Kanha National Park is among the largest tiger reserves in India and a paradise for nature lovers. Things to do in Kanha National Park include several activities which will keep tourists busy for at least a few days on their trip to this popular destination of Madhya Pradesh. Rich in biodiversity and with incredible landscapes, there are many things to do in this park that will leave an indelible memory in the minds of visitors. This famous wildlife sanctuary is best known for its thrilling jungle safaris and quiet nature walks. Established in 1955, Kanha National Park is one of the first nine tiger reserves under the Project Tiger scheme. The park spans over an area of 940 square kilometres. The bamboo forests, the sprawling meadows and the ravines inspired the great English author Rudyard Kipling to write his famous book, “The Jungle Book.”
Top Things To Do In Kanha National Park
Here are the things you shouldn’t forget to do while exploring the Kanha National Park.
1. Take A Nature Trip
Image Credit: Ashishmahaur for Wikimedia Commons
Kanha National Park incorporates various mixed types of Sal forests and is an ideal place for someone fond of loving wildlife. Some say it is the land of the prominent Indian cat because it has a good population of Bengal tigers, which can be seen in most wildlife safaris. Apart from the tiger, the park inhabits leopards, Indian wild dogs or dholes, sloth bears and the Indian wolf. Other animals found in the park are Barasingha, Sambar, Chital and Gaur. Several species of kingfishers and woodpeckers also nest in the park, totalling over 300 different species. The dense forest with varied biodiversity ensures the proper and sufficient balance of the ecosystem.
Total time required: About 3-4 hours
Best time to visit: November to March
Also Read: Gwalior Zoo
2. Enjoying Jungle Safari
Image Credit: Davidvraju for Wikimedia Commons
Jungle safari is the prime activity to do in Kanha National Park. The park offers the privilege of exploring the wilderness and catching a glimpse of its wildlife, employing jeep and elephant safaris. Safaris are conducted twice daily, early morning and late afternoon, ensuring the best chances of wildlife sightings. Experienced guides accompany the visitors, sharing knowledge about the flora and fauna and enriching the safari experience. The safaris move through the park’s core and buffer zones and help witness Kanha’s different landscapes and habitats. Whether you are an ardent wildlife photographer or a nature lover, a safari in Kanha will never disappoint and ensure an unforgettable experience.
Kanha National Park Safari Rate: Rs 3,500
Safari Duration: 2-3 hours
3. Exploring Bird Watching
Image Credit: Parag bashichandra for Wikimedia Commons
Kanha National Park is, for obvious reasons, the critical point of attraction for any severe birder or bird watcher. With over 300 species of native and migratory birds listed, the possibilities of feathered creatures are endless. It is evident from an early morning walk that there is an avian life. Among several species of birds, some include the Malabar pied hornbill, Indian Pitta, white-rumped vulture, two eagles, and a whole set of the owl family. The diversity of habitat, whether wetlands, grasslands, or forests, is in tune with the variety of bird species. Bird watching requires serene surroundings, and this place offers many colourful and rare birds that can be spotted in their natural habitat.
Things to do: Shop in the nearby market
Food: Try to local delicacies in eateries around
Related Post: Kanha National Park
4. Go For Nature Walks And Trekking
Kanha National Park offers variety to one’s curiosity, especially to an explorer on foot, ranging from guided nature walks to trekking. The walks provide excellent opportunities to soak in the park’s beauty, observe the smaller wildlife, and learn about the park’s flora. One can walk through the dense sal forests and open meadows to experience the peace and divine sensation in the park. Walks are guided by professional naturalists who will also impart knowledge about the park’s ecology and conservation projects. Soak up Kanha by taking nature walks and treks, an ideal way to experience the wild – a world away from the accompanying tumult of the safari routes.
Total time required: About 3-4 hours
Best time to visit: November to March
5. Visit To Kanha Museum
Image Credit: ROMAN ODINTSOV for Pexels
The Kanha Museum, located inside the park, should be featured on the list of every visitor interested in learning more about the park’s history, its wildlife, and conservation initiatives. The museum has informative displays on the local tribes and flora-fauna, and several preservation drives initiated for the upkeep of the park’s natural heritage. It becomes an educational stop, enlightening your awareness about Kanha National Park and its ecological importance. Here, visitors will find detailed information on the park’s wildlife, geological features, and cultural heritage of the native dwellers of this area.
Timings: From 11 AM to 6 PM
What to expect: Learn about various reptile species
Related Post: Pandav Falls
6. Enjoying Night Safaris
Image Credit: Chris Clark for Pexels
A night safari is a mesmerising and exciting experience in Kanha National Park’s buffer zone. This allows guests to view the fascinating nocturnal animals and genuinely appreciate the forest. Here, one finds species of animals such as the Indian wolf, jackals, and different varieties of owls and bats, among others. Night safaris offer unique and breathtaking ways to view the park’s natural features by night, adding an incredible dimension to the usual safaris undertaken by day. With night safaris, visitors get to visit the nocturnal world of the park and watch the behaviours that are hardly visible during the day.
Timings: From 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Mukki buffer zone
Things To Do In Kanha National Park And Around
So many things to do in and around Kanha National Park are a must on your visit here. Here are some of the most popular tourist destinations you should visit during your trip to Kanha National Park.
1. Bhedaghat Marble Rocks
Image Credit: Aksveer for Wikimedia Commons
You must have seen many fascinating places, but this is different, and you may not have seen it anywhere else like this. Situated near Jabalpur, this is another natural marvel the Narmada River offers. On either side, the marble-made cliffs tower up to 100 feet from the face of the river, presenting a spectacular sight. Boat rides in the river offer close-up views of the rocks, and the Dhuandhar Falls, the thundery waterfall, completes the charm of the attraction. Make sure you visit it when you are on your Madhya Pradesh trip.
Location: About 140 km from Kanha National Park
Time required to reach: About 3 hours
Related Post: National Parks Of Madhya Pradesh
2. Bandhavgarh National Park
Image Credit: Archith for Wikimedia Commons
If you are a wildlife enthusiast and wish to see tigers, birds and deer, then this place is certainly for you as you will see a diverse biodiversity there. Bandhavgarh National Park, about 250 km from Kanha, occupies the second slot in the list of famous Madhya Pradesh tiger reserves. Known to have the highest density of tigers, Bandhavgarh offers magnificent wildlife sighting opportunities. Also located inside the park is the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, which gives a historical aspect to your visit.
Location: About 214 km from Kanha National Park
Time required to reach: About 4 hours 30 minutes
3. Amarkantak
Image Credit: R Singh for Wikimedia Commons
Love visiting the spiritual sites and temples on your trip. Make sure you visit this place in Madhya Pradesh. A pilgrimage town of some importance and the source of the River Narmada, Amarkantak is beautiful in its scenic splendour and rich in religious significance with many temples. The presence of many ancient temples accompanied by rocky, serene surroundings turns Amarkantak into a peaceful retreat for the visitors. It is such a beautiful place that you will have a unique experience after visiting it. Do visit this place with your family and children.
Location: About 150 km from Kanha National Park
Time required to reach: About 3 hours 30 minutes
Related Post: Restaurants In Ujjain
4. Pench National Park
Image Credit: _thinrhino for Wikimedia Commons
Madhya Pradesh boasts diverse wildlife and natural beauty. The state has several things to cover in your journey to this popular tourist destination. This park is another very popular wildlife sanctuary, 200 km from Kanha. It boasts of high levels of biodiversity and is considered the same land as depicted in Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. This book was also converted into a famous movie which children and adults love to read and watch even to this day. Pench offers quality safaris and a chance to view wildlife such as tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and more.
Location: About 211 km from Kanha National Park
Time required to reach: About 4 hours 30 minutes
5. Mandla
Image Credit: Chintugurb for Wikimedia Commons
If you love to see old structures and wish to explore ancient Indian heritage, then this place is perfect for you. This is a town some 35 km away from Kanha. This is known for its historicity and enriched cultural heritage. This town’s ancient fort and temples and the scenic beauty around the Narmada River make it a beautiful sight. Mandla gets acquainted with the local heritage and is an exciting stop when travelling around Kanha National Park. It has many things to cover on your trip. You may give it a try on your journey to Kanha.
Location: About 34 km from Kanha National Park
Time required to reach: About 1 hour
Related Post: Bandhavgarh National Park
Best Time To Visit Kanha National Park
Image Credit: Davidvraju for Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Kanha National Park is during the cooler months, from October to March. Currently, the climate is most favourable, and the chances of wildlife sightings are highest. The park is closed in the active monsoon months from July to half of October.
The winter months offer the perfect climate for enjoying safari and other outdoor activities, making it one of the most welcoming times to explore the park’s natural beauty. Thanks to the comfortable temperatures and clear skies, this park’s overall experience is thus much better.
How To Reach Kanha National Park
Image Credit: Nikhil Lakhwani for Wikimedia Commons
Kanha National Park is one of India’s finest and most popular tiger reserves, located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh. You can reach it by road, rail, and flight.
By Air: Jabalpur Airport is the closest airport to Kanha National Park, approximately 130 km away via the National Highway 30. This well-connected airport easily accommodates airlifts from cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. Taxis and buses are available from the airport to the park.
By Train: The nearest railway head to access the park is Jabalpur Junction, 160 km away. Jabalpur is well connected by rail with major Indian cities. One can hire a taxi or take a bus from Jabalpur Junction to Kanha.
By Road: Kanha National Park is well-linked by road with the nearby cities. Direct buses and taxis from Jabalpur, Nagpur, and Raipur are available for this park, which is well accessible by road.
You May Also Like To Read: Tourist Places Near Indore
On their visit to Kanha National Park, tourists can do many things other than experience the wild and wildlife. They can absorb the beauty of nature, enjoy the ecosystem and appreciate the efforts toward conservation in the state. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone just seeking an escape from your city life, the tour to Kanha National Park will surely be an adventure you will not forget in your memory. This is the best place to travel with your family and friends, who will enjoy every minute of their time while indulging in many things at Kanha National Park. So, it is time to book your trip to Madhya Pradesh now.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Ayontalukdar for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Kanha National Park
What is the best time to visit Kanha National Park?
The best time to visit is between October and March since the weather will work out perfectly for some wildlife spotting. Kanha National Park remains closed through the monsoon, from July to mid-October, due to the heavy rains and for national maintenance.
How to book a jeep safari in Kanha National Park?
Safaris can be arranged online at the official website of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. Bookings are recommended, especially when travelling during peak tourist seasons.
What kind of accommodation is offered around Kanha National Park?
Different kinds of accommodation are provided in and around Kanha National Park, ranging from luxury resorts to budget lodges and eco-stays. Many of these resorts are well-equipped with comfortable facilities, extra activities and wildlife-themed decorations.
Can a tourist move around at their will inside the Kanha National Park?
Only travel on designated routes during the safaris is allowed, don’t get too noisy or interfere with the wildlife, don't throw litter, make too much noise, or use bright lights/flash photography.
Can Kanha National Park be visited with children?
Yes, Kanha National Park is safe for children. You must keep your children supervised at all times and follow the instructions and guidelines given by official guides/attenders of the park to make it a safe and amazing experience.
People Also Read:
Things To Do In Jabalpur Things To Do In Wangaratta Things To Do In Port Augusta
Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.
