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Kanha

940 sq km
Core Area
125+
Tigers (2024)
800+
Barasingha
300+
Bird Species

About Kanha

The model national park that saved the barasingha

Kanha National Park, spread across 940 sq km in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh, is widely regarded as one of Asia's finest tiger reserves. Rolling sal forests, vast Bamni and Kanha meadows and crystal streams inspired Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book.

Kanha is the conservation success story of the barasingha (hard-ground swamp deer), which was brought back from the brink in the 1970s. Today, it shares the forest with tigers, leopards, dholes, gaur, sambar, sloth bears and more than 300 bird species.

Kanha — Kipling's Jungle Book country — meadows, sal forests, the rare barasingha, and o

At a Glance

Key facts and the best way to experience Kanha

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Location

Mandla & Balaghat Districts, MP

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Famous For

Tigers, barasingha, Jungle Book country

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Best Season

October–June (closed mid-June to October)

Time Needed

3 days minimum (2 nights, 4 safaris)

Heritage & Legacy

A timeline of devotion, history and natural majesty

Kanha heritage

1955 — National Park Status

Kanha is declared a national park, building on earlier hunting reserves.

1973 — Project Tiger Launch

Kanha is one of the first nine reserves under India's flagship Project Tiger initiative.

Barasingha Revival

From just 66 individuals in 1970, the hard-ground barasingha population is nursed back to 800+ today.

Tiger Reserve Expansion

Buffer zones added; core area protected and tribal villages voluntarily relocated.

Kanha Today

Kanha is now central India's premier tiger destination, with 125+ tigers as per the 2022 All-India Tiger Estimation.

Top Attractions in Kanha

Must-see places on your visit

Tiger Safari — Kanha

Tiger Safari

Morning and afternoon jeep safaris across Mukki, Kanha, Sarhi and Kisli zones — open October to June.

Barasingha Meadows — Kanha

Barasingha Meadows

Bamni Dadar and Kanha meadows are the best places to spot the iconic hard-ground swamp deer.

Kanha Museum — Kanha

Kanha Museum

An excellent on-site interpretation centre tracing the park's history, ecology and conservation milestones.

Mukki Zone Safari
Kanha Zone Safari
Bamni Dadar Sunset Point
Sal Forest Trails
Bird-watching at Shravan Tal
Wildlife Lodges
Photography Hides
Tribal Village Visit

How to Reach Kanha

Well connected by road, rail and air across Madhya Pradesh

By train to Kanha

By Train

Nearest stations are Jabalpur (165 km) for Mukki side and Gondia (145 km) for Kisli side.

By air to Kanha

By Air

Nearest airport is Jabalpur (165 km); Nagpur (260 km) and Raipur (220 km) are also used.

By bus to Kanha

By Bus / Road

Taxis are the norm — most safari lodges arrange airport/station pickup. Self-drive via NH-43 works well.

Places of Interest

Explore curated experiences around Kanha

Plan Your Kanha Trip Today

M.P. Holidays — your trusted Madhya Pradesh travel partner since 2016 — designs seamless Kanha itineraries, hotels and transport.

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