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Dominant Male Tiger Munna from Kanha National Park
Home Destinations Indian Subcontinent India Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park

Kanha is considered by some, as India’s greatest park and provides a diverse habitat to support many mammal and bird species. The densely forested hills of sal and bamboo combined with grassy plateaus and extensive meadows in the valleys make an attractive setting for a safari.

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The sheer size and remoteness also mean that Kanha is often less busy than other parks and now that vehicle numbers are limited and advance booking is recommended, it offers a superior safari experience. Kanha is home to barasingha, chital, wild boar, sloth bears, jungle cats, wild dogs, leopards and the Bengal tiger.

Royal Bengal Tiger at Kanha Tiger Reserve, India
Tiger
Spotted Owls, Kanha National Park, India
Spotted Owls
Indian Jackal, Kanha National Park, India
Indian Jackal
Sunrise, Kanha National Park, India
Sunrise in Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park
Leopard, Kanha National Park, India
Leopard, India
Wildlife

Project Tiger

Under Project Tiger, Kanha was divided into two major zones: the inner core and surrounding buffer. Approximately 25% of the reserve is accessible for tourism. Three entry gates service the reserve: Kisli on the western side received the most attention in the 1990s and has witnessed a boom of hotels and lodges; Mukki in the south, is a quieter gate with a handful of lodges, and Sarhi in the north has just opened to encourage vehicle dispersal.

It is estimated that the reserve is home to 114 tigers, which given the size of the area, is a reasonably healthy population.

 

Sunrise, Kanha National Park, India
Sunrise in Kanha National Park
Kanha track, Kanha National Park, India

How to get to Kanha National Park

Kanha is accessible by a short flight to airports in Nagpur, Jabalpur or Raipur followed by a private car transfer of up to six hours depending on which airport you use. Kanha combines well with Bandhavgarh, Pench and Satpura.

Morning and afternoon safaris are undertaken by jeep and you are accompanied by an English-speaking naturalist (usually employed by the camp you are staying in) and an official park guide who you collect at the entrance to the park.

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Bengal Tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park, India
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Tiger Safari in Central India
This holiday suggestion is perfect for anyone keen to see tigers in the wild. Experience 10 game drives over eight days, accompanied by best-in-field naturalists, in three of the top tiger parks in India; Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna.
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Bengal Tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park, India
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India – The Golden Triangle with Tigers
This classic tour of India’s Golden Triangle takes you to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and also includes a few days at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve with private extended guided safaris. Stay in a mix of luxury and heritage hotels.
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Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Kanha Earth Lodge £££££

  • India
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Kanha Earth Lodge is spread in 16 acres of natural forest, tucked away in a small hamlet bordering Kanha’s buffer zone. Its unique location, 30 minutes from the Khatia/Kisli park gate, ensures that it is close enough for easy access to the park, but still far enough from Kanha’s tourist hub to offer guests a true wilderness experience. The 12 bungalows with large open verandahs have been inspired by Gond tribal architecture and offer environmentally sensitive, low-impact accommodation through their design and use of local stone and waste wood. The absence of neighbouring lodges or highways creates an ideal setting for nature walks, birding and cycling trip through the surrounding forest.

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Shergarh Tented Camp £££££

  • India
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Shergarh is a peaceful jungle camp nestled around a spring-fed lake on the edge of Kanha Tiger Reserve in Central India. The camp is intimate with just eight cosy ensuite tents, delicious home-cooked food, excellent naturalists and a fabulous local team headed up by Katie and Jehan who are running the show. Shergarh is the perfect place to base yourself while on a tiger safari. A home from home in an area of outstanding beauty.

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Taj Banjaar Tola £££££

  • India
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Banjaar Tola is an outstanding property, belonging to the &Beyond safari group of lodges. Luxuriate in this stylish and comfortable safari lodge and only a few minutes from the quieter Mukki gate of Kanha National Park in central India.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Charlotte Lawton profile image, Jodhpur, India
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Charlotte Lawton

Charlotte is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Asia.

Growing up in Hong Kong and Nepal gave me an early connection to Asia, which deepened after university when I spent two years managing a safari camp in Central India and travelling widely across the subcontinent. Drawing on this first-hand knowledge and trusted local contacts, I create journeys that connect you deeply with the people and places you visit.

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  • 01285 880 980
Kate Hitchen
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Kate Hitchen

After more than 20 years in travel, I still find joy in creating journeys that can’t be replicated. My clients return time and time again for trips that are original, imaginative and deeply personal, shaped by my first-hand knowledge and the close partnerships I’ve built around the world. I understand that each holiday is special to them and feel privileged to help create something that will stay in their memories forever.

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  • 01285 880 980

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