Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park is one of India's largest and most picturesque wildlife reserves. It is a part of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, which includes the core zone (Kanha National Park) and buffer zones. Spanning over 940 square kilometers in core area and nearly 2,000 square kilometers including buffer, Kanha is a biodiversity hotspot and a flagship conservation area under Project Tiger, launched in 1973.
Kanha is famous for
Kanha National Park was established in 1955 and later designated as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973. Its creation was inspired by the famous book "Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling, which is believed to be set in this region’s dense forests. Kanha’s successful conservation efforts have played a crucial role in protecting the endangered Bengal tiger and other wildlife.
Kanha features dense sal and bamboo forests, rolling meadows, plateaus, and rivers — making it one of the most scenic wildlife parks in Asia.
Meadows (called maidans) – Open grassy areas surrounded by forests, ideal for wildlife sightings.
Banjaar and Halon rivers – Two perennial rivers that flow through the park.
Bamni Dadar (Sunset Point) – A popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the forest.
Kanha is the only place where the hard ground swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi) survives. Once on the verge of extinction, their numbers have risen due to strict protection, habitat restoration, and captive breeding. The swamp deer is also Kanha's official mascot.
The dominant vegetation in Kanha includes :
This variety of flora provides shelter and food for numerous herbivores and other wildlife species.
Kanha National Park is renowned for its wildlife, especially its tiger population. Other notable animals include :
Birdlife is also rich, with species like the Indian Roller, paradise flycatcher, and several species of owls and eagles.
Kanha has been a model for tiger conservation, showing a significant increase in tiger numbers due to stringent protection efforts. The park has been recognized for its scientific management and involvement of local communities in conservation.
Kanha National Park is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Visitors can experience :
The best time to visit is from October to June, with the winter months (November to February) being ideal due to pleasant weather and higher chances of spotting wildlife near water sources.
The park is not only a natural treasure but also holds cultural significance. The region is home to tribal communities such as the Baigas and Gonds, who have lived in harmony with the forest for generations.
By Road : Well-connected by road to cities like Jabalpur, Nagpur, and Bhopal.
By Train : Jabalpur and Mandla Road are the nearest railway stations.
By Air : The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport, about 165 km away.
Kanha is more than just a tiger reserve. It's a living symbol of India's ecological richness, showcasing successful wildlife management, community involvement, and scientific research. Its pristine environment, charismatic fauna, and picturesque beauty make it one of Asia's top national parks.
Kanha is divided into four main tourism zones :
Kanha Zone - Most scenic and core area.
Mukki Zone - Rich in wildlife, especially tigers and leopards.
Sarhi Zone - Lesser crowded, good for spotting big cats.
Kisli Zone - Close to Kisli Gate, offers a mix of forests and meadows.
Safari entry is restricted and regulated via permits to reduce pressure on wildlife.
The park offers a range of accommodations :
