Kanha National Park is one of India’s most celebrated wildlife reserves, a vast expanse of forests and meadows that showcases the country’s incredible biodiversity. Located in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha is a stronghold for the majestic Bengal tiger and a haven for a diverse range of wildlife. The park’s landscapes, consisting of lush sal and bamboo forests, sprawling grasslands, and winding rivers, make it one of the most scenic wildlife destinations in the country. This protected area is also home to the rare barasingha, also known as swamp deer, whose population has been successfully revived here after nearing extinction.
Kanha’s thriving ecosystem supports a wealth of species, making every safari an adventure. Alongside tigers, visitors have a chance to spot leopards, sloth bears, dhole (Asiatic wild dogs), and an array of deer species, including sambar and chital. The park’s birdlife is equally impressive, with over 300 species recorded, ranging from vibrant Indian rollers to elusive owls hidden in the dense foliage. The vast open meadows provide some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals congregate in these areas to graze and hunt. Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Kanha offers an unforgettable glimpse into India’s untamed wilderness.
Kanha National Park is one of India’s premier wildlife destinations, offering an immersive safari experience in a stunning natural setting. It is renowned for its high density of Bengal tigers, making it one of the best places in the country to see these majestic cats in the wild. But Kanha is more than just a tiger reserve—it’s a thriving ecosystem where diverse wildlife flourishes. From the strikingly rare barasingha (swamp deer), which was brought back from the brink of extinction here, to elusive leopards and sloth bears, every safari brings a chance for new and exciting encounters.
Beyond the wildlife, Kanha’s beauty is a reason to visit in itself. The park’s landscape is a breathtaking mix of open meadows, dense sal forests, and winding rivers, creating a setting that feels almost untouched by time. The early morning mist rolling over the grasslands, the golden glow of the sunset through the trees, and the raw sounds of the jungle at dusk make it a place that stays with you long after you leave. Whether you’re here for the wildlife, the scenery, or simply the sense of adventure, Kanha delivers an unforgettable experience.
Short answer: Tiger safaris, birdwatching, nature walks, and tribal cultural experiences
Long answer:
Most visitors come to Kanha for its thrilling jeep safaris, which take place in the early morning and late afternoon. These guided excursions through the park’s different zones (Kisli, Mukki, Kanha, and Sarhi) offer the best chances of spotting tigers, leopards, and other wildlife. Booking safaris well in advance is recommended, as the number of vehicles allowed in the park is limited to preserve the environment.
For those interested in birdwatching, Kanha’s wetlands and forests are excellent spots to observe species like the Indian roller, crested serpent-eagle, and Malabar pied hornbill. Nature walks are also available in the buffer zones, where you can explore the region’s flora and fauna up close with a trained naturalist.
Another unique experience is visiting the villages around Kanha to learn about the indigenous Gond and Baiga tribes. These communities have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries, and their traditional art, dance, and way of life add a cultural depth to your visit.
The best time to visit Kanha for wildlife sightings is during the dry season, from November to May, when the vegetation is sparse and animals gather near water sources, making them easier to spot. The peak tiger sighting months are March to May, though these are also the hottest months, with temperatures exceeding 40°C.
If you prefer a greener, more scenic experience, visiting during the cooler winter months (November to February) is ideal. This is also the best time for birdwatching, as many migratory species arrive in the park. Kanha is closed during the monsoon season (July to mid-October) due to heavy rains and road conditions.
Kanha is well-connected by road and rail, though the nearest airport is a few hours away.
- By Air: The closest airport is Jabalpur Airport (160 km, approx. 4-hour drive), followed by Nagpur Airport (250 km, approx. 5-hour drive) and Raipur Airport (215 km, approx. 4.5-hour drive). All three have regular flights from major Indian cities.
- By Train: The nearest railway stations are Jabalpur (160 km) and Gondia (145 km), both of which are well-connected to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.
- By Road: Kanha is accessible via well-maintained roads from cities like Jabalpur, Nagpur, Raipur, and Bilaspur. Taxis and private cars are the most convenient options for the last stretch of the journey.
For those planning a multi-park itinerary, Kanha is often combined with nearby Bandhavgarh National Park (260 km) or Pench National Park (200 km) for an extended wildlife experience.
In April 2023, I went to Kanha as the second park out of four on a two week tour to see and photograph tigers. I got here after having spent two days in Bandhavgarh, were I saw 9 tigers in total. This meant that tigers weren’t that important for us to find when we got here. However, we did have 4 tiger sightings in the span of three days and 6 safari drives. Three of these sightings were very exciting and up close. I also got to see and photograph the endangered barasingha (swamp deer) a few times, as well as several other animals, such as gaur, sambar, chital, blackbuck, golden jackal, and muntjac.
I am also very interested in birds and bird photography, so a lot of time was spent on trying find and photograph as many species of birds as possible. On the very first day we had an exceptional birding day, where I photographed 60 different species of bird (and we observed even more than that). Some of them were real rarities for the region, such as forest wagtail, rufous woodpecker, and the incredibly rare Jerdon’s baza. You can see a list of all the species I got decent photos of further down the page. For an even more comprehensive look at the species I saw and all my observations, check out this link to iNaturalist.
I stayed at a place called Shergarh Tented Camp, just south of the park. I highly recommend this place, due to its pristine location and the great hosts. They arranged a night drive in one of the buffer zones outside of Kanha, and we got to see leopard, palm civet, Indian hare, Indian scops-owl, jungle owlet, and an incredibly rare Indian giant flying squirrel!
If you want a more in depth recollection of my experience at Kanha, with photos, more details from my accommodation, the drives, and how the observations happened, be sure to check out my blog post about this trip!
