Do you dream of seeing tigers and jungle animals such as deer, monkeys, or birds? Well, it is possible in India! I am taking you on a safari to Kanha National Park in the Madhya Pradesh region. You will find all the practical information and my advice in this article!
Discovering Tigers in India
India is the ideal country to discover tigers! It is home to the largest population of wild tigers. Many national parks have been created to protect this emblematic species. These offer visitors the opportunity to go on safaris to observe these felines in their natural habitat, thus helping to raise awareness of the importance of conservation. These safaris allow a total immersion in wildlife, with the possibility of discovering other species such as birds or deer.
Tiger, an Important Symbol for India
- The tiger symbolizes India and holds cultural, historical, and environmental significance. The tiger is more than just an animal in India. Here are some points that explain it:
- Strength and Power: The tiger, with its majestic presence, is considered a symbol of strength, power, and courage in India.
- Historical Symbolism: In ancient times, many kingdoms and emperors in India used the image of the tiger as a symbol of their power and authority.
- Goddess Durga: In Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga is often depicted riding a tiger, showcasing her mastery and strength to protect the good.
- Wildlife Conservation: The tiger population is threatened by hunting and habitat destruction. Thus, adopting the tiger as a national symbol has strengthened conservation efforts to protect this iconic species.
- Project Tiger: India launched ‘Project Tiger’ in 1973 to protect and increase the tiger population in the country. This project has played a vital role in saving tigers and their natural habitat.
Where to see tigers in India?
Therefore, it is possible to discover tigers in many national parks in India that offer travelers a safari while respecting the environment and the animals.
- Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
- Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
- Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
- Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
- Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
- Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
- Sariska National Park, Rajasthan
- Periyar National Park, Kerala
Since I had gone to the Madhya Pradesh region to visit the superb lost city of Orchha, I naturally turned to the Kanha National Park, also located in the Madhya Pradesh region.
All the practical information for a safari in Kanha National Park
When is the best time of year to go on safari in Kanha National Park?
The best time to go on safari in Kanha National Park is the dry season, which runs from October to June. However, you should know that in:
- Winter (October to February): temperatures are pleasant during the day but very cool in the morning and evening. The grass is not tall, which makes it easier to observe wildlife.
- Pre-rainy season (March to June): The heat increases before the monsoon. This is the time when wildlife is active, so it is the best time to observe tigers.
- Monsoon (July to September): the parks are generally closed due to heavy rains and muddy and flooded paths.
In summary, I recommend planning a safari in Kanha National Park during April and May if you want to see tigers! For example, I was there in February and unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to see any. However, I could observe many other animals such as deer, stags, birds, and monkeys.
How to book a safari in Kanha National Park (types of safaris, quotas, prices)?
Booking your safari in Kanha National Park is not an easy task, but you must do it in advance and know how it works. Here is the information you need to know:
- Book at least 1 month in advance.
- Go to this site to book the safari.
- It is possible to buy a place in a 6-person jeep or to book the entire jeep depending on your preferences and budget.
- Price: 500 Rs per person for the guide, 3000 Rs for the jeep, fuel and driver, to be divided by the number of people in the jeep, and 650 Rs per person for the entrance to the national park.
- To pay online, an Indian bank card is required. I therefore recommend that you ask your local agent to do it for you. Our local agents Delighted Journey helped us with this, they are understanding and caring.
- There are several slots for doing the safari. Morning: 6:30-10:30. Afternoon: 15:30-17:30 (or 18:30, depending on the season). I advise you to book in the morning to have more time (4 hours of safari in the morning versus 2 hours in the afternoon).
What are the other animals to see in Kanha National Park apart from tigers?
During your safari in Kanha National Park, you can observe the following animals (apart from tigers):
- Leopards
- Indian Elephants
- Sloth Bears
- Deer, Barasingha (Barred Deer)
- Wild Boars
- Antelopes
- Maned Wolves
- Hyenas
- Monkeys
- Birds
For my part, I was not lucky enough to see a tiger, however, I was able to observe deer, gazelles, antelopes, wild boars, monkeys, and birds.
What conservation measures are in place at Kanha National Park?
Kanha National Park in India implements several conservation measures to preserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of its ecosystem. This is why I went to this national park to do my safari in the best possible conditions without damaging the fauna and flora.
Among the measures that the park has implemented, we find in particular:
- Repopulation programs, particularly at the level of the wild tiger population.
- Surveillance and patrols, including anti-poaching patrols.
- Environmental education programs to raise awareness among visitors and local residents about the importance of conservation.
- Management of water areas to preserve water quality and protect aquatic habitats.
- Studies and research are conducted to monitor animal populations, study their behavior, and better understand ecosystems.
- Limitation of the number of visitors to minimize human impact on the environment.
- Fire management to minimize wildfire risks and protect vegetation.
- Sustainable development programs to minimize the ecological footprint of human activities in the region.
- Collaboration with local communities with sustainable economic development programs and incentives for wildlife protection.
How should you dress for a safari?
If you come to do a safari in India, I recommend that you dress in neutral-colored clothes (beige or khaki), loose and breathable. Remember to wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap for sunny and hot days. If you come in winter (from October to March), the mornings are very cool, it is around 8 to 10 degrees. Remember to dress warmly with the 3-layer system (t-shirt, fleece, jacket). If you come in the pre-rainy season (from March to June), take clothes for the rain.
Delighted Journey’s tip: I also recommend having good binoculars with you, like these, to be able to observe the animals well (even if the guide can lend you his) and a camera with a good lens if you want to take nice pictures of the animals which are generally quite far from you.
How to get to Kanha National Park independently?
If you are traveling independently in backpacker mode and you do not have a vehicle or driver, you will have to be patient to get to Kanha National Park.
You can reach by train, by car & by flight.
By Road:
Kanha National Park is well connected to major destinations of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
Here is a table that will summarize the distances of Kanha National Park from some nearby destinations and the approximate driving time
- Nagpur: 300 Kms / 5-6 hrs drive
- Jabalpur: 160 Kms / 4 hrs drive
- Raipur: 250 kms / 5-6 hrs drive
- Bhilai: 270 Kms / 5-6 hrs drive
- Bandhavgarh National Park: 250 kms / 4 hrs drive
- Pench National Park: 200 kms / 4 hrs drive
By train:
The nearest railway stations to reach Kanha National Park are Gondia and Jabalpur.
Gondia Railway Station is 145 km away, about 3 3-hour drive from Kanha (Khatia Gateway).
Jabalpur Railway Station is 160 km away, about 4 hour’s drive from Kanha (Mukki Gateway)
By Air:
The nearest airports to Kanha National Park are Jabalpur, about 160 Kms away, Raipur 250 Kms away, and Nagpur 300 Kms away.
Where to stay at Kanha National Park.
At Kanha you will find luxury to base category of lodging. But I recommend the Natures Groove Hotel which offers luxury tents in the jungle. It is just magnificent! In addition, the quality of the service and food is excellent! The hotel offers 3 meals of the day. Finally, they can also take care of booking your safari in Kanha National Park and take you there if you do not have a vehicle. Count 7500 Rs per night for a luxury tent for 2 people with 3 meals included.
My opinion on the safari at Kanha National Park
Going on safari at Kanha National Park is truly a great experience. I thought that safaris were only done in Africa, and I was far from imagining that it was possible in India, especially since this country concentrates the largest population of wild tigers!
I appreciated this park for the measures put in place for the preservation of the environment. Everything is done with respect for the fauna and flora.
I recommend doing the safari in the morning to have more time and see more animals. Furthermore, if you have the budget, I advise you to book a Jeep just for you. You will live the experience even better in a small group only with your loved ones.
