Kanha National Park Travel Guide

Are you planning to leave the busy city life and look for some peace? It’s a great time to pack your bags and get a break from your routine. Switch off your devices and get ready for an adventurous and peaceful trip to the Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The closest place to Kanha National Park is Jabalpur which is also known as the city of marble. It is also famous for its cultural and historical richness. Some places to visit in Jabalpur are Chausath Yogini temple, Dumna Nature reserve, Dhuandhar falls, etc.

If anyone visits Madhya Pradesh then Kanha National Park is undoubtedly the best place to visit. It’s spread in an area of 940 km square and spreads over the areas of Balaghat and Mandla. It’s also the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh.

Ways to reach Kanha National Park

All three means rail, road, and air are efficient enough to travel to the national park. 

Via Road: It’s possible to travel from Jabalpur, it is the nearest place to Kanha National Park.

Via Rail: One can take a train to the Madhya Pradesh railway station and then travel by private cab.  

Via Air: Jabalpur is the nearest airport to link Madhya Pradesh and other states.

Activity 1: Wildlife Safari: An adventurous Trip

A popular land of tigers, it’s well known for its safari that takes you into the wilderness of dense woods in the Kanha National Park. It’s located in the areas of Balaghat and Mandla. The National park provides shelter to various animals and more than 58 Royal Bengal tigers. If you are wondering what Kanha Tiger Reserve is then we would like to tell you it involves Kanha National Park and Pench National Park. 

While you choose to go on a jungle safari make sure your kids don’t get scared and try to choose a suitable month of the year to visit. In summers the heat can be unbearable at times. In one safari there can be a maximum of 6 tourists and if anyone is traveling alone then even one seat in the jeep can be booked.

Cost of Jeep Safari

The fee that is collected to experience jungle safari in the jeep was earlier different for foreigners and Indians. Later some amendments were made and per which the fee was made the same for all. The fee for all park zones was also made the same. There are no additional charges to visit the Kanha zone which used to be the park’s premium zone. 

Another tourist-friendly amendment that was made is now tourists can book a single seat and safari and they don’t have to pay for the entire jeep. Let’s see the fee structure of Kanha National Park. 

Jeep Hiring fee: A jeep can be hired from the Madhya Pradesh tourism development corporation. It is available at the Khatia entrance. The Kanha safari Lodge at the Mukki entrance. 

Jeep Safari permit fee: INR 1500 for the entire jeep which has a capacity of 6 people. One can choose to pay for a single seat too and it costs around INR 250. The jeep safari is free for children who are under 5 years of age. 

Guide Fee: The guide fee is paid per safari. Hence, with one jeep there is one guide who costs you around INR 360.

Activity 2: Kanha Museum: Stepping into the wild world

If you are someone who is more than a tourist traveling to have fun then gaining knowledge about the national park is something you would love. Don’t miss out on visiting the Kanha Museum and know about the functioning of the wild world. Know how the people and the animals live in harmony. The museum reflects the art and livelihood of the indigenous people. It is a gateway to know the locals closely and admire their way of life in sync with nature. 

The museum runs on solar power and functions sustainably. You can also witness exquisite, unique, and authentic Gond paintings.

Did you know?

Gonds are one of the largest tribes of India.

Activity 3: Night Safari

Something beyond any regular safari is the night tours in the jungle which will open the ways to be a part of the national park’s nightlife. A recently introduced night outdoor activity is safe hence you can try it without any worries. The night safari takes place in the Khatia buffer zone. It comes with some rules like no additional flashlights can be used. The only light that will be light is the headlight so the jeep. The duration of the safari lasts 2 hours and the night safari tickets are not booked online.

Pro Tip: Ask your lodge to get you the night safari tickets to keep you away from all the ticket booking hassle. 

Activity 4: Elephant Safari

Jeeps are great but who doesn’t want to see from the angle of an Elephant for a change? Yes, at Kanha National Park you get to ride on the elephant and get out for a safari. You can go on the unexplored track with your big jungle buddy and encounter so much more than just on a jeep. It will guarantee a memorable and adventurous safari you won’t forget ever. It’s made to make you enjoy nature while being seated in nature. 

Must know: The availability of the elephants can’t be known beforehand hence it can’t be pre-booked. It’s only on the day of the safari you will be informed about your ride.  

Safari Timings:

Summer Timings

Morning: 6:30 am to 11 am

Evening 4 PM to 7 pm

Winters Timings

Mornings: 6 Am to 11 Am

Evenings: 3 Pm to 5:30 pm

Here are some additional tips for a successful visit to Kanha National Park:

• ID cards are mandatory for safari. 
• For a better experience wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes.
• Carry binoculars to spot the animals and birds with clarity.
• Check your shoes every time you wear them when in Kanha to prevent insect bites.
• Carry water to stay hydrated in summer and apply effective sunscreen.
• Wear caps and hats to avoid direct contact with the constant sun. 
• If you are planning to visit on Holi or Diwali then avoid it as the morning and the afternoon shifts are closed.
• There are no afternoon shifts of jeep safari.
• The night safari, as well as the elephant safari, depends on availability hence there is no advance booking or online booking for these activities.

Make your travel comfortable with zingbus

Have you read the blogs and considered where I would get the car for it and how I would manage the budget? Well! Who has told you that a road trip can only be made through a car? 

Taking a bus will cost you far less than renting a car, along with full comfort and fun. zingbus offers you several discounts on your first booking. Also, you may install the zingbus app to take advantage of additional benefits.

Our buses are clean and offer complete luxury and comfort with free wifi, blankets, water bottle, and entertainment/ TV. You can make your booking as per your requirements. Plan a road trip with zingbus. Get your bus ticket bookings done now!

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