Art (~3-3.5 hrs)
Dindori is a significant cultural hub for the Baiga tribe, one of India’s oldest forest-dwelling communities, often regarded as the primary inhabitants of the land. The Baigas have traditionally lived in harmony with the forest, practicing shifting agriculture, nature-based healing, and ritual tattooing. Their connection to nature and way of life are considered sacred and deeply symbolic. The area isc also recognised for its wrought iron and bamboo products.
Gond art from Dindori has been recognised with a GI tag. The small village of Patangarh is home to several renowned Gond artists, and some of the earliest iterations of Gond painting as a contemporary art form can be traced back to this region. Rich with oral history passed down through generations of Pardhans (priests and storytellers), a visit here offers profound insight into the ancestral knowledge that shapes central India’s identity. One can witness colourful murals depicting forest lore, where animals and trees are intertwined with deities, as well as scenes from everyday life.
Amarkantak – Source of Sacred Rivers (~4-5 hrs)
If time allows, plan a visit for one or two nights to Amarkantak, the mythical source of the Narmada and Son Rivers. Located at the meeting point of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, Amarkantak is both a key spiritual pilgrimage town, known as Teerthraj – the king of pilgrimages, and a biodiversity hotspot.
Explore ashrams and temples like Kalachuri Period ancient temples, the four-faced Shri Yantra Mandir, and Narmada Udgam Kund, where the Narmada is believed to originate. Hiking enthusiasts can visit the Kapil Dhara and Dugdh Dhara waterfalls. The air here feels thinner, calmer, as though time has slowed. With its cool climate, spiritual energy, and forested trails, Amarkantak offers a quiet contrast to Kanha’s wild pulse and is a wonderful addition amongst the places to see near Kanha Tiger Reserve.
The Ultimate Safari Circuit – Pair Kanha with Pench or Bandhavgarh
For wildlife enthusiasts looking to extend their safari adventure, clubbing Kanha with either Pench or Bandhavgarh makes for an epic central India tiger safari circuit. Pench National Park, about 4–5 hours southwest of Kanha, shares a similar forest and offers excellent chances of tiger and wild dog sightings, along with scenic drives through teak and bamboo groves.
Read More: About Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
To the north, Bandhavgarh National Park, roughly 5–6 hours from Kanha Tiger Reserve, is famous for its high tiger density, dramatic hilltop fort ruins, and rocky, undulating terrain. Both parks offer distinct landscapes, wildlife dynamics, and safari experiences, making them perfect companions to a Kanha itinerary. With good road connectivity and a few thoughtfully planned stopovers, you can explore the diverse habitats of Madhya Pradesh’s big cat country in one unforgettable journey.
Make it a Journey, Not Just a Safari Trip
Whether you’re exploring a tribal haat (weekly market), hiking to a sunset point, standing between marble cliffs, or sipping tea by the Banjar River, the region around Kanha is full of surprises, waiting to be discovered.
So the next time you’re planning a trip to Kanha Tiger Reserve, don’t just tick off the tiger. Give yourself a few extra days. Let the landscape, culture, and community draw you into their stories. This is central India off the map — raw, real, and rich with experience.
If you’re planning a visit to Kanha National Park, researching the best resort in Kanha is crucial for a comfortable and fulfilling journey. Kanha Earth Lodge stands as one of the luxurious options within the park. Check out our website or call us for more information:
