Reasons to Visit Kanha National Park: A Place Where the Royal Bengal Tigers Rule

India is known for its natural beauty, diverse topography, colourful culture, delectable cuisine and so many other things. But, one thing that is often overlooked about India is its rich wildlife and biodiversity. The sheer variety of terrain is one of the primary reasons why you find an abundance of birds, animals and mammals thriving here. 

From the north to south and west to the far east, India has many evergreen forests that house a variety of wildlife. One such important and prolific haven for wildlife is the Kanha National Park, which is located in Madhya Pradesh. 

This National Park is at the heart of the Pench Tiger Reserve in Kanha and is one of the oldest national parks in India. Founded in 1935, the national park is known for being the inspiration to Ruyard Kipling for writing the world-famous novel, ‘The Jungle Book,’ which took us all deep in the woods and into the lives of Mowgli, Bagheera, Baloo and of course, the mighty and dreaded Sher Khan. 

Whether you are an avid wildlife enthusiast or a nature lover, the Kanha National Park is a wonderful destination to enjoy a memorable holiday with your friends and family. If you are still not convinced, here are five reasons why you must visit the park and go on an expedition to explore the wildlife in Kanha.  

• Tryst with India’s finest wildlife 

Undoubtedly, the wildlife is the most appealing feature of the tiger reserve in Kanha. The variety of plants and animals you find here is awe inspiring and as you explore it more, you are sure to be spellbound by its beauty and allure. The vast expanse of wilderness is home to more than 800 plant species, 320 birds, 50 aquatic animals, 26 reptiles, and 43 mammals. 

A visit to Kanha National Park would be incomplete without experiencing a jeep safari. The ride takes you around different zones in the jungle and offers you a chance to spot animals roaming freely in their natural habitat. Keep looking around and be alert as you may cross paths with the most famous attraction of the park – the Royal Bengal Tiger. 

The majestic felines roam here freely and they are the ones who rule these forests. Also, keep an eye out for other endangered and exotic animals like the Barasingha, which is also the state animal of Madhya Pradesh. All these wonderful creations of nature were once on the verge of extinction but thanks to the dedicated efforts of the forest officials, the population of these animals are on the rise.  

• Beautiful surrounding which is every nature lover’s delight 

Have you ever wondered, what made ‘The Jungle Book’ cartoon that most of us grew up watching so awesome? Well, apart from its brilliant narration and the characters, it is the beautiful jungle setting. The beauty of the jungle and the Kanha National Park is surreal and incomparable. 

So, if you want to relive those beautiful memories of watching the Jungle Book and give your kids the chance to witness nature being at its best, you ought to come to the Kanha National Park. It would surely be one of your best life experiences, we bet!

As soon as you enter the park, you will find yourself surrounded by tall trees and greenery, which is a cynosure to the naked eye.  The majestic and towering trees and the grasslands add more charm to the surrounding and make the place even more alluring. About 60% of the national park is covered by Sal trees, which has a significant impact on the climatic condition of the region around the national park.  

• An adventure of a lifetime 

Going on a safari is always an adventure, isn’t it? And, the experiences you may have at this stunning natural park is sure to remain etched in your memories for as long as you live. Apart from being a treat to your senses, the park opens gates for you to have some heart-thumping, adrenaline-pumping adventure. 

One of the most thrilling activities you can be part of there is the Elephant Safari. Yes, you heard it right! You can hop onto the back of the Elephant, and wander around the jungle and get a panoramic view.

It is a wonderful experience to be at a vantage point and get up close and personal with the wild animals. If you are lucky to spot a tiger, leopard, jackals or a bear, the sighting may most likely give you goosebumps.  

• Paradise for photography enthusiasts 

Compared to other jungles and national parks in India, Kanha National Park has the most mesmerising scenic setting. The million shades of green all around, the dark brown branches, the colourful flowers, and the golden sun reflecting against the blue waters provide a wonderful landscape that you can photograph. 

Apart from the natural beauty, photography enthusiasts, especially those who like to capture wildlife and the birds, come here from far and wide to get their best shot of the big cats. Besides, throughout the national park, there are many spots that provide the perfect backdrop for a stunning selfie or a family portrait that you can post and boast on social media.  

• You get an all-round holiday experience 

You can make your holiday to the tiger reserve in Kanha a memorable one by planning it well and getting your booking done in advance. Apart from exploring the forest, going on a safari, and getting a glimpse into the wildlife of Kanha, there are many other things that you can do and enjoy. 

For example, you can go on fishing and bird watching tours. These tours are a great way to see the jungle from a different perspective. Generally, these tours come with a guide service who give you an insight into the jungle, and tell you a few secrets that you may not find anywhere on the internet. 

Besides, if you plan your itinerary well, you can also enjoy local sightseeing and visit the nearby places and also indulge in some shopping. 

Where to stay in Kanha National Park?

If you think going on an adventure trip to Kanha National Park would require you to stay in small and dingy camps, you would be pleasantly surprised here! There are many accommodations in the region. But, if you are looking for a spacious and premium place to stay, you can do your bookings at one of the most premium resorts in Kanha offered by Club Mahindra. 

The Club Mahindra Kanha resort gives you the novelty of staying in the most premium tents you may have seen anywhere in the country. Besides, its close location to the jungle allows you to experience nature and luxury at once. All the tents are spacious and are equipped with all the modern amenities you may need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. 

Besides, the resort has a reputation for being one of the best family resorts in the region. Whether you are travelling with your partner, friends, or family members, you can be sure to have a gala time here! From the most exquisite dining experiences to fun activities, you will cherish every moment of the stay and take back loads of happy memories. 

Best time to visit Kanha National Park

Unlike other national parks that you can visit anytime of the year, the Kanha National Park remains open to the public only for specific months of the year, i.e., from October to June. So, if you are planning to visit the park, it is best to go between November and February. It is the peak tourist season, and the weather during this time of the year is pleasant, making the safari experience even more enjoyable. 

Also, during this period, many migratory birds visit the park. Since the air is cool almost throughout the day, the animals tend to wander around the jungle and you would have better chances of spotting them, including the tigers and leopards. 

How to Reach Kanha National Park?

Being one of the most famous national parks in the country and a popular tourist spot in Madhya Pradesh, the local government has ensured that everyone can reach here without any hassles. No matter where you are travelling from, you can reach Kanha National Park by air, rail or road. 

By Air

The nearest airport to Kanha National Park is the Jabalpur airport, which is located about 130 kms away. There are many direct flights from all major cities in India to Jabalpur. But if you are traveling from overseas, you may have to change flights from nearby cities like Delhi, or Mumbai. Once you reach Jabalpur, you can take a taxi or book a private cab to reach the National Park. 

By Rail

India has one of the most extensive railway networks in the world. Every part of the country is connected by railways and easily makes your way from your city to the destination. So, if you are looking to travel to Kanha National Park by railways, you would have no hassles at all. 

You can book a train from your city to Goida. It is the nearest station to the park and is about 145 kms away. From here, you can cover the remaining distance by car or you can take a state transport bus. The railway travel is comfortable, and economical but depending on which part of the country you are travelling from, it may take 24-40 hours to reach here. 

By Road

The joy of a road trip is inexplicable, right? Madhya Pradesh has good road infrastructure and all the main cities and popular tourist attractions in the state are well-connected to other states and cities in the country. So, if you are travelling by road, you can reach the nearest cities to the park, vis-à-vis Raipur or Jabalpur and from there reach the Kanha National Park. 

So, there you go, you have a full guide on travelling to Kanha National Park. With the winters approaching soon, it is time to get your thinking cap on, do the bookings and get set going!