Kanha National Park Safari Booking: Embrace the Wild

Kanha National Park: A Wilderness Odyssey

Nestled in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is one of India's most famous and largest national parks. Spanning across 940 square km of lush forested land, grassy meadows and ravines, Kanha offers a haven for many endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Barasingha, Indian Leopards and Indian wild dog. Originally created in 1955 as a sanctuary to save the Barasingha species from extinction, it was declared a national park in 1973. Known for its conservation efforts and rich biodiversity, it attracts nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and tourists from all over the country and world.

Popularly called the Tiger Reserve, Kanha national park is located in the Maikal range of the Satpura hills of Central India. Its varied topography consisting of plateaus, meadows and forests with over 200 species of trees, make it an ideal habitat for tigers and other wildlife. The iconic forested landscapes, immortalized in Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book as the inspiration behind the Tiger Reserve where Mowgli was reared by a pack of wolves, gives it almost mythical status for tourists.

The natural beauty, diverse wildlife and conservation success has made Kanha a popular wildlife tourism destination in India. Kanha Safari conducted in open jeeps offer visitors the chance for tiger sightings as well as glimpses of the entire Kanha ecosystem. Besides wildlife safaris, tourists also enjoy exploring the landscapes, tribal villages and attractions near Kanha.

Kanha National Park Safari Booking & Zones

The main attraction for tourists visiting Kanha is going on a wildlife safari to spot Tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Safaris are conducted in open-top jeeps that are permitted to explore marked routes inside the national park accompanied by authorized guides.

Kanha National Park offers Jeep safaris to experience the jungle and its incredible wildlife at close range. Safari bookings can be made online in advance through through The Earth Safari. Kanha is divided into four zones - Kanha, Kisli, Mukki and Sarhi - each with its own gate (entry point) and limited number of vehicles permitted per day.

The Kanha Zone is the largest and most popular zone, with the park headquarters and many animals congregating around the large meadows. Kisli and Mukki Zones are less crowded, passing through remote stretches of Sal forest where Tiger sightings are highly possible. Sarhi Zone on the western edge is rarely visited by tourists but excellent for birdwatching. Kanha forest Safari typically span 4-5 hours in the morning and afternoon, accompanied by knowledgeable guides.

It is advisable to get your Kanha National Park Jungle Safari booking several months in advance, especially for the high season between April-June. Besides zone preferences, one can also choose vehicle types (Jeep or Elephant), desired timings, and any specialized interests like photography to maximize wildlife sightings.

Why Kanha National Park is Famous

Some key reasons why Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of India's most famous national parks are:

Tiger Conservation Success: Kanha has been at the forefront of the successful tiger conservation program in India for 50 years since initiation of Project Tiger in 1973 when tiger numbers were declining alarmingly. From just 66, the 2010 census recorded an estimated 168 tigers here.

Lush Landscapes and Diverse Habitats: The sal and bamboo forests, meadows and woodlands harbor rich biodiversity of flora and fauna species beyond tigers including many threatened animals like barasingha and Indian wild dogs.

Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book: The forests here were the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s famous 1894 jungle adventure book for children. Species immortalized as the characters like Baloo and Bagheera depict the rich wildlife of Kanha that survives in their primeval glory.

Well-Organized Tourism: As one of the most popular tiger reserves in the country, Kanha has excellent tourism infrastructure for wildlife safaris and game viewing experiences including hotels, roads, zones, routes and guides.

Easily Accessible Location: Kanha lies close enough to major transportation hubs like Jabalpur, Nagpur and Raipur with good road, rail and air connectivity making it convenient for both domestic and international tourists to include in their itineraries.

Kanha National Park Safari Timings:

Safari timings within Kanha National Park are subject to seasonal variations. The park observes closure during the monsoon season, spanning from July to September. Throughout the remaining months of the year, safaris are typically scheduled within two distinct time slots:

Morning Safari: Commencing at dawn, the morning safaris offer an exceptional opportunity to encounter wildlife in their heightened state of activity. The refreshing, crisp morning air coupled with the soft ambient light creates an ideal setting for capturing memorable moments through photography.

Afternoon Safari: The evening safaris provide an immersive experience as the day gradually transitions into night. This unique perspective allows exploration of the park's dynamic atmosphere, witnessing the shift from diurnal to nocturnal activities among its diverse wildlife inhabitants.

Hotels in Kanha National Park

Many tourists like to stay overnight or for a few days around Kanha for the convenience of early morning safaris when animals are most active. Multiple hotels ranging from budget to luxury surround the Kisli park entrance which has the most safari options. Popular luxury stays include:

• Banjaar Tola
• Kanha Earth Lodge
• Shergarh Tented Camp
• Chitvan Jungle Lodge
• Singinawa Jungle Lodge

Mid-range and budget hotels within 5 km from Kisli gate include names like Baghira Jungle Resort, Tiger Land Resort, Adventure Resorts Camp Kanha, etc. that offer facilities like restaurants, swimming pools, lawns, etc.

Besides Kisli, other areas near Mukki and Sarhi gates also have limited accommodation choices inside the buffer zones of Kanha Tiger Reserve for secluded, natural stays.

Best Time to Visit Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park remains open every year from 16th October to 30th June, the comfortable months avoiding the rainy season. Game viewing is worthwhile throughout, but the cooler winter months from December to February make for pleasant outings to spot tigers basking in the sun. From April to mid-June is the hot but dry summer, with animals drawn to waterholes and the resplendent Sal forest flowering season.

While Kanha Safari run year-round during park months, hotels and resorts price accommodation according to seasonal tourist demand. Peak rates apply from April-June due to school summer holidays and holidays, while low season rates run from July-September. Try avoiding crowded Indian holidays for the best experience.

How to reach Kanha National Park

By Air - Jabalpur airport located 170 km away is the nearest airport. It's well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal and Kolkata. Pre-paid taxis can be hired to reach Kanha (4-5 hours).

By Rail - Gondia junction at 120 km is the nearest major railhead. Local transport like shared jeeps or taxis can be taken to reach the park gates. Jabalpur railway station (169 km away) is also a good access point.

By Road - Kanha National Park is well connected by roads. There are regular bus services from Jabalpur, Mandla, Raipur and Nagpur to drop tourists at the park gates. Self drive cars can also be rented from major cities.

Kanha National Park offers a memorable jungle adventure with abundant flora and fauna set against beautiful landscapes. Its successful conservation efforts and viability of tiger sightings make it a must visit national park for nature lovers and photographers. Follow park regulations, take precautions against mosquitoes and respect wildlife to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Places to Visit near Kanha National Park

Some top attractions near Kanha Tiger Reserve are:

Amarkantak (4 hours): Holy pilgrimage town and the source of Narmada River just 50 km from Kanha
Bandhavgarh National Park (4 hours): Another popular tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh
Pench National Park (4 hours): Inspiration for Jungle Book and famous tiger habitat
Jabalpur (3 Hours): Major city near Kanha with heritage sites like Madan Mahal Fort, Rani Durgavati Museum and Dhuandhar Waterfalls
Mandla (1 Hour): District headquarters town close to Kanha with ancient temples and scenic treas
Pachmarhi Hill Station (7 Hours): Misty hills, waterfalls and grottos perfect for an extension trip

Kanha Tiger Safari with The Earth Safari

In conclusion, Kanha National Park stands as a beacon of India's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The Earth Safari, as a premium wildlife safari company, invites you to embark on a journey into the heart of Kanha's wilderness. Whether you seek the thrill of spotting a Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat, wish to immerse yourself in the park's vibrant flora, or desire a holistic safari experience enriched by responsible tourism practices, Kanha offers it all.

As you plan your Kanha National Park Safari booking, consider The Earth Safari as your guide to unlocking the secrets of Kanha National Park. Our expertise, coupled with a passion for conservation and responsible tourism, ensures that your journey through this wilderness is not only memorable but also contributes to the sustained well-being of this ecological gem.