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Kanha National Park, located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India, offers a spectacular safari experience, renowned for its rich biodiversity, and lush landscapes. As you embark on early morning and late afternoon jeep safaris, the park’s dense Sal forests, bamboo thickets, grassy meadows, and serene water bodies provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing.
Kanha is famously known for its large population of Bengal Tigers, making it a hotspot for travellers to observe these majestic predators in their natural habitat. The park’s robust tiger conservation program has contributed to a thriving tiger population, and sightings are relatively frequent, especially around water sources and open meadows. Leopards, another highlight, can often be seen stealthily moving through the dense foliage or resting on tree branches.
At A Glance
Nearest Airport
Nagpur International Airport (NAG), Jabalpur Airport (JLR), Raipur International Airport (RPR)
Best Time to Visit
October to June
Forests
tropical moist deciduous, mixed broadleaved trees, grasslands
Activities
Wildlife, Art, Culture, Trekking, Trails, Night safaris
Minimum Recommended Stay
03 to 04 Days
The park is also home to the rare and endangered Hard-Ground Barasingha (Swamp Deer), which is a conservation success story. Seeing these elegant deer grazing in the meadows is a unique experience exclusive to Kanha. Large herds of Chital (Spotted Deer) and Sambar Deer are commonly sighted, adding to the park’s vibrant ecosystem. Kanha’s pristine environment is further enriched by sightings of Wild Boars, Indian Jackals, and an array of smaller creatures like Jungle Cats and Civets.
Birdwatchers will also find Kanha a paradise, with over 300 bird species adding to the park’s rich biodiversity. Kanha National Park, with its thriving wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and dedicated conservation efforts, offers an unforgettable safari experience that immerses you in the beauty and diversity of India’s natural heritage.
HAPPY HATHI TIP
Attend an evening of Baiga tribal dance at your lodge or in a village. This is a great way to connect with the cultural landscape of the region.
Trip Extensions: Tadoba, Pench,
Happy Hathi Recommends
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Experience the walking safari organised by the forest department .
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Explore permitted areas of the park on foot; spotting insects, butterflies and the smaller creatures of the forest.
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Visit the Kanha Museum of Life & Art that celebrates and preserves the indigenous art forms of the Gond & Baiga communities native to the region.
Suggested Itineraries
Kanha
4 nights, 5 days
Morning and evening jeep safaris in Kanha
Spot tigers and Barasingha Deer
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Jungle Book Trails: Pench Unveiled
6 nights, 7 days
Home to Bengal tigers, leopards, dholes, gaur, sambar and chital, which make for exhilarating safari sightings.
Over 210 bird species including Malabar pied hornbill, crested serpent eagle, Indian roller, migratory waterfowl and forest birds.
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Heart of Central India: Satpura Wilderness
6 nights, 7 days
Experience jeep safaris, walking safaris, and canoe/boat rides—each giving you a different face of the forest.
Look for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, sambar, dholes, and the Indian giant squirrel among forest and river habitats.
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A Journey into India’s Small Wild Cats
11 nights, 12 days
Traverse wetlands, dry deciduous forests, rocky scrub, and alpine deserts in search of species adapted to each unique habitat
Track Fishing Cats in Dudhwa or the Sundarbans; Rusty-spotted Cats in Bera or Satpura; Eurasian Lynx in Ladakh’s alpine valleys.
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Central Indian Wildlife Expedition
14 nights, 15 days
Go on jeep safaris in Kanha
Spot tigers in Bandhavgarh
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India’s Dry-Deciduous Royalty
7 nights, 8 days
Home to one of Maharashtra’s densest tiger populations, offering consistently high chances of sightings across core and buffer zones.
Alongside tigers, you may encounter leopards, dholes, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, and wild dogs amid diverse terrain
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The Hidden Gem of Central India
7 nights, 8 days
Explore Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, a lesser-known yet biodiverse forest.
Chances to spot tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and sloth bears.
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Taj, Tigers & Temples
11 nights, 12 days
Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
Go on thrilling safaris in Ranthambore
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A South Indian Odyssey
11 nights, 12 days
Explore Brihadeeswarar and Meenakshi temples
Visit Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO-listed Shore Temple
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Explore Ladakh
12 nights, 13 days
Drive up to Khardung La Pass
Visit ancient monasteries in Leh
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